manxy@nwlink.com

Historic site at http://manxcatskittens.netfirms.com

2400 NW 80th St. Box 315
Seattle, WA 98117  206-789-8423
   revised June 12, 2003

Personality

The personality of a Manx varies. All cats are individuals. Generally Manx are very intelligent and more dog like in their behavior. They love to please and they are easily admonished. They love to fetch and go for walks. Manx are always interested in what you are doing. They have a deep curiosity and enjoy opening cupboards and doors. Their joyful playfulness and inventiveness may surprise you. Manx owner 's frequently views the back of a Manx's head. The Manx wants to "see" what you are doing. Manx also have an uncanny way of disappearing- even in mid stride-across the room. Then they materialize when you least expect it. Wizard, a kitten I owned, went to a new home. The new owner kept his name when he began practicing this disappearing act for her.

Health

A good diet is important for you cat. The ultimate diet for a kitten or cat has not been established. We can rely on the better quality cat foods such as I am, Science Diet, Natures Choice, Pro Choice, Nature’ Recipe or Nutra Nuggets. An alternative is to cook for your cats or a raw meat diet. I switch name brand foods and also cook beef heart or chicken, liver, rice and selected herbs for my cats and kittens. If you are interested in using a raw meat diet, raw meat needs to be handled with care. Anita Frazier books explain the best way to prepare raw meats for cats.. There are many views on nutrition. No view is guaranteed to give your kitten or cat perfect health. Since cats differ in body type there is a possibility that various cat types need various diets. Until more information is out, rely on high quality cat food, inoculate your cat(s) yearly and give them plenty of love.

In the Manx breed the tailless quality can involve problems with the spine, legs and digestive tract. This is called Manx Syndrome or spina benefit. The Manx must be free of these additional problems to make a good show cat or pet.

When you look for a healthy Manx cat or kitten you should check for a firm hind leg stance (no weak hind legs or cow hock legs), normal elimination, clean bottom, healthy coat, ears and eyes and no fleas or skin problems.

By three months of age any birth defects should be apparent. This is a good reason for waiting to adopt a Manx kitten. Younger kittens need playtime with their siblings and their mom to become socialized. The kitten will bond with you readily at three months or older.

Acquiring a Companion

If you are considering a Sansq Manx pet feel assured that the kitten has had the best care and attention a kitten could have. Your kitten has had its first and second shots to insure its immunity against four of the most prevalent cat diseases. I have taken care to make sure all kittens sold are healthy, free of fleas, other skin problems, and internal parasites. I socialize my kittens to people, dogs and other cats and kittens. They have had a long weaning period to insure their stability. I require a spay or neuter agreement. You must have your kitten spayed or neutered by 6 to 8 months. You may return the kitten within three days if you feel it is not in the best health or won’t work out in your household.

I will be glad to answer any questions you have about the kitten in the future so please feel free to call me at any time. If in the future you must find another home for your Manx please let me know, as I may be able to help you.

Kittens are available generally in July, September and November. Colors vary. I have had whites, blacks, brown tabby, orange or red tabbies, calico, tortoiseshell, and dilute colors such as blue (gray), cream (light orange) and dilute calicos and torties. I am also now working with silvers and smokes Males and females in litters are about 50/50. Either sex makes a good pet.

Judging

Cat shows are a great time to trade information and stories, to show off my cats and win a few ribbons. Manx have a special place in a show since only the absolute tailless (rumpy kitten or cat) can be shown in the Kitten, Champion or Premiere class. Since Manx are born with many tail lengths (riser, stumpy, longy) there are few kittens of show quality. So there are more nice kittens for pets. Most owners don’t mind a stumpy or half-tailed Manx, or a rumpy with not quite the right look for a show winner.

A registered purebred (a better name is pedigreed) cat only means that a cat’s ancestors has been documented for a least 3 generations as purebred (pedigree) of the same breed. There are some exceptions to this rule but it is generally held for Manx in most cat associations.

No cat posses all the qualities set down in the show standard and each judge may see different qualities and faults in a show cat.

Confirmation has changed over the years. Today’s show Manx look much different than it’s earlier counterpart. Today the Manx head and body are much rounder, and the legs shorter with a pronounced arch to the back.

Manx have a growth-to-maturity of at least two years. A show quality cat may not "shine" until it is older. Some great looking kittens never seem to develop into that great show cat and a funny looking kitten may grow into a show winner.

Examining a Manx at a show, the judge will want the cat or kitten to stand to make sure its legs are straight and are not weak. The judge also looks for overall health and condition. Clean shinny coats bright eyes and good show manners also are noted. Points are accumulated for conformation to the Standard of the particular Association.

History

Sansq Manx Cattery was created in 1983 out of my love for the Manx. My philosophy is to improve the Manx breed through careful breeding producing a cat with good health and great personality. I have received enthusiastic reports from owners of Sansq neutered kittens and cats. Wins in the Cat Fancy, internationally and locally have been added rewards.

I enjoy the education process especially. Since working with Manx I have learned a great deal about cats and the Manx in particular. I apply this knowledge and add more each day. Trading information with other cat breeders is also part of the fun. Computer bulletin boards have special areas for cat lovers to trade information. My E-mail address is Manxy@nwlink.com. I produce a newsletter occasionally. You can request a newsletter by calling me at 206-789-8423 or writing to the above E-mail address.