Manx Cats

Question
We're looking for a Manx cat.  What's this about "Manx Sydrome"?

Is there such a thing?  ( Some say it's a myth.)

If so, what should we look out for in a kitten?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Larry!
I have a Manx Cat.  He is a whoppin' 19 lbs....a huge, mammoth cat...very robust and healthy as could be.
Manx are large, tank like cats (hehe) that have a very sweet disposition. They have the appearance of being overweight, when in fact, they are just very..ROUND.
The Manx Syndrome is a myth.  There is nothing that manx cats suffer from that other cats don't.
Every breed has come about because of inbreeding.  The way the Manx breed came about is actually pretty interesting.
In the late 1400's, ships would sail to the Island of Mann.  These ships would hold many food items, therefore leading to terrible mice problems.  They brought aboard a few cats to each ships to get rid of the mice population.  The mice population had dwindled, but there was a new problem....a cat problem!  The cats began breeding and breeding and breeding, until you couldn't even tell which cat was a mother cat and which cat was a baby.  As the cats kept breeding and inbreeding, the cats began to be born with no tails.  It's a mutation ....a genetic defect.  The tail-less wonders got off the boat and on to land, where they continued breeding...hence the Manx cats (named after the Island of Mann) which we have grown to love.
Manx cats are born with full tails, half tails, tiny tails (Rumpie Risers..which have just a stub of a tail) and no tails (Rumpies).  I have a Rumpie Riser and I have to say, it's very funny when he concentrates on something because that little stub of a tail goes 'round and 'round in a circle.  The reason there are so many types of Manx cats is because no Manx is truly a pure bred, unless bred with a full tailed manx.  If a Rumpie/Rumpie, or Rumpie Riser/Rumpie or Rumpie Riser/Rumpie Riser are bred together, the kittens will be born with spinabifida, where the spine is literally outside the skin.  Usually Manx are bred with a domestic shorthair.  The tail-less gene usually takes over, leading to a litter full of rumpies and rumpie risers.  Rumpies and Rumpy Risers are the only manx that are acceptable to show.  They were only concidered a breed to cat associations in 1984.
Anytime, when taking home a kitten, there are a few things to look for.  
Personality- Take the kitten and hold it on its back, like a baby.  If the kitten enjoys this and does not mind being held this way, the kitten will be submissive and will probably make a very loving, affectionate cat.  If the kitten squirms to get out of your arms when held like this, the kitten will most likely grow to be an indifferent, independant cat.
Physical Appearance- Look at how the kitten walks.  Manx are known to have longer back legs, than front legs.  The hind legs are very long.  The kitten's head should be in proportion to it's body and should walk with all four feet facing forward.  No ribs or hip bones should be seen.  You will, however, be able to feel the bones upon touch. Manx also have unique coats.  Their undercoats are short with a slightly longer overcoat.  Their heads are very round with rounded ears that are neither large or small.
Health- Upon purchasing your kitten, the kitten should be between 8 and 12 weeks of age and have had at least the first of three kitten boosters.  The kitten should also have been dewormed.  The kitten should have bright eyes, no discharge from the eyes or nose. Any nasal discharge or discharge from the eyes can suggest an upper respiratory infection.  The kitten's gums should also be pink in color.  If you notice that the kitten's gums are white or bluish, there is definitely a severe health problem in the kitten.  Any sneezing or coughing can also indicate an upper respiratory infection.  Your kitten should also have been tested for Feline leukemia and FIV before taking home.  
I hope this helps and best of luck on your new, up-coming addition!
Hilary