Cymric

Breed Type: Western
Common nicknames: Manx Longair, Longhair Manx
Coat: Long-haired
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, energetic, playful
Life expectancy: 8-14 years
Color & patterns: Brown and white
Hero image
Cymric - brown and white
Cymric - brown and white
The Cymric (pronounced “kim-rick”) is a unique and charismatic cat breed originating from the Isle of Man — in fact, “Cymric” means “Welsh” in Welsh. The Cymric is notably tailless, a condition that is the result of a genetic mutation, and is essentially the long-haired version of the Manx cat; their thick, double-layer coat could put any luxury fur coat to shame. What this breed lacks in tail, however, they make up for in personality: These cats, whose weight varies between eight to 13 pounds, are known for their playful, intelligent, and affectionate nature. So if you’re looking for a feline companion, the Cymric could be the cat you’re after.

Cymric characteristics

Learn about about Cymric basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Cymric facts.

Average height

8-12 inches (20.3-30.5cm)

Average weight

8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg)

Average lifespan

8-14 years

Good with other cats
Needs spaceSocial butterly
Good with dogs
Scaredy catHey, new pal!
Affection
Independent spiritLoves attention
Shedding
Bare-skinnedHeavy Shedder
Health
Prone to issuesGenerally healthy
Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
When does a Cymric stop growing?

Cymrics stop growing around two years old. Their growth slows down between one and two years old, but they can continue to fill out and develop their muscular build through that time.

How long do Cymric cats live?

Cymric cats typically live between eight and 14 years. Regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and preventive healthcare can help identify and address potential health issues early on. Genetics and overall lifestyle also play a significant role in determining any cat’s lifespan.

Can a Cymric cat have a tail?

Yes, Cymric cats can have a tail. Cymric cats’ tails are categorized into four types: rumpy (tailless, with a dimple where the tail would be), rumpy-riser (a short knob of a tail), stumpy (a curved tail stump), and longy (a tail longer than five vertebrae but shorter than a full-length tail).

What eye colors can a Cymric have?

Cymrics have a range of eye colors, including green, gold, yellow, hazel, orange, and amber.

What color coats can Cymric cats have?

Cymrics’ coats come in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, red, cream, silver, and tortoiseshell.

How big is a Cymric cat?

Most Cymrics weigh between eight to 12 pounds and stand around 8 to 12 inches tall. Male Cymrics can be larger than females.

Are Cymric cats good hunters?

Yes, Cymrics are excellent hunters. They are known for being lively and full of energy, often resulting in them chasing after toys or small animals that resemble prey.

Do Cymric cats shed?

Yes, Cymric cats shed quite heavily. Cymrics have long, luxurious, smooth double coats that tend to shed more during their twice-yearly shedding seasons, typically in spring and fall, as they replace their winter coat with a lighter summer coat and vice versa.

Cymric temperament

Learn about about the Cymric temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Cymric cats good with dogs?

Yes, Cymrics can be good with dogs. They are typically playful and sociable, making them amenable roommates to friendly dogs. Of course, each cat and dog has their own preferences and temperaments, but if introduced early, and both pets have compatible temperaments and are properly socialized, they should get along fine. Proper and gradual introductions are crucial to helping cats and dogs get along; doing so allows them to acclimate to each other’s presence in a safe and controlled manner.

Are Cymric cats good with other cats?

Yes, Cymrics are typically good with other cats. They are sociable beings and thrive in the company of other felines. However, individual cats’ personalities vary, so some Cymrics may be less interested in interacting with other cats than others.

Do Cymric cats meow?

Yes, Cymric cats meow as much as an average cat. They are not too chatty but vocal enough to communicate their wants and needs.

Are Cymric cats friendly?

Yes, Cymrics are generally very friendly and affectionate with their pet parents and greet most strangers with curiosity. However, individual cats’ personalities vary, so some Cymrics may be more reserved than others.

Are Cymric cats good indoor cats?

Yes, Cymrics are good indoor cats. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping all cats indoors to protect them from dangers like cars, encounters with other animals, and exposure to diseases spread by outdoor cats.

Are Cymric cats good lap-cats?

Yes, Cymrics cats are good lap-cats. They are typically very fond of crawling into their beloved humans’ laps. However, each cat has a unique personality, and some may be less interested in cuddling than others, so it’s important to respect your cat’s preferences.

Are Cymric cats active?

Yes, Cymric cats are active. It’s important to provide plenty of indoor enrichment to keep your cat happy and engage their natural instincts. Providing interactive toys that mimic hunting, like feather wands, can keep them entertained. Climbing structures, like cat trees, give them opportunities to exercise and explore. Puzzle feeders can make mealtime more interesting and mentally stimulating. Daily playtime is also essential; engaging with your Cymric in play sessions keeps them active and strengthens your bond.

Are Cymric cats good pets?

Yes, Cymric cats can be good pets, including for families with children. However, their playful energy might be overwhelming for very young children who might not understand gentle handling.

Are Cymric cats cuddly?

Yes, Cymric cats have the potential to be cuddly and snuggly, but it depends on their individual personality. While they can be playful, they also have a calmer side and might enjoy cuddling after playtime.

Cymric history

Learn about where this Cymric came from!

Where are Cymric cats from?

The origins of the Cymric cat breed are not clear. Many believe the breed comes from the Isle of Man, situated between England and Ireland. Some consider the Cymric a long-haired variation of the Manx cat, which is also from the Isle of Man, as the breeds are very similar apart from their different length coats. Others consider the Cymric its own breed, which was first created in Canada in the early 1960s by cat fanciers.

How many types of Cymric cats are there?

There is one Cymric breed, but there are variations among Cymrics, including different tail types (rumpy, rumpy-riser, stumpy, and longy), eye colors, coat colors, and pattern variations.

Cymric health

Learn about about the Cymric health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do you need to groom a Cymric cat?

Yes, you need to groom a Cymric cat. Brush or comb your Cymric two to three times a week to help remove any matting or tangles and help ease shedding. In addition to brushing, all cats should have their claws trimmed every two weeks or so. Cats are also prone to periodontal disease and should have their teeth brushed two to three times a week.

Are Cymric cats hypoallergenic?

No, Cymric cats are not hypoallergenic, and they do shed dander. The term “hypoallergenic cat” is misleading because all cats, including Cymrics, shed dander. This includes microscopic skin flakes containing Fel d 1, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Are Cymric cats healthy?

Cymric cats are generally healthy but can develop some health issues, especially those related to their unique tails, including: 

  • Manx syndrome: Though it’s named after the Manx, Cymrics can develop what is called “Manx Syndrome,” a collection of birth defects and spinal issues that cause spina bifida, urinary tract defects, and digestion issues.

  • Arthritis: Cymrics with longer tails may suffer from arthritis of the tailbone, which is a degenerative joint disease.

Find Cymric kittens near you

Adopting a Cymric

We don't see any Cymrics available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.

pet-photo

Roberta

Manx
Female, 1 yr
Columbus, OH
Color
Gray, Blue or Silver Tabby
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Roberta is a beautiful young Manx cat which means she was born without a tail. She is friendly and playful. Roberta gets along well with other cats. She is the sweetest little girl and would make a great addition to your family. Apply today to adopt Roberta! Adoption fee: $175 (Includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, worming, and FeLV/FIV test - over $350 worth of veterinary care!) Go to www.ColumbusPetRescue.com to begin the adoption process today. We have invested time, money, and care into our feline friends and want to ensure they never have to be abandoned again. Click on "available pet" and scroll down to find the adoption application. After filling out an application, e-mail it to ColumbusPetRescue@gmail.com. We will process your information and check veterinary and other references. Finally you may be scheduled for a home visit to make sure the environment is perfect for your new family member. Once you are approved, the process is simple: choose your new cat, meet and greet him or her, and, if all goes well, you have yourself a new pet. (All cats will be spayed or neutered before going to their new home.) E-mail your application to ColumbusPetRescue@gmail.com today! We only adopt within the state of Ohio.
pet-photo

Smokey

Manx
Male, young
Blacklick, OH
Color
Gray or Blue
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Smokey is a three year old cat with medium hair length. He was separated from his mother and family at a young age, and adopted to us when he was still fairly little. He has a grey spot on the front of his right eye, but it otherwise doesn't impair his vision or mobility. We are rehoming him as we have recently just had our first child, and we're planning to move out of town soon. Smokey is a very sweet and loving cat, and is very playful! Would recommend that he be adopted to a family that already has a cat for him to play with or otherwise has a lot of experience with cats and who has the time to play with him.
pet-photo

Fara

Manx
Female, 2 yrs 2 mos
Delaware, OH
Color
Cream or Ivory
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Spayed or Neutered
Story
My name is Fara! I'm a big and beautiful calico cat with an adorable bob tail. I'm friendly and can easily approach humans of all ages; young and old. As long as you're a good human that has the intentions to give me lots of pets, then you'll be a good friend of mine. Catnip is one of my favorite things! I'd say it's placed third behind food and pets from my favorite people. I'm a bit of a couch potato and I like to lay around and nap most of the day. If you're looking for a low-energy type of cat, I could be your gal. I was born and raised in a big group of cats, but I will admit that I do appreciate my space away from my feline friends. I can coexist with other cats, but I would be happiest in a home as the only cat. That way I can be treated like the queen that I am! Come by the Humane Society to meet me, Fara!
pet-photo

Fern

Manx
Female, 3 yrs 3 mos
Delaware, OH
Color
All Black
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Spayed or Neutered
Story
My name is Fern! I'm a big and beautiful black and white cat with a cute, bobbed tail. I'm usually easy going and accepting of humans of all ages. As long as you're a good human with the intention to give me lots of love and attention, you'll be a good pal of mine! I'm more of a laid-back type of cat who enjoys napping most of the day. I do like to chase ball toys like ping pong balls around the room when I feel playful. If you're looking for a cat that is more low energy but still likes to play, I could be your gal! I was born and raised in a big group of cats, but I will admit that I prefer my space away from my other feline friends. I can coexist with them fine, but I feel I would be happiest in a home without other cats. That way I can have your attention all to myself! Come by the Humane Society to meet me: Fern!
pet-photo

Purrnado

Manx Domestic Shorthair
Male, 6 yrs 2 mos
Granville, OH
Color
White
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Story
Purrnado... Part tornado, part purr... He is a VERY vocal boy, loves to talk to you -- can tolerate other animals with proper acclimation but would love to be an only cat in a home. He definitely likes to be around people, has some mild mood swings, and loves his kitty condo. He looks like a bobtail kitty, but we are pretty sure his tail is short due to an injury a long time ago. He is estimated to be about 6 years old, and has a $100 adoption fee. All cats adopted through our rescue are age appropriately vaccinated including rabies & FVRCP/Feline Leukemia vaccines, dewormed & free of fleas, combo tested (negative unless otherwise noted), microchipped and spayed/neutered before adoptions are finalized. If you would like to adopt, please fill out the application through the link or the website at -www.whiskersofohio.org - please note that the "I'm interested" tab on Petfinder does NOT act as an application, this should only be used for specific questions before committing to an adoption. You will receive an email confirmation when your application goes through. We make no breed guarantees; we are a rescue, not a breeder. Please only apply for a specific kitten if you are committed to adopting! Our workers are all volunteers and it takes time to process applications. We are a registered, volunteer run 501c3 non-profit organization. Free transport is regularly available to Wayne/Holmes County areas! We do have the ability to fly a cat or pair of kittens via Southwest's SWATT program to any location served by Southwest Airlines. It isn't free but has been a great way to transport animals in a timely manner.