Cymric cat breed profile

Whether your cat is a purebred Cymric, or a Cymric mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a Cymric and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.

Tailless (or bob-tailed) cats don’t end up that way because a parent decided to dock their tail. Rather, cats without tails (including Cymrics) are typically born that way because of a genetic mutation. The Cymric cat breed is just a long-haired version of the Manx cat, and they’re similar in more ways than just the tail length. So if you’ve always appreciated the Manx but love a longer-haired cat, the Cymric might be the right breed for you. 

The history of Cymric cats

So why is the Manx’s history important to the Cymric cat breed? Well, they’re essentially the same breed. “A Cymric cat is a Manx with long hair,” Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, on-staff veterinarian for Fetch, says. Some cat associations still call the Cymric cat the “long-haired Manx” rather than differentiating it with the Cymric name. 

What do Cymric cats look like?

Most Cymrics’ features have rounded edges like the head, rump, toe pads and eyes. Even the way they walk and run looks similar to a rolling ball. And given the Cymric’s fluffy coat, you’re dealing with a poof of a cat, emphasized by the breed’s (often) missing tail.

But aside from their roly-poly stature, there are several variations to how Cymric cats look. “They can have any coat color other than chocolate or lavender, and they're found in a variety of different coat patterns,” Dr. Singler says. 

Just keep in mind that the long fur is also a double coat, and so regular grooming is a must in order to keep Cymric cats looking (and feeling) their best. “The dense double coat can become very matted if not groomed regularly and brushed daily. Mats in the hair can be painful and lead to secondary skin problems,” Dr. Singler shares.

RELATED: European Shorthair cat breed profile

What are Cymric cats’ personalities like?

If you like a laid-back cat that enjoys people and is generally friendly, the Cymric is a great breed to bring into your home. “Cymrics are known for being friendly and playful. They often continue to behave like kittens, in terms of their energy and playfulness, even as adults. They are often very attached to their humans,” Dr. Singler explains. 

And while this attachment to their people is excellent if you work from home or like to spend your weekends curled up with your kitty on the couch, it’s not as ideal if your work or life keeps you away from home regularly. “Cymrics are a breed that doesn’t do well being left alone for long periods of time. So they're probably not the best choice of cat breed for parents who plan to travel frequently,” Dr. Singler says.

What are common health issues for Cymric cats?

It’s important to note that the same genetic mutation that accounts for the tailless nature of Cymric cats can lead to a few known health problems. “The gene that causes Cymric and Manx cats to have no tail can also cause spina bifida, a problem with the spinal cord that can cause difficulty moving and neurologic problems,” Dr. Singler explains. “Spina bifida is usually diagnosed in kittens under 6 months of age when it’s present, and in severe cases, affected kittens may have a poor quality of life.”

The other health concern you need to consider is the breed’s tendency to pack on the pounds. “They have a propensity to become overweight if they are allowed to eat too much,” Dr. Singler says. And just as all overweight cats are more inclined to experience diabetes and heart disease, the Cymric breed is, too. 

Adopting a Cymric cat

Are you interested in adopting a Cymric cat, a Cymric cat mix or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.