Breed Profile · The Round-Bodied, Tailless Highland Hopper
Cymric Cat
Felis catus (Longhaired Manx variant)
A solid, plushly coated, tailless feline with a gentle, dog-like devotion. Revered for their round contours, powerful hind legs that yield a rabbits-like hopping gait, and a thick, silky double coat, the Cymric is a deeply affectionate, highly intelligent companion that loves to leap to high perches and snuggle close.
Isle of Man (developed in Canada/US)
Origin
11–15 Years
Lifespan (years)
7–11 lb – 9–12 lb
Typical Weight
Origin Isle of Man (developed in Canada/US)
Coat patterns All Colors & Patterns (Solids, Tabbies, Calicos, Bi-colors)
Coat length Longhair (Plush, Silky Double Coat)
Energy level Moderately Active / Playful & Gentle
Hypoallergenic No (Thick Double Coat sheds seasonally)
Recognition CFA
Experience level Beginner Friendly
Geographic Origins
Development in the Isle of Man (developed in Canada/US)
Originally originating from the Isle of Man off the coast of Great Britain, where the tailless mutation naturally occurred due to geographic isolation. The longhaired variant, eventually named the Cymric (after 'Cymru', the Welsh name for Wales), was specifically refined and developed as a distinct championship breed in North America in the mid-1960s.
Isle of Man (developed in Canada/US)
Isle of Man & Natural Mutation
The gene for taillessness occurred naturally centuries ago among the island's isolated cat population. Longhaired kittens occasionally appeared in standard short-haired Manx litters as a recessive trait.
North American Preservation
In the 1960s, Canadian and American breeders fell in love with these fluffy, tailless beauties. They established careful breeding programs to standardize the gorgeous long, plush coat and gain championship status.
Overview
The beautifully rounded tailless marvel
The Cymric is a cat of complete roundness. They have a round head with prominent jowls, a short back that arches into a rounded rump, and round eyes. They have remarkably short front legs paired with long, heavy-boned hind legs, giving them a sturdy, muscular stance and a fascinating hopping gait when running.
"More than just taillessness, the Cymric brings a warm, steady presence. They have a sweet-tempered personality, jumping onto your shoulder or cooing softly to tell you how much they care."
Their coat is a true double coat, incredibly thick, plush, and padded. It feels amazingly soft to the touch and stands away from the body, emphasizing their round, cuddly proportions. They may be completely tailless ('rumpy'), or have a small rise of bone ('rumpy-riser').
Temperament
Deeply loyal, playful, and dog-like
Cymrics are famous for their sweet, even-tempered, and highly social personality. Often described as dog-like, they will follow their favorite humans from room to room, retrieve small toys, and are highly responsive to their names. They are exceptionally calm, making them wonderful family pets that get along splendidly with children, dogs, and other cats.
Affection & Devotion Needs 4.9 / 5
Dog-Like Loyalty & Fetch 4.8 / 5
Jumping & Leg Power 4.7 / 5
Coat Density & Softness 4.6 / 5
Did You Know?
Cymric fun facts
Discover the amazing biological quirks, histories, and charming behaviors of this unique breed:
The Rabbit Hop: With their exceptionally long and powerful hind legs and short back, they often run with a distinctive, adorable hopping stride similar to a rabbit.
An Exceptional Watchdog: They are highly alert to unusual noises. If they hear something strange, they will often growl softly or sit up on their hind legs to investigate.
The Four Tail Types: Cymrics range from 'Rumpy' (no tail at all), 'Rumpy-Riser' (small rise of bone), 'Stumpy' (short stump of a tail), to 'Taily' (nearly full-length tail).
A Love of Water: Fascinated by water, they love watching dripping taps, playing in shallow puddles, and sometimes even splashing their toys in their water bowl.
Appearance
Physical characteristics
The Cymric is defined by a dense, full double coat, a short arched back, and robust rounded features.
| Characteristic | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Taillessness | Ideally, a smooth, rounded rump with no tail whatsoever ('Rumpy'). | The hand should slide over the rump smoothly without stopping on any bone rise. |
| Powerful Hind Legs | Hind legs are considerably longer than the front legs, raising the hips above the shoulders. | This structure creates their famous high-speed jumping capability and hopping gait. |
| Plush Double Coat | A thick undercoat paired with a longer, silky topcoat that stands out from the body. | Features a beautiful neck ruff and full breeches on the hind legs. |
| Round Contour Head | A round head slightly longer than it is wide, with prominent cheeks and a strong muzzle. | Large, round eyes set at a slight slant give them a sweet, open expression. |
Care guide
What Cymric ownership requires
They are sturdy and easy-going, but their dense long double coat and genetic profile require regular care.
Regular Grooming Routine
Their thick double coat requires combing two or three times a week to remove loose undercoat hair and prevent mats, especially during shedding season.
Sturdy Climbing Spaces
With incredibly strong hind legs, they can jump to high places with absolute ease. Provide stable cat trees and wall shelves for their vertical enjoyment.
Active Fetching & Toys
Very playful and smart. They love retrieving crinkle balls, hunting feather teasers, and opening cupboards with their paws.
Quiet & Calm Environment
They are calm and steady cats, but appreciate safe, quiet zones where they can retreat for a peaceful nap after a busy playtime session.
Health & lifespan
Known health considerations
The Cymric is generally healthy and long-lived, though the gene responsible for taillessness requires knowledgeable breeding.
Manx Syndrome
A genetic condition caused by the tailless gene affecting the spine or spinal cord. Responsible breeders keep kittens until 4 months to ensure spinal health.
Arthritis in the Rump
Some older cats with short tail bone risers can develop mild arthritis. Easily managed with veterinary-approved joint supplements.
Corneal Dystrophy
A rare genetic eye cloudiness. Regular veterinary eye checkups can easily monitor and verify eye health.
History
The Cymric history
Trace the path of the Cymric from a remote island mutation to a highly celebrated longhaired standard.
18th Century
Island Origins: The dominant tailless mutation stabilizes naturally on the Isle of Man due to the isolated gene pool of local cats.
1960s
Longhair Selection: Canadian and American breeders notice beautiful longhaired kittens in Manx litters and select them to form a new breed line.
1976
Championship Status: The Canadian Cat Association (CCA) is the first to recognize the Cymric as a standalone breed with championship status.
1989
CFA Recognition: The Cat Fanciers' Association grants championship status to the Cymric, expanding its popularity in North America.
Gifts for Lovers
Highland Hopper & Plush Treasures
Celebrate the cuddly, rounded elegance of the Cymric with our custom curated gifts and cat accessories.
Beautiful hand-engraved sterling silver pendants and bracelets illustrating the unique tailless silhouette and fluffy coat of the Cymric.
Professional dual-tier metal undercoat combs specifically designed to glissade through thick, dense double coats safely.
Embroided heavy-cotton caps, cozy hoodies, and custom canvas tote bags featuring the playful hopping profile of the Cymric.
Charming watercolor art prints capturing the soft, rounded features and curious eyes of this fluffy Isle of Man native.
FAQ
Common questions about the Cymric
Are all Cymric cats completely tailless?
No! Cymrics have four distinct tail types. Only the 'Rumpy' (absolutely no tail) and sometimes 'Rumpy-Riser' (a tiny stub of bone) are shown in championship rings, but 'Stumpies' and 'Tailies' are essential in breeding programs and make wonderful, loving pets.
Can you breed two completely tailless (Rumpy) Cymrics together?
No. Breeding two completely tailless cats together carries a high risk of spinal defects. To ensure healthy litters, ethical breeders always cross a tailless (Rumpy) cat with a tailed (Stumpy or Taily) cat.
Do they jump really high?
Yes! Their exceptionally powerful, long hind legs act like heavy springs. They can leap onto high bookshelves and doors effortlessly, often surprising their owners.
Are they friendly with other pets?
Extremely! Cymrics have an easygoing, gentle, and highly sociable nature. They get along beautifully with friendly dogs, other cats, and make excellent playmates for active children.
How much grooming do they need?
Because of their thick, dense double coat, they need combing two or three times a week. During their seasonal spring and autumn shedding periods, daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting.