Cymric Cats

Cute ginger cymric kitten against a white background

A stamp from azerbaijan with a cymric printed on it

A stamp from cambodia with a cymric printed on it

History

The Cymric is a longhair version of the Manx cat. They originate from the Isle of Man, between England and Ireland, and are famous for their stub tail. This feature came about through random mutation within the domestic cat population on the Isle of Man. Because the island is small and isolated, the dominant gene responsible for the trait became common.

The Cymric came about through another random genetic mutation, producing a long coat. The first specimens were considered to be errors in the Manx cat stock, and were not kept as a breed in their own right until the 1960s, when similar kittens were born in Canada. These were intentionally bred, and the Cymric slowly gained in popularity in the 1970s.

Behaviour

Cymrics are playful cats, always on the alert. They are great hunters, reflecting the fact that their ancestors on the Isle of Man were originally bred for killing mice and rats. This doesn't manifest as aggression towards humans, though - the Cymric is playful, loving, and attentive, happy to curl up with you on the sofa. They are great family pets, and good with kids.

Cymrics are very intelligent, and can be taught to play fetch. They respond to clicker training, and can be taught to open doors. They will also 'talk' to you with a gentle trilling sound when they want something.