My father passed 8 years ago on the 4th of August. Needless to say. it will be like so many other days, a day of loss. Just before dawn the other night, there was the hint of a thunderstorm. Not big. Just a rumble in the sky and some distant lightning.
Mum ( Redhead) lay snuggled in bed with her male manx cat and he purred and asked for a reassuring rub on his belly and a kiss. A nudge from his head to remind her that he was there.
It took me back to the days when Dad used to say to wake up in the early hours and ask Redhead " Would you like a cup of tea? " and they would sit together and chat and enjoy the dawn hours together, with a nice cup of tea.
If you're a cat lover, then you've probably heard of the Manx cat, a breed that hails from the Isle of Man. This superb feline of fantastical origins has captured the hearts of cat lovers around the world with its unique appearance and playful personality. But there's more to the Manx cat than meets the eye.
Redhead also known as Mum or " she who should be obeyed ", has two Manx cats and they are firm and beloved friends and members of her household. Having been married to a Manx man for 65 years, she has given haven to two dear cats who share the DNA of the Isle of Man.
As Redhead says:
The Manx cat is a tailless breed that originated on the Isle of Man, a small island nation located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The breed has been around for centuries, and its exact origins are shrouded in mystery.
According to one legend, the Manx cat is the result of a mating between a cat and a rabbit. While this might seem unlikely, it's not entirely impossible.
Another theory is that the Manx cat is descended from cats brought to the island by Viking settlers.
For myself, I rather like the idea that the manx cats were so busy hunting and being full of mischief that they were late to board Noah's Ark and had their tails lopped off when Noah slammed the door and said " Last one in is a manx cat. "
Regardless of its origins, the Manx cat has become an important symbol of the Isle of Man's heritage. The breed's taillessness is unique and has made it instantly recognisable.
Redhead has a Manx flag flying outside her home that reminds them of their historic origin.
The Manx cat's unique appearance is not the only thing that sets it apart from other cat breeds. The Manx cat is known for its friendly and playful personality. They are curious, intelligent, and love to play, making them an excellent choice for families with children. Manx cats are also very affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are social cats that love to be around people and other pets.
Unless, of course, you are Redhead's Manx babies. They withdraw their presence when visitors arrive - they seem only to share their personalities with their mother. Perhaps it is because of their troubled kittenhood in an unscrupulous breeders so-called care? No matter. They have found a very cosy niche at a certain beachside home in Australia's sunny Queensland and now have a willing servant to cater to their every need.
In addition to their playful personalities, Manx cats are also known for their hunting abilities. These cats are natural hunters and are skilled at catching mice and other small animals. Their hunting instincts are so strong that they have been known to hunt even when they are well-fed. This makes them great outdoor cats, but they also make wonderful indoor companions.
Now, before anyone gets antsy pantsy, these two feline manxies are surrounded by tall fences and never venture out from their safe haven. Even the Manx flag flies over their playground to let them know that they may slumber in the warm Queensland sunshine and birds are safe to fly overhead. But woe betide the locust or grasshopper who happens upon their path.
Another interesting fact about the Manx cat is that some members of the breed have a genetic mutation that causes them to have short back legs.
Despite their popularity, Manx cats are still relatively rare compared to other breeds. This is partly due to their unique appearance, which can be a turn-off for some cat lovers. After all, a cat tail swish is somehow part of the feline femme fatale.
If you serve a Manx Cat, it is harder to read their moods.
However, for those who appreciate their quirky personalities and fascinating history, the Manx cat is a beloved companion and Redhead can attest to the fact.
When she wakes at 3 am or, when they let her have a sleep-in, a bit later, they demand her attention.
Yet I have to wonder.
Is their lack of a tail problem for them? After all, they seem to get their message across quite well without one.
For us, the Manx cat is just as much a cat as any other cat. even though it might be part rabbit.
Or part Viking.
Or a survivor of Noah's Ark.
No matter what, all cats have a voice and that, my friends, is much older than any voice from the Dreamtime being promoted by our governments. It comes from the Vikings and the heritage that we have where we came from; far-off places and long-lost shores.
Just because we have lost our tails does not mean we can't swish it with our hearts and souls.
I say, swish your tail, even though it was cut off during Covid. Let the buggers know that we are angry and we are like the Manx cats.
No matter which way we fall, we shall stand. Even when our tail is cut off.
The Latin motto, "Quocunque Jeceris Stabit", meaning "Whichever way you throw, it will stand", is a later addition to the Manx Three Legs and the earliest use of the motto appears to be on Manx coinage of 1668.
So where is the fairy tale in this story of furry friends, you may ask.
Well, I suppose it is in the connection between a 91 year old woman and a pair of furry friends who keep her on her toes, up at the crack of dawn and demand her love. In return, she gains their love, devotion and attention. She might be missing out on her cup of tea, but she drinks from the cup of love in abundance.
Much like her marriage really. Yes, it is like a fairy story. And it still lives on, every day, through the love of her manx cats. Just like her love for her beloved Manx Man.
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