Manx
A Manx in repose is so round and cobby that it is jokingly called a “bowling ball with fur.” But remember—bowling balls roll! The overall impression of the Manx cat is that of roundness; round head with firm, round muzzle and prominent cheeks; broad chest; substantial short front legs; short back which arches from shoulders to a round rump; great depth of flank and rounded, muscular thighs.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Weight | 8–12 lb [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 10–14+ years [1] |
| Coat | Longhair [2] |
| Look | The overall impression of the Manx cat is that of roundness; round head with firm, round muzzle and prominent cheeks; broad chest; substantial short front legs; short back which arches from shoulders to a round rump; great depth of flank and rounded, muscular thighs. [2] |
| Personality | A Manx in repose is so round and cobby that it is jokingly called a “bowling ball with fur.” But remember—bowling balls roll! [2] |
| Recognized by | CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) [2] |
Activity and exercise
A Manx in repose is so round and cobby that it is jokingly called a “bowling ball with fur.” But remember—bowling balls roll! These gentle, companionable cats are quiet, devoted companions most of the time, but have a slightly purr-verse streak that can prompt them to start chasing invisible objects at 10 p.m. [2]
Grooming
To control shedding, Manx should be groomed regularly, but since the texture of the coat is not prone to matting, grooming should not be a challenge. For a longhair Manx, a wide-toothed comb is best and particular attention should be paid to the areas under the legs and on the sides of the face, where mats often start. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Manx Syndrome, Arthritis, Megacolon, Corneal Dystrophy. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- A Manx in repose is so round and cobby that it is jokingly called a “bowling ball with fur.” But remember—bowling balls roll! [2]
- An ancient breed that originated on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, the tailless cats were first recorded in the sixteenth century by visiting sailors. [2]
- Affectionate and intelligent, Manx cats tend to attach themselves primarily to one or two family members with such a strong bond that they may take a while to acclimate to newcomers in the home. [2]
Good fit for
- Our sources don't publish fit ratings for this breed. Meet the breed, talk to breeders or rescues, and read the profile above.
Common questions
How long do Manx cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of 10–14 years.
How big does a Manx get?
PetMD lists a weight of 8–12 lb.