Cymric Cat Breed: Personality, Grooming, Health & Care Guide

The Cymric is a long-haired Manx. That’s the short version.

The longer version: It’s a medium to large, tailless cat with a round body, thick coat, and dog-like loyalty. They’re rare, but people who have them rarely own just one.

If you’re considering a Cymric, you need to know 3 things up front: They need regular grooming, they bond hard to people, and the tailless gene comes with health considerations.

Here’s everything you need to know before you decide.

Origin and History: From Isle of Man to North America

The Cymric started as a natural mutation in Manx cats on the Isle of Man. The Manx gene causes taillessness. Sometimes, two short-haired Manx cats would produce long-haired kittens.

Breeders in Canada and the US in the 1960s and 1970s started selectively breeding those long-haired Manx. The goal was to create a separate breed with a semi-long coat.

The name “Cymric” comes from the Welsh word for Wales, “Cymru.” It was chosen to sound Celtic, even though the breed has no connection to Wales. The breed was officially recognized by CFA in 1979 and by TICA in 1987.

International Cat Care classifies the Cymric as a natural breed variant of the Manx, not a completely separate origin.

Today, Cymrics are still rare. You won’t find them in every shelter. Most come from dedicated breeders in North America and Europe.

Physical Characteristics: Built Like A Rugby Player

Cymrics look round. That’s intentional. The body type is called “cobby.”

Size and Body

• Weight: Males 11-15 lbs, Females 8-12 lbs
• Body: Compact, muscular, broad chest, rounded rump
• Legs: Back legs are longer than front legs. This gives them a distinctive bunny-hop run.

Head and Face

• Round head with full cheeks
• Large, round eyes. Can be any color, but often match coat
• Medium ears, slightly rounded tips, set wide apart

Coat and Color

The coat is the main difference from a Manx. It’s medium to long and thick, with a soft, downy undercoat. It should be silky, not woolly.

Colors: All CFA colors are accepted. Solid, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, bicolor, pointed.

The Tail: Or Lack Of One

Cymrics are categorized by tail length, same as Manx:

• Rumpy: No tail at all. Just a dimple.
• Riser: Small bump of cartilage under the fur.
• Stumpy: Short stub, 1-2 inches.
• Longy: Almost full tail. Not shown in CFA but can occur.

See our guide to cat breeds without tails for more tailless breeds.

Temperament and Personality: Dog-Like and People-Oriented

Cymrics are not aloof. They want to be involved.

Core Personality Traits

• Loyal: Bond to one or two people. Often follow you from room to room.
• Playful: Retain kitten energy into adulthood. Love wand toys and puzzle feeders.
• Intelligent: Ranked among the smartest cat breeds. Can learn fetch, tricks, and leash walking.
• Gentle: Patient with children and other pets if socialized early.
• Vocal: Not loud, but they chirp and trill. Some will “guard” and make alert sounds at noises.

Social Needs

This is important: Cymrics do poorly when left alone 8+ hours a day. They thrive on companionship. If you work long hours, consider getting 2 cats or a cat-friendly dog.

They are one of the friendliest cat breeds and do well in family homes. They’re not one of the independent breeds.

Grooming and Care: That Coat Needs Work

The biggest commitment with a Cymric is grooming. That thick coat mats easily.

Weekly Grooming Routine

• Brushing: 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb. Focus on armpits, behind ears, and britches.
• Shedding season: Spring and fall. Brush daily to prevent hairballs.
• Bathing: Every 2-3 months helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat soft.
• Nails: Trim every 2-3 weeks. They love to climb so sharp nails are a problem.
• Teeth: Brush 2-3 times per week. Dental disease is common in all cats.
• Ears: Check weekly for wax and debris.

Check our step-by-step nail trimming guide to make it easier.

Exercise and Enrichment

Cymrics are athletic despite their round shape. They need:

• A tall cat tree. They can jump surprisingly high.
• Interactive play, 15 min, 2x daily.
• Puzzle toys for mental stimulation.

A bored Cymric will get destructive or over-groom.

Health and Lifespan: What To Know About The Manx Gene

The gene that causes taillessness is also linked to health issues. This is called Manx Syndrome.

Common Health Concerns

• Manx Syndrome: Spinal and nerve defects. Can cause incontinence, arthritis, or mobility issues. Risk is highest in rumpy kittens from 2 rumpy parents.
• Arthritis: Due to body structure and longer back legs.
• Digestive issues: Constipation or megacolon can be linked to spinal issues.
• Obesity: They love food and are not super active. Weight management is critical.

How To Reduce Risk

Responsible breeders never breed 2 rumpy cats together. They also do health screening. Cornell Feline Health Center recommends annual vet exams and keeping weight ideal.

Lifespan

Average: 8-14 years. With good care, many reach 15-16. Early detection of issues improves outcome.

Nutrition and Diet

Cymrics are prone to weight gain. Feed for their body type.

• Protein first: Chicken, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient.
• Measured meals: 2 times per day. No free-feeding dry food.
• Wet food: Helps with hydration and urinary health.
• Omega fatty acids: Support coat health and reduce shedding.

Avoid too many treats. Use play instead of food for bonding.

Are Cymrics Good Family Pets?

Yes, with the right home.

Good For:

• Families with older children who understand gentle play
• People who work from home or are home most of the day
• Owners who want an interactive, trainable cat
• Homes with other friendly pets

Not Ideal For:

• People who hate grooming
• Households gone 10+ hours daily
• Owners wanting a low-maintenance cat

Cost and Where To Find A Cymric

Because they’re rare, expect to search.

• From breeder: $800 – $1500. Waitlists are common.
• From rescue: $100 – $300. Rare but possible. Check Manx rescue groups.
• Yearly cost: $600 – $900 for food, litter, vet care, and grooming tools.

Always choose a breeder who health tests and does not breed a rumpy to a rumpy. Ask to see parents. Avoid anyone advertising “teacup” or “mini” Cymrics.

Cymric vs. Manx: What’s the Difference?

Personality is nearly identical. Choose based on how much grooming you want to do. See our full comparison of long-haired cat breeds.

Training and Mental Stimulation

Cymrics are highly trainable for cats.

• Litter training: Usually easy. Use a large, low-entry box.
• Tricks: Sit, fetch, and come when called are all possible with treats.
• Leash training: Many Cymrics enjoy walks with a harness.

Start young and keep sessions short and positive.

Final Thoughts

The Cymric is not a low-effort cat. The grooming, the need for company, and the health screening all require commitment.

But if you want a loyal, smart, and unusual cat that acts more like a dog, the Cymric delivers. They’re playful, gentle, and deeply attached to their people.

Just buy a good brush first. And find a vet who knows about Manx syndrome.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a Cymric and a Manx?

The Cymric is the long-haired version of the Manx. Both have the tailless gene and cobby bodies. Cymrics require significantly more grooming.

2. Are Cymric cats really tailless?

Most are. They can be rumpy, riser, stumpy, or longy. The gene is variable. A true “longy” with a full tail can also occur but isn’t show standard.

3. Do Cymric cats get along with kids and other pets?

Yes. They are patient and social. Early socialization is key. They do best in busy, loving homes.

4. How much grooming does a Cymric need?

Minimum 2-3 times per week. Daily during shedding season. Without it, mats form quickly.

5. Do Cymric cats have a lot of health problems?

The main concern is Manx syndrome related to the tailless gene. Reputable breeders minimize risk. Regular vet care is essential.

Also see: 8 Unique Cat Breeds | 10 Calmest Cat Breeds | Cat Breeds Without Tails