Description: Cymric
The Cymric is a distinctive breed of domestic cat known for its unique appearance, characterized by its round body and lack of a tail, which results from a genetic mutation. Originating from the Isle of Man, the breed shares its heritage with the Manx cat but boasts a luxurious long double coat that requires regular grooming. Despite their taillessness, they are agile and remarkably balanced. Cymrics are renowned for their playful yet gentle nature, making them excellent companions. They are intelligent, affectionate, and often bond deeply with their families, showing a particular fondness for interactive play and cuddles.
Properties
The Cymric (pronounced 'KIM-rik') is a distinctive and unique breed of cat renowned for its taillessness and its long, plush double coat. A variant of the Manx cat and originating from the Isle of Man, the Cymric has developed a loyal following due to its striking appearance and lovable personality traits.
Most notable is the Cymric's lack of a tail, a trait attributed to a genetic mutation. The length of the tail can vary; some Cymrics are completely tailless, while others have stumpy remnants. This tail variation is classified into different categories such as 'rumpy', 'rumpy-riser', 'stumpy', and 'longy', which carry various lengths from no tail at all to a small stump.
The coat of the Cymric is medium to long, dense, and plush, designed to provide insulation from the wet and chilly climate of their native island. This luxurious coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting, and to manage seasonal shedding. Cymrics come in many colors and patterns including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and more, offering a variety of visual appeal.
Cymrics are known for their round appearance; they have a rounded head, rounded eyes, and even a rounded rear due to the lack of a tail. Their bodies are compact but muscular, with broad chests and a short back that arch slightly, giving them a bunny-like hop in their gait. This physical arrangement confers upon them a distinct agility and ability to twist and turn easily.
When it comes to personality, the Cymric is as delightful as they are distinctive. They are known for their gentle, playful, and friendly nature. They often form tight bonds with their families and can be quite affectionate. Their intelligence and curious demeanor make them fun companions, and they are known to enjoy interactive play and puzzles that challenge their minds. Cymrics are also noted for their loyalty and are sometimes described as having dog-like attributes, including following their owners from room to room and even fetching toys.
Cymrics have a quiet voice and are generally not as vocal as some other breeds, making them excellent indoor companions. However, their sociable nature means they do not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive on companionship and interaction, which makes them excellent family pets. Additionally, their adaptability and calm disposition make them suitable for a variety of living environments, though they should always be kept indoors, primarily for their safety and to maintain the condition of their coat.
In summary, the Cymric is a charming, affectionate breed, perfect for those who want a charismatic and engaging pet. Their unique appearance and amicable personality make them a beloved choice for cat enthusiasts.
Appearance
The Cymric cat is a breed notable for its distinct appearance primarily characterized by its lack of tail. A genetic mutation brings about this unique trait, making the Cymric a longhaired variant of the Manx cat. Due to this taillessness, the breed's body structure is quite distinctive. The back of the Cymric arches from shoulders to a rounded rump, higher than the shoulders which give them a unique, rounded appearance.
Their head is rounded with prominent cheekbones and large, round eyes that give them an alert, sweet expression. The ears are medium-sized and wide at the base, tapering to a rounded tip. This breeds a soft, double coat which can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and bicolor. The coat itself is dense and plush, contributing to their cuddly, rounded look.
In terms of size, Cymrics are medium to large cats, robust and stocky with a significant weight that can range from 8 to 14 pounds. They possess strong hind legs that are longer than the front which facilitates a powerful and rabbit-like hop. This is especially visible in their movement, as the longer hind legs give an impression of a small hop particularly when they speed up.
Another charming characteristic of the Cymric is the range of tail lengths they can have, known as 'rumpy', 'rumpy-riser', 'stumpy', and 'longy', each denoting the length and type of tail remnant. 'Rumpy' Cymrics, completely tailless, are highly prized for show purposes. Their rounded rear with a deep indentation at the base where a tail would normally begin gives them a particularly unique silhouette.
The overall physique of a Cymric shows strength and agility despite its compact and muscled build. Their striking eyes and soft, rounded contours contribute to their appealing appearance, making them a captivating breed that combines a strong, robust frame with a gentle and approachable demeanor.
History
The Cymric (pronounced 'kim-rick') is a tailless breed often considered the long-haired variant of the Manx cat. Its origins trace back to the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, where it developed alongside the Manx cat. Historical records and genetic studies suggest that the Cymric, like the Manx, may have arrived on the Isle of Man through trade and maritime travel. The taillessness trait that defines the breed is attributed to a genetic mutation that likely occurred among the island's domestic cat population centuries ago. This mutation is dominant, which explains the prevalence of taillessness among the breed.
Over time, the Cymric cat became a distinct breed, particularly recognized for its longer coat compared to the traditional Manx. It is not entirely clear when the differentiation between Manx and Cymric exactly began, but it is generally agreed upon that the latter was a natural extension, bred selectively for its unique coat in Canada and other parts of North America during the 1960s. Breeding programs initially started with the aim to enhance the long-haired gene variant amongst Manx cats until it developed into a separate breed—now known as the Cymric.
The name 'Cymric' derives from the word 'Cymru,' which is Welsh for Wales, reflecting the Celtic roots of the Isle of Man. Interestingly, the breed is known by different names; for example, it is sometimes referred to as the 'Long-haired Manx' in some regions. Despite its fascinating history and charming characteristics, the Cymric is not as widely recognized as other long-haired breeds but holds a fond place among cat enthusiasts who admire its gentle and playful nature.
The breed was further popularized through various cat shows and gained recognition by major cat registries around the late 20th century. Today, while still relatively rare, Cymrics are celebrated for their robust health, rabbit-like gait, and notably, their lack of tail, which presents in varying lengths from rumpy (no tail) to rumpy-riser (short stub of a tail). Their maintenance involves regular grooming due to their dense, plush coat, which adds to their rounded, soft appearance.
Overall, the history of the Cymric cat is deeply intertwined with that of the Manx breed, sharing a common genetic heritage that showcases the remarkable influence of isolated breeding combined with natural genetic mutation.