Perhaps most people are aware that the true Manx cat comes from the Isle of Man, but how it originated there seems more or less of a myth, and no true "tail" of its origin can be had; this "pun" is more or less appropriate, as they should be tailless.

Not all are pure-bred specimens because they come from the Isle of Man, as the breed has not always been kept pure, and specimens with tails are now being- deprived of their caudal appendages to meet the demands of those wishing to purchase a "true" Manx cat.

There is no doubt a judge of Manx can visit the Isle of Man and select a good specimen, but even in the resulting litter from apparently true-bred cats, the traces of a tail or "stump" is apt to appear.

Probably the best specimens are now to be obtained from English fanciers, who are known to have kept the breed pure for several generations; in that country many beautiful specimens are shown, and a club for the advancement of the breed has long since been formed. In shape the Manx should be short in the back and cobby in shape; they asually possess a much rounder face than the ordinary short-haired cat, but where they differ from all other cats in shape is in the hindquarters. When standing upright, which they seldom do, the hind legs are considerably longer than the front; this makes the hindquarters more prominent, and gives the "rumpy" appearance which is so characteristic of the breed and by which a true Manx may be discerned. Usually, when standing at ease, the Manx cat bends the hind legs and stands more on the first joint than actually on the feet, similarly to a rabbit, and in jumping springs from the first joint.

This action and formation of the hind legs is only found in the Manx cat, and although many short-haired cats may have their tails cut off, they will never possess this characteristic of a pure-bred Manx.

Manx cats are very popular as pets; they are splendid ratters, great "sports," very intelligent and affectionate. They may be of any colour, the tabby varieties being very handsome; the self-colours are more uncommon. At present Manx classes at the shows in this country are for the most part just ordinary short-haired cats with their tails removed, although a few good specimens have been shown. To be perfect they should have no tail or even "suspicion" of a tail - just a hollow at the end of the spine - but even in good specimens a small tuft of hair, or even a joint of tail, is sometimes seen.

The hindquarters should be round, not angular; the roundness and height give the true "rumpy" appearance, and in their native land they are often termed "rumpy" cats on this account. The colour of the eyes should correspond to the correct standards for short-haired specimens.