How Much Do Manx Kittens Cost?
The Manx kitten is known for having a stub as a tail or having no tail at all. In fact, it’s the only breed bred to have no tail whatsoever. This is characterized by a naturally mutating spine which makes this cat very unique. Manx cats usually live in warmer climates and are said to be skilled hunters, often used by farmers to drive out rodents.
How much do Manx kittens cost?
On average, the cost of one will depend on its age, quality, the tail, colors, the breeder and the geographical location. The average price for Manx kittens can range from $150 to $500. High-quality cats, usually those that have no tail or a bone slight protruding where the tail usually is, will demand the most money.
Hoobly.com, an online classified website, has breeder listings ranging from as little as $30 for an adult cat to more than $500.
What is going to be included in the adoption fee?
Most reputable breeders and rescue groups will include any necessary paperwork, all up-to-date vaccinations and most, as long as they won’t be bred, will be either spayed or neutered. Some breeders or rescue groups may send you home with a special start-up kit such as food, toys or litter. If the cat is CFA registered, this paperwork should be included as well.
Kittens should be able to go home when they are 8 to 12 weeks old, depending on the breeder’s policy. Experts recommend you wait until the four-month mark because this is the time when the Manx Syndrome will be present and you will know what you’re getting yourself into.
What are the extra costs?
Local licensing fees, depending on your local city/county ordinances, can cost $8 to $30 per year.
Recurring basic cat necessities such as cat litter, water bowls, food and routine vet visits always need to be budgeted in. Plan on spending at least $20 to $30 per month on cat litter and food alone. This won’t include routine and/or surprise vet visits. A high-quality “growth formula” blended cat food is recommended for a well-balanced diet.
If the breeder has to ship the cat to you, an airline can charge anywhere from $150 to $300.
Tips to know
The cat can weigh eight to 12 pounds, maturing at four to five years old.
Known to be a “watch cat” in the past, to this day, it still hasn’t lost its urge to hunt. These cats are known to growl at anything that threatens them and even may attack at an unknown sound. If the cat isn’t protecting its family, it’s more than willing to hunt mice or rodents.
The cat is known for its round head, large eyes and powerful broad check with a shorter back. Many cat owners have called their Manx a “cabbit” since it closely resembles a rabbit’s body color and size.
Common colors include solids, tabbies, calicos and tortoiseshells. Other colors may include black, orange and gray.
As noted above, some breeds may have a tail, while others may be tailless. Cats that have a normal tail will be referred to as a “longie,” while a cat that has a short tail will be referred to as a “stumpy.” A cat with no tail will be referred to as a “rumpy” and one with a bone slightly rising where the tail should be will be called a “riser.” The tail differences are due to the Manx gene in the cat, which can cause these deformities and tail sizes.
Its temperament is known to be mellow, affectionate and enjoys a peaceful environment. Compared to most cats, it can be considered more active.
The lifespan ranges from 12 to 14 years.
These cats are said to date as far back as the early 1700s, but how this cat came about is truly unknown. Found on an island, it was quickly dubbed as the Manx island, hence, how the cat got its name.
The Manx is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association.
Because of its island ancestry, these cats love to play in the water.
Known to be highly people-oriented, the Manx loves people, both those he or she knows or doesn’t know.
Common health conditions this breed is prone to may include arthritis, corneal dystrophy, or Manx syndrome, a birth defect where the spine is too short and/or problems with the urinary tract. This syndrome is known to affect 20 percent and will show up when a kitten is four to five months old.
A Manx will either have a short double coat or a longhaired double coat. Regardless of the coat, it will require a simple brushing weekly to prevent the dead hair from building up.
It’s imperative you brush your cat’s teeth every week to prevent periodontal disease.
If introduced early, the cat can blend well with both children and dogs, but will always want a settled environment.
The litter is often small, sometimes only three, four or five are born at a time.
Unlike most cats, these cats love to ride in cars and actually know quite a few tricks such as playing fetch.
How can I save money?
Ask questions and interview a few breeders to find one who meets your requirements. Remember to focus on the quality and what the breeder does, not the price.
Consider a local rescue group that focuses on Manx cats. For example, the Tailless Cat Rescue in North Carolina helps adopt Manx cats.
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