The Manx is a breed of cat with a naturally occurring mutation of the spine. This mutation shortens the tail, resulting in a range of tail lengths from normal to tailless. Many Manx have a small 'stub' of a tail, but Manx cats are best known as being entirely tailless and it is the distinguishing characteristic of the breed.

The Manx is a short, round cat; but unfortunately, this cat CAN be too short. The genetic mutation peculiar to the Manx cat determines the length of the spinal column. A super short spine can fail to provide proper nerve and muscle endings which can result in an open spine, a lack of bowel and/or bladder control, weak hindquarters or one weak hind leg. And yet there are super short cats that are strong and healthy. Once a Manx kitten gets past the age of six months the majority of well-cared-for pets live long lives - 15 or more years is not an uncommon lifespan. Normally Manx are extremely hearty cats and are not prone to upper respiratory problems.

Manx are very playful cats as a rule. They can jump higher than anyone would imagine, and it is not uncommon to find them perching on the highest point in any room. They have extremely powerful hindquarters. One Manx owner states that Manx are the feline sports cars of the cat world with their acceleration and quick turns. They have many doglike characteristics, and will retrieve, bury their toys, etc. Manx can often be either one-person or one-family cats and once they bond with someone, it is difficult for many of them to be happy in a different home. On the other hand, there are also those Manx that readily accept attention from any human source.