Cymric is a breed of domestic cats. Its singular appearance is owing to its very short or absent tail.
Remarkable for its absent or short tail, Cymric is a feline breed
that is essentially the same as the Manx cat, but for its longer hair.
In fact the two cats are believed to have originated a long time back
on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish sea located close to Wales
in United Kingdom. Many believe that the name 'Cymric' is derived from
the Gaelic word for Welsh. In any case the cat has lived on the
isolated island for centuries in both the short and longhair versions.
The absence of tail is believed to be a result of a genetic mutation.
The trait perpetuated owing to the separation of these cats from other
breeds. The modern history of Cymric cats is often traced to Canada
where they were first formally bred in nineteen sixties and later
exported to United States. The cats lack general acceptance amongst cat
fanciers at the moment and are registered with select bodies currently.
Cymrics
have a solid cobby physique. They are medium sized animals with a
stocky build. Head is round with a somewhat shortened muzzle, bright
circular eyes and medium sized ears. Coat is long and double layered
and is seen in numerous colors and patterns including bicolor, solid,
tabby and tortie. Fur is generally smooth and lustrous. Legs are short
and strong and paws are big and rounded.
Tail of the Cymric is
either completely absent or occurs in varying degrees of length. At the
most though, it is either a small protuberance or short stump. The
vertebrae of the back are short and coupled with the fact that the hind
legs are longer than front ones, give the cat an arched appearance. In
some severe cases there are neurological disorders owing to a deformed
spine and may lead to various health issues.
Cymrics are
intelligent cats. They are often compared to dogs when it comes to
temperament. Theirs is a very pleasant and well rounded personality.
Relaxed and affectionate these gentle cats are quite tolerant of other
pets and children.
