Longevity
Life expectancy
When it is well raised, well fed and regularly monitored, the Manx can live a long time. Its longevity is often between 15 and 20 years, with a good quality of life if its weight is well controlled and if any disorders linked to its mutation are detected early.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Manx has good overall robustness and often leads a healthy life. This sturdiness must not make one forget the specific risk associated with the mutation responsible for its lack of a tail, which requires particular attention to the selection and growth of kittens.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance focuses mainly on the spine, neurological development and certain digestive or locomotor disorders that may be associated with Manx syndrome. Rigorous breeding and regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
Manx syndrome: The mutation responsible for the absence of a tail may be accompanied in some individuals by vertebral malformations, neurological, digestive or locomotor disorders.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double coat offers it adequate protection against the cold, but like any pet cat it must live in a temperate and safe environment. In hot weather, it must be able to rest in peace and have fresh water available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Manx can gain weight if it is overfed or not stimulated enough. A ration adapted to its age, its activity and its physical condition, combined with daily play, helps prevent overweight.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Choose a breeder attentive to the risk of Manx syndrome
- Have growth and mobility monitored by a veterinarian
- Consult promptly in case of persistent locomotor or digestive disorder
Vaccination
Manx vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Manx need? Like all cats, Manxs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Manx vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Manx booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Manx need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Manx
Before adoption, it is preferable to find out about the monitoring of breeding cats and the absence of abnormalities linked to Manx syndrome. Then, regular veterinary check-ups help monitor growth, mobility and overall condition.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
