Problems with the spine, legs and digestive tract show up  occasionally in the Manx. This is sometimes referred to as spina bifida, incontinence, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sometimes these problems are mistakenly called Manx Syndrome, all these problems can also be found in other  cat breeds both purebred and domestic. Often a tailless cat is labeled Manx when they may have a totally different genetic tailless makeup.

Many kittens with these physical problems do not survive to adulthood. They are also very hard to  care for. Owning one of these kittens or cats is very difficult, I know, my first tailless kitten was incontinent. Unless you are willing to take on a special kitten with physical challenges make sure your kitten is physically healthy

Many of these problem kittens and cats are abandoned or  given to the humane society. If you decide to adopt a stray or humane society Manx-look-alike please have them examined by a vet immediately. Thousands of  dollars can be spent on testing but we know of no cure for spina bifida which  can cause paralysis and/or incontinence.

Incontinence can occasionally be helped but general the problem gets worse as the kitten grows older. Daily bathing and confining the kitten or cat to an area that can be easily cleaned may be the only solution short of putting the kitten down. However cats do not like to be dirty and daily washing can become an upset for both cat and human. 

Irritable  bowel syndrome may be helped with diet. IBS or as it is known now Irritable bowel disease IBD has often been diagnosed when the  problem is due to a parasite, bacteria, virus or food allergy. Ethical Manx breeders will not knowingly sell a kitten with any of these problems.

Care in breeding the Manx will help to eliminate problems. Repeated breeding of rumpy to rumpy may not be genetically advisable, because the genetics of tail status are not completely known. Some Manx breeders who know their lines do breed rumpy to rumpy without problems. In the meantime I  usually breed using tailed and stumpy Manx with my rumpies. Rarely does a stumpy or dock or tailed Manx have genetic problems. Good breeders will not use any cat  with a genetic defect for breeding. And because I have experienced problems with  my first tailless kitten, I am very careful about breeding and placing only  healthy Manx.

When you look for a healthy Manx cat or kitten you should  check for a firm hind leg stance (no weak or crooked hind legs), normal elimination, clean bottom, healthy coat, ears and eyes and no fleas or skin problems.

Kittens will be playful and not always want to be held.  They are on the go and like a child, not happy to be confined for long. As they get older they are more willing to be held and will be a lap cat if you let them be on their terms. Manx are oh so curious and will follow you around trying to figure out what you are doing and then try to help you with your job.  Some are vocal and some give you that quiet meow and look that melts. Most Manx have that special “purttt” sound that sounds like they are reviving up their motor. The other wonderful sound is the chatter they have especially when watching bird.

Adopting a very young kitten is not advisable unless extreme circumstances require it. By three months of age any birth defects should be apparent.  The immune system is stronger and immunization has been  started or completed by 4 months. Younger kittens need playtime with their  siblings and their mom to become socialized in the first stages of their lives. This is a good reason for waiting to adopt a kitten. The kitten will bond with  you readily at three or four months. Kittens that have been well socialized with  other pets and humans are the best for adopting.

You may find a breeder who does not socialize their  kittens. The kitten may be in very poor surroundings and in very poor health.  By purchasing the kitten to rescue it from these surroundings you only encourage this breeder to continue breeding. If you are concerned about the cattery and the care the cats and kittens are getting rather than rescuing the  kitten a word with the humane society about the conditions may be a better  approach.

By adopting a kitten from poor surroundings you may be taking on a huge job. Vet bills, and the loss of a sick kitten can be  devastating. Please consider before you make up your mind.  Also reporting a  poor breeding situation to other Manx breeders can be helpful.

On the other hand a reputable breeder may have several cats and whole males who can be smelly. The smell of a clean cattery can be compared to a horse barn. The barn can smell like horse but is clean otherwise.  The cattery  smells like cats but is clean if litter boxes are clean and floor and cages are also clean. Look for good condition of the cats and their social interaction. Tpo much deodorant to cover smells may be harmful to the the cat’s health.  Good air circulation is much more healthy for cats.

Food is an every ending line of discussion.  Many breeders use commercial foods, some do home cooking and some use raw foods. Some use very expensive high end cat foods, some use store available foods.  Canned foods are now considered to be better for cats especially those that do not drink much water.  Look for good ingredience in commercial foods with meat as its first ingredient as cats are heavy into protein. Some cats do well with corn or wheat some don’t.  Some have an allergy to turkey, or chicken or beef or fish. It all depends on the individual cat in the long run.  Too many chemical preservatives are probably not best for any living organism. Overfeeding can cause weight gain especially in spayed and neutered cats so watch their intake.  Of course kittens who are growing need much more nutrition and should have access to food either several times a day if they are big eaters or on demand if they are nibblers.

Most breeders like update about the kittens and cats. How are you and your new kitten doing? Breeders may be able to solve a problem before it get out of hand so be sure to keep in contact with the breeder. As your cat ages breeders would love to hear how you both are doing.  Pictures and raves are welcome too :-)))