Cymric
The Good
- Incredibly friendly and affectionate with family members
- Playful, kitten-like personality that persists into adulthood
- Gets along brilliantly with children and other pets
- Unique, eye-catching appearance with their tailless silhouette
The Real
- Some cats may be born with spinal problems linked to taillessness
- Doesn't cope well when left alone for extended periods
- Requires regular brushing to maintain their gorgeous coat
- Can be prone to weight gain without proper portion control
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Cymric is essentially a long-haired Manx cat, and honestly, they're absolute charmers. Picture a medium-sized cat with the roundest features you've ever seen - round head, round eyes, round body - all wrapped up in a gorgeous, silky coat that feels like touching a cloud. What really sets them apart is their taillessness, though some might have a tiny stub.
These cats are slow growers, taking up to two years to fully mature, but here's the delightful thing - they never really lose that playful kitten personality. They're the kind of cat that'll still be chasing feather toys well into their senior years. Cymrics are incredibly people-oriented and form strong bonds with their families. They're gentle souls who rarely get into trouble and seem to have an innate understanding of how to behave around children.
If you're looking for a cat that's friendly without being overwhelming, playful without being destructive, and affectionate without being clingy, the Cymric might just be your perfect match. They're particularly well-suited to Australian family life, adapting beautifully to everything from Brisbane apartments to Melbourne suburban homes.
History
The Cymric's story begins on the Isle of Man, that little island sitting in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. Back in the late 18th century, a spontaneous genetic mutation occurred in a litter of kittens - they were born without tails. Within the island's limited gene pool, this trait spread until both the short-haired Manx and their long-haired cousins became well-established.
For generations, these long-haired kittens were considered unwanted variants of the Manx breed. It wasn't until the mid-1960s that people began to take serious interest in them. Initially, they were rather unfortunately called "Manx Mutants" by Canadian breeder Althea Frahm, before being renamed the more dignified "Longhaired Manx."
The name "Cymric" came about in the mid-1970s, thanks to pioneering breeders Blair Wright and Leslie Falteisek. They chose to honour Wales, which is called "Cymru" in Welsh, as many tailless long-haired cats were found there. The United Cymric Association formed in 1976, and the Canadian Cat Association granted Championship status that same year.
Today, there's still some debate about whether Cymrics are a separate breed or simply long-haired Manx cats. The Cat Fanciers' Association considers them Longhair Manx, while other organisations recognise them as distinct. Regardless of the naming politics, these cats have found their way into Australian homes and hearts.
Traits & Characteristics
Cymric characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Cymrics are generally healthy cats, but there's one significant health consideration you need to know about - the gene responsible for their taillessness can sometimes cause spinal defects. This includes conditions like spina bifida, which can lead to neurological issues affecting movement and elimination. The good news is that reputable breeders screen for these problems, and any issues typically become apparent before six months of age.
These cats can live happily for up to 15 years with proper care. Like many medium-sized breeds, they can be prone to weight gain, which makes portion control and regular exercise essential. Their rounded build can make it harder to spot weight gain early, so regular vet check-ups are crucial.
Australian Climate Considerations:
During our scorching summer months (December to February), Cymrics handle the heat reasonably well thanks to their moderate energy levels, but their thick double coat means they'll need extra cooling support. In Perth's dry 40°C days or Brisbane's humid 35°C weather, ensure they have access to air conditioning, cooling mats, and plenty of fresh water. Watch for signs of overheating like excessive panting or lethargy.
Winter care varies dramatically across Australia. In Canberra's frosty mornings (around 0°C), these cats appreciate warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas. However, in Darwin's tropical climate, year-round ventilation and humidity control become more important than heating. Melbourne's changeable weather means being prepared for both extremes - your Cymric will appreciate consistent indoor temperatures between 18-24°C regardless of the season outside.
Cymrics have hearty appetites and can easily become overweight if you're not careful with portions. Their naturally round build makes it tricky to spot weight gain early, so establishing good feeding habits from the start is crucial. Feed measured amounts at regular meal times - typically twice daily for adults - rather than leaving food out all day.
Choose a high-quality cat food appropriate for their life stage, whether kitten, adult, or senior. These cats mature slowly, so they'll need kitten food until they're about two years old. Look for foods with high-quality protein as the first ingredient and avoid fillers that might contribute to weight gain without providing proper nutrition.
Australian Feeding Considerations:
During summer months across Australia, you might notice your Cymric eating less - this is normal as cats naturally reduce food intake in hot weather. Ensure fresh water is always available, especially during Perth's dry summers or Queensland's humid coastal conditions. Consider adding wet food to their diet during these periods to boost hydration.
If you're living in rural areas like the Blue Mountains or regional Queensland, factor in the cost and availability of premium cat foods. Many Australian pet stores now offer online ordering with delivery to remote areas, which can be a lifesaver for maintaining consistent nutrition. Pet insurance is worth considering given potential spinal health issues - compare providers as costs can vary significantly between states, with some offering better coverage for genetic conditions.
The Cymric's gorgeous coat is their crowning glory, but it does require commitment. That silky, medium-length double coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding around your home. During shedding seasons (typically spring and autumn in Australia), you'll want to increase this to every other day.
Here's something lovely about Cymrics - many actually enjoy water! This makes bath time much easier than with most cats. You won't need to bathe them frequently, but when their coat starts feeling greasy or begins to clump, a bath with cat-specific shampoo will restore that silky texture.
Don't forget the basics: trim their nails regularly, check and clean their ears weekly, and maintain good dental hygiene with regular brushing or dental treats.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Medium to long with a silky, glossy texture and thick woolly undercoat
- Coat Colours: Any colour except chocolate or lavender - includes whites, blacks, tabbies, tortoiseshells, and more
- Coat Patterns: Any pattern except Himalayan or patterns mixed with white
- Hypoallergenic: No - they produce normal levels of allergens and shed moderately
Australian Grooming Considerations:
In humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast or Cairns, pay extra attention to keeping their coat dry after any outdoor time to prevent skin issues. The thick undercoat can trap moisture in high humidity. Conversely, in dry climates like Adelaide or Alice Springs, you might need to brush more frequently as the coat can become static and tangle more easily. Many Australian groomers are familiar with long-haired breeds, and a professional groom every few months can help maintain coat health, especially during our intense summer months.
Cymrics are surprisingly trainable cats - they're intelligent enough to learn tricks and respond well to positive reinforcement. Many owners successfully teach them to fetch, which perfectly suits their playful nature. Start with simple commands and reward with treats or praise when they get it right.
Mental stimulation is crucial for these bright cats. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and rotating toy collections will keep their minds engaged. They're naturally curious about water, so don't be surprised if your Cymric becomes fascinated with dripping taps or wants to supervise your shower routine.
Socialisation is typically easy with Cymrics since they're naturally friendly, but early exposure to different people, sounds, and experiences will ensure they develop into well-rounded adults. They particularly enjoy interactive play sessions - feather wands, laser pointers (always end with a physical toy they can catch), and motorised toys are all hits.
Australian Lifestyle Integration:
These cats adapt beautifully to Australian indoor living, but they can also enjoy supervised outdoor time on a secure balcony or in a catio. In urban areas like inner Melbourne or Sydney, a well-designed balcony setup gives them fresh air without the risks of traffic or other urban dangers. For families in suburban Perth or Brisbane, a secure outdoor enclosure lets them enjoy our beautiful weather safely.
Remember, Cymrics don't like being alone for long periods, so if you're working full-time, consider interactive cameras or puzzle toys to keep them engaged during the day.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Cymric owner is someone who genuinely enjoys feline companionship and has time to engage with their cat daily. These aren't cats for people who want a completely independent pet - they thrive on interaction and can become lonely if left alone for 10+ hours regularly.
Families with children are ideal, as Cymrics seem to have an innate understanding of how to behave around kids. They're patient with toddlers and playful enough to keep up with teenagers. Similarly, households with other pets often work wonderfully, as these cats are naturally social and often prefer the company of dogs to other cats.
Australian Lifestyle Matches:
Work-from-home professionals in cities like Canberra or Adelaide will find Cymrics make excellent office companions - present but not demanding. Retirees looking for a gentle, engaging companion will appreciate their affectionate nature and moderate exercise needs. Young families in suburban areas from the Sunshine Coast to the Mornington Peninsula will love how well these cats integrate into busy household routines.
If you're renting, check your lease carefully - their unique appearance and excellent temperament often make them acceptable to landlords who might otherwise refuse pets. Apartment dwellers need to ensure they can provide adequate enrichment, but Cymrics adapt well to smaller spaces provided they get enough attention and stimulation.
The ideal owner also needs to budget for potential health issues and commit to regular grooming. If you're the type who enjoys the ritual of brushing your cat while watching Netflix, you'll be perfect together.
Interesting facts about the Cymric
Interesting Fact
Cymrics are sometimes called "little bears" due to their round, cuddly appearance and distinctive gait
Interesting Fact
Their powerful hind legs, which are longer than their front legs, give them a unique rabbit-like hopping run
Interesting Fact
The tailless gene that defines the breed comes in four varieties: rumpy (no tail), rumpy-riser (tiny bump), stumpy (short tail), and longy (longer tail, though still shorter than normal)
Interesting Fact
Many Cymrics are genuinely fascinated by water and may try to join you in the shower or play with dripping taps
FAQ
Yes, Cymrics are naturally tailless due to the same genetic mutation found in Manx cats. This is a completely natural trait, not the result of surgical alteration.
They're generally healthy but can be prone to spinal problems linked to the tailless gene. Reputable breeders screen for these issues, and any problems typically appear before six months of age.
Expect to pay between $800-$1,500 AUD for a Cymric kitten from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on location, with metropolitan areas typically costing more than regional areas.
Absolutely! They adapt well to apartment living in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, provided they get adequate attention and enrichment. Their moderate energy levels make them excellent urban companions.
Plan on brushing 2-3 times weekly, increasing to every other day during shedding seasons (spring and autumn). Many Australian pet groomers recommend professional grooming every 3-4 months.
Exceptional with children! Cymrics are known for their patience and gentle nature, making them ideal for busy Australian families. They often become a child's best friend and confidant.
They cope well across most of Australia but need extra cooling support during summer months, especially in places like Perth or inland areas. Their thick coat provides good insulation for cooler regions like Tasmania or the Blue Mountains.
Definitely! While not overly clingy, Cymrics love spending quiet time with their families and often enjoy settling in for a good cuddle session during those long weekend streaming sessions.