Manx Cat Myths, Legends and Lore

Manx cat myths have been repeated time and time again throughout the ages. This feline has been the subject of myth and folklore for a very long time. To learn more about the modern examples of this breed, visit my breed profile on the Manx cat . But for now, Lets look at some of the myths surrounding this "rumpie" cat.

The oldest of the Manx folklore harks all the way back to the story of Noah and the ark. In that lore, the cat was last to board the ark,and begged forgiveness, saying she would pay her way by mousing. Granted permission to board, she slowly sauntered aboard, as cats like to do, and wasn't quite fast enough. The hatch came down and severed her tail, creating the now tail-less Manx.

While generally the Manx cat is thought of a the "Tail-less" cat, these cats can be born with a full tail, partial tail or no tail at all! While only the tail-less or partly tailed are usually accepted for show, all have the same loving and friendly personality and all make excellent pets.

Legends from the Isle of Man are playful and have bits of Celtic lore woven into them. For instance, the Manx was notorious for sneaking back into the house after having been put out for the night.

According to legend, the bob-tailed feline had so charmed “The Little People” with beauty and sweet personality that they would happily give assistance in many ways, not the least of which was gaining re-entry into the house. The Manx was also known as King of the Cats.

As to where the Manx actually hails from, there are many opinions. Of all the myths concerning their origins, one seems to be the most consistent. This myth comes from ancient stories told on the Isle of Man.

It is said that, in the 18th century, two Spanish galleons wrecked and sunk near the Isle of Man, losing virtually all of the crew and contents of the ship. However, the ships mousers, reputedly all “rumpie cats” were seen making a desperate and thankfully successful swim for shore, to later start the first Manx colony there.

The Manx has the story about the Spanish galleons to support the Isle of Man as it’s origin, but that may not be the only place these tail-less beauties lived long and prospered.

It is thought that Ponce de Leon may have brought the Manx to the Gulf Coast of Florida. There is evidence that Ponce de Leon left both pigs and Manx cats on the Florida Coast, and strangely enough, there are feral pigs and feral Manx colonies still living on the coast and coastal islands to this very day.

Back from Manx Cat Myths to Cat Mythology

Back to Home Page