Over-all, the Manx is small and compact. The ears are pointed. The fur is silky and comes in all the usual colors.

Taillessness, incidentally, is an uncertain characteristic. Manx kittens occasionally are born with tiny, rudimentary tails — which seems to disturb them not at all.

There are also, as noted, some specialized or locally varying de luxe breeds which are difficult, if not unnecessary, to classify. The Maine Coon cat is one, a large long-hair once thought to be a cross between the Angora and raccoons. The Blues are often simply end points of breeding undertaken by breeders in different countries. There are even some not-entirely-but-almost Hairless cats. The types and color groupings listed above, however, are those best known in the United States. Check Pet Care for more info.