The Manx is a tailless cat, with only a hollow to indicate where the tail would fit if it existed. A popular nickname is "Rumpy." A litter occasionally contains kittens with tails several inches long. These cats are referred to as "Stumpies."

The origin of the Manx is obscure. It is conjectured that it arose as a mutant from cats living on the Isle of Man. The tailless condition was evidently dominant, as are most mutations, and so it persisted in the island's isolation until tailed cats were excluded. The breeding of Manx cats on the Isle of Man is a profitable business today.

The Manx stirs up conversation because of its many rabbit-like 70 features. Some people are convinced, in fact, that the Manx is a cross between a rabbit and a cat. This is not possible, of course, but some of the features are startlingly comparable. Because the Manx's hind legs are considerably larger and more powerful than its front legs, it has a rabbit-like appearance. It tends to hop like a rabbit, is a high jumper, and can run fast. It occurs in all colors and mixtures; the fur is soft and dense, much like a rabbit's. The Manx has a large head in comparison to the size of its body, and its medium-sized, wide-spaced ears have pointed tips.

The unusual features of the Manx make it much in demand as a pet. Owners soon learn, however, to love their animals as a soft-voiced, affectionate, and intelligent companion.