The Cymric is a semi-long-haired version of the Manx — a tailless cat with expressive eyes, a sturdy build, and a famously affectionate nature. Bred in Canada from longhair Manx kittens, the Cymric pairs the laid-back temperament of its short-haired cousin with a soft, plush double coat that owners adore.
Appearance
The Cymric is a medium-sized cat that closely resembles the Manx in every respect except coat length. Males typically weigh 4.5 to 5.5 kg and females 3.5 to 5.0 kg, with a compact, well-muscled body, strong bones, a broad chest, and the rounded rump that gives the breed its hallmark silhouette.
The head is medium-sized and rounded, slightly longer than it is wide, with full cheeks and a gentle nose dip. The eyes are large and round, set at a slight angle, and their color generally complements the coat. The ears are wide at the base, set well apart, and finish in softly rounded tips.
The tail is the breed’s defining feature: it can be entirely absent (a “rumpy”), reduced to a small rise of cartilage (a “riser”), present as a short stump (a “stumpy”), or nearly full length (a “longy”). Show-quality Cymrics are typically rumpies or risers.
The coat is semi-long, silky, and lies smooth against the body, lengthening on the breeches, belly, ruff, and between the toes. A well-developed double coat gives the cat a plush, padded feel. Every color and pattern is accepted, including tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, and bicolor.
Personality
The Cymric is a true family cat. It bonds warmly with adults, children, and other friendly pets, and is rarely shy around visitors — most Cymrics greet new arrivals with calm curiosity rather than retreating to another room.
Despite its cobby build, the Cymric is playful and energetic. Owners often comment on the breed’s love of fetch, its powerful hindquarters that produce surprising leaps, and its willingness to learn tricks and respond to its name. Puzzle feeders and interactive wand toys keep this clever cat engaged.
Affection is the Cymric’s defining trait. These cats form strong attachments to their people and prefer company to solitude; they may sulk or become withdrawn if left alone for long stretches. Aggression is unusual — a well-socialized Cymric is gentle, patient, and a reliable companion for households with children.
Health
Cymrics are generally healthy and, with good care, can live 8 to 14 years. The breed’s tailless gene is dominant and lethal in its homozygous form, so responsible breeders only pair tailed cats with rumpy or riser cats to avoid early kitten loss.
The most significant breed-specific concern is Manx syndrome, a cluster of spinal and neurological abnormalities (including spina bifida, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and gait problems) caused by the same gene that produces the shortened tail. Symptoms usually appear within the first four months of life, which is why reputable breeders hold kittens until they are at least 16 weeks old before placing them.
Arthritis can also affect older Cymrics, particularly in the lower spine. Annual veterinary exams, weight management, and joint-friendly furniture (low cat trees, ramps to favorite perches) help keep mature cats comfortable.
Care
Care for the Cymric is straightforward. The semi-long coat needs combing once or twice a week with a wide-toothed comb followed by a soft brush; daily attention helps during the spring and autumn shed. Bathing is rarely required outside of show preparation.
Check the eyes and ears weekly, wiping the outer ear with a vet-approved cleanser when wax builds up. Trim the claws every two to three weeks, taking only the clear tip and avoiding the pink quick. Daily tooth brushing with feline toothpaste reduces the risk of periodontal disease.
Feed a complete, life-stage-appropriate diet measured to the cat’s body condition; Cymrics are easy keepers and gain weight quickly when free-fed. Keep up with annual veterinary checkups, core vaccinations, and year-round parasite prevention.
History
The Cymric is essentially a long-haired Manx, and its story begins on the Isle of Man, the small island in the Irish Sea where the tailless mutation first stabilized in a closed feline population centuries ago. Long-haired kittens occasionally appeared in Manx litters, but for many years they were considered pet-quality variants rather than a breed in their own right.
In the 1960s, Canadian breeders began deliberately developing the long-haired variety, and the Canadian Cat Association granted championship status in 1976. The name “Cymric” — pronounced KIM-rick — comes from the Welsh word for Wales (Cymru) and was chosen to celebrate the breed’s Celtic roots.
The International Cat Association recognized the Cymric as a separate breed, while the Cat Fanciers’ Association classifies it as the Long-Hair Division of the Manx. Today the Cymric remains uncommon worldwide but maintains a devoted following in North America and parts of Europe, prized for its sweet personality, distinctive silhouette, and luxurious semi-long coat.
Registry Recognition
The breed is recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), World Cat Federation (WCF) — first recognized in 1976.
Health Watchlist
Conditions reported in the breed include: Manx syndrome (spina bifida); Arthritis. Reputable breeders screen breeding cats and guarantee against early-onset hereditary disease — always ask to see the parents’ test results before adopting a kitten.