Manx cat: genetics

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

The Manx cat, which takes its name from the Isle of Man from which it comes, has particularly long hind legs, a round head and a predatory instinct that makes it very popular as a mouse hunter on ships and farms. But this breed has an even more particular characteristic, which makes it different from many others: the fact that its specimens they have no tail, or have a very short one. The reason is genetics and we will talk about it in depth in this article.

The cause of the absence of a tail in the Manx is one spontaneous genetic mutation which occurred at some point in the early history of the breed. The absence of a tail gene is considered dominant, which means that when a cat that carries it mates, it will have the better of the gene responsible for the normal conformation: kittens will therefore very often be tailless.

The fact that this gene is transmitted so deeply and is present in all cats of this breed (as well as in many others born on the Isle of Man) is also partly due to limited genetic heritage of a group of cats confined to a confined environment such as an island: this is how it has become a standard trait of the breed itself.

Although the total absence of a tail is the most recognizable aspect of these animals, there are some Manxes that have partial tail varieties and are in any case part of the same breed. Here is each type in detail:

• “ Rumpy “: Cat totally devoid of tail, although occasionally there may be a wad of fur in its place;
• “ Riser “: It has a short piece of cartilage where the tail would normally be; it is particularly visible when these cats arch their backs;
• “ Stumpy “: They have a tail of a few centimeters;
• “ Stubby “: They have a tail but partial, usually half as long as a normal tail;
• “ Taily" or " Longy “: They have a larger tail than the Stubbys, which is almost close to the standard length.

As we have said, the gene that prevents Manx from being born with a tail (or with a fully formed tail) is dominant: if two Rumpys mate, the cubs will also be without a tail. But because cats can bring only one copy of this gene (the presence of two copies in a kitten's organism causes spontaneous abortion), it is rare for breeders to mate two completely tailless cats: usually the preference goes to a cat without a tail with one with a partial tail, so that the gene is passed on safely. The resulting litter will have several variations.

Sometimes, in the course of their growth, the Manx can develop a very painful form of arthritis back and tail. To prevent malformations and the resulting suffering, it is sometimes decided to remove the partial tails they have from the specimens of Stumpy, Stubby and Taily.

A condition known as " Manx syndrome"Can occur if the gene that determines the absence of a tail also influences the development of the spine, which is too short: this can lead to serious damage to the nerves of the spinal cord and to a form of feline spina bifida. This problem can also cause serious problems with the digestive system and intestines, as well as problems with the bladder which tends to be smaller than normal. For all these reasons, affected cats have an incredibly short life expectancy, which hardly exceeds 3-4 years. It is about 30% of Manx that are affected by this nasty disorder, and it is mainly of the Rumpy variety.