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Secrets of the Manx cat revealed

Feline genome project a purr-fect success

A team of scientists believe they're one step closer to unraveling the secret of the Island's best known furry friends.

The Manx cat genome project is attempting to find out why our nation's felines have evolved without a tail, and why a variation exists between the 'rumpy', 'stumpy' and 'longy' sub-breeds.

Its leaders now believe they've pinpointed the exact DNA mutation which causes the distinctive feature - in the blood of a local cat called Bonnag.

Head scientist Rachel Glover explains how the project could be of practical benefit:

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