Buying A Kitten
Manx Breeders are few and far between in Australia. This is because Manx is a breed one needs to be dedicated to. The rules for buying a Manx or Cymric kitten are much the same commonsense rules yu should apply to the choosing or any kitten (or puppy). So the following paragraphs apply across the board:
COST: Pedigree kittens from registered breeders will generally cost the potential owner AUD$150 to AUD$800, depending on the breed, the breeder and what quality kitten you are buying– pet, show or breeding – and whether or not the kitten is already desexed.
CONTRACTS: Some breeders will ask you to enter a contract, which is designed to look after your interests as well as theirs. This will usually be along the lines of a requirement to de-sex your pet cat, or adhere to certain conditions if purchasing for breeding.
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DESEXING: Some breeders practice early desexing when the kitten is about 12 weeks old, and this additional cost is figured into the price of the kitten.
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VIEWING: If you want a good quality animal, the best thing to do is to go and see the breeder in person, or send along a reliable proxy. Check out the parents and see if they fit your idea of what you would like in your pet. Pick your own kitten if you have a choice – but breeders often have waiting lists and you might have to rely on the breeder to recommend your kitten.
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TEMPERAMENT: Look for even-tempered, people-friendly parents, outgoing kittens, clean and comfortable conditions, sensitive and knowledgeable breeders.
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HEALTH & SOUNDNESS: Check the kitten for structural soundness – watch it at play and see if it moves normally. Don’t choose a kitten that strikes you as odd-looking, with problems like flat chest, protruding sternum, wheezing or sniffling, bad conformation in hips and legs, a 'trick' or 'limp' in the walk or run, etc. Don't choose any kitten with weepy eyes, patchy "moth-eaten" looking coat or dry, scaly skin. They should have clear eyes and clean ears and no fleas. In particular, a Manx or Cymric kitten should have good, strong, sturdy legs and body. Always compare the way the tailless kittens move with their tailed littermates. They should toilet normally. Their coat should be thick and plushy, though dense on the face and legs.
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SHOW QUALITY: Check pedigrees for winning ancestors if you are looking for a show cat, and know the standard for the breed you intend to buy. If you can’t be there, ask for copies of pedigrees and/or photos of the parents.
When you have your kitten, you have the happy misfortune of having to choose a name! Perhaps you might like to select from the main menu to browse lists of interesting names you can choose from, including some Manx and Welsh names with meanings, and lots of uniquely Australian names and words.