Cat's Name & Age:
Thom, age 13
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Physically strong, affectionate, intelligent and loyal. A cat w/ no tail.
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Very vocal, also prone to kidney problems, or other physical disorders.
When, Where and How I Got My Manx
I met a woman at a hospital I was visiting my dad in practically on a daily basis. I saw her almost every day for two weeks, and in that time I got to know a lot about her, and especially our love for animals. She let me know that her female just had kittens a couple weeks back, and the litter was all boys (she said this was rare; I wouldn't know lol), and that she needed to give some of the kittens good homes to live in. Right from the start, Thom was a joy to have!
I'd Describe My Cat As…
My cat acts more like a dog, than a cat, IMHO! It's funny b/c I'm not the only person who thinks that way. He'll sleep with my husband and me during the night. Whenever I wake up is when he gets up. If I head downstairs, that's where Thom is headed also! lol. He follows me into the kitchen, living room, etc. The only room he never follows me into is the bathroom, go figure. And speaking of the bathroom, what is it, about cats and water... Either they're completely terrified of H2o, or you'd think they're having a love affair with their hydrating liquid!
My cat, IMO, is very sensitive to any member of the family who just so happens to feel "under the weather." Thom seems to gravitate to those who are sick, and perhaps have a fever, or a virus. Either way, this cat is a loyal cat who won't leave a sick person, until they start feeling better... And how Thom knows when that particular person is feeling better, is beyond me! It's just like he knows... Also, he's a pure black cat, with the most beautiful and captivating greenish/yellowish eyes that just pierce your soul!
I thank God often, for putting Thom in my life, at a time when I really felt like I needed someone or something. Thom purrs so loud it sounds like a buzz saw! lol.. But, he's so soothing and relaxing...
If you've seen a Manx, you'd know that their biggest appearance second take is the fact that they don't have a tail - or at best, a tail as long as an inch or two. My cat, Thom has a tiny, little stump for a tail. I've become so used to it that I don't notice it anymore, but when someone new sees him, that's usually the first question!!
Advice
- It's very important to introduce your kitten to his/her veterinarian. Make sure your kitten/cat is up-to-date, at all times, with their innoculations (shots). There are a number of them - rabies, distemper. Then there's the optional - feline aids and feline leukemia, I believe it is. I know there's a shot for it, b/c Thom got it.
- IMO, I think it's important for the pet community to get your cat spayed or neutered. It's not only humane, but in the long run, your cat will be happier.
- Manx cats, usually the neutered male, will have a tendancy to gain a lot of weight. Just keep an eye on his food intake.
