We also offer our MewsLetter service that will send you an email announcing new arrivals.

I have noticed that sometimes I will get a blank notice for subscribing to the MewsLetter....there is no way for me to track that person to tell them it was blank....so if you subscribe and do not get a confirmation email....repeat the process, we would hate to miss you!

I sometimes have phone service interruption & prefer you to contact me with emails. That way, you are in my system & we can exchange information.

If you are a fancier of the Manx and want to know about our Manx, email us with your ideas. We can get to know one another with emails, phone calls, & photos. We encourage you to visit our home & see the Manx we have. If you want to have us "hold" a certain Manx kitten for you until it is ready to leave its mom, we can accept a deposit to hold that Manx kitten.

Your deposit can be transferred to another kitten if we agree that a different kitten would be better for you [or a kitten decides for you].

If you do not live on the West coast and hesitate to fly-in for one of our Manx kittens, I can recommend Manx breeders in other states, I trust, to help you find your Manx.

A reputable breeder requires that pet-quality animals be spayed or neutered before they go to their new homes. Be very wary of breeders who do not mention altering.
A reputable breeder requires a contract, these can vary, but spells out the rights of both the seller and buyer, health information, altering and buy-back/return policy.
A reputable breeder shows a great interest in, love for and knowledge about the breed. He or she cares about placing their kittens in good homes and will interview potential buyers thoroughly, ask for references and refuse to sell a kitten if necessary. Be wary of a breeder that is eager to get rid of their kittens.
A reputable breeder is actively involved in the cat fancy, including showing or breed clubs. A person who is not involved with others in the breed can be suspect.
A reputable breeder guarantees a kitten's general health for a certain period of time. While no one can guarantee against inheritable diseases, a reputable breeder is well-informed about genetic problems in their breed and bloodlines, routinely has cats/kittens tested for problems and passes this information along to buyers. Beware of breeders who scoff at genetic testing and say their particular breed/line is problem-free.
The environment, (raised "underfoot" in the home) in which the Manx are kept should be clean and well-maintained. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS ON THIS!
A reputable breeder is willing to provide answers to questions you may have and is willing to provide names of others who have their Manx.
A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the kitten's parents if available and, if the father isn't available, be willing to show pictures.
A reputable breeder follows up on placements. He or she is interested in how the Manx develop physically and mentally, difficulties in the owner/cat relationship and health problems.
A reputable breeder rarely has more than one or two litters a year.

• A Reputable Breeder
• NEVER Sells to a Pet Shop
• NEVER Offers Manx For Auction
• NEVER Sells at Flea Markets

It isn't just a case of pulling the claws out - which would be painful and distressing enough. A cat's claw is closely adhered to the bone, and to remove the claw, the last joint in your cat's toes also has to be removed - it's basically an amputation of the end of each toe.

It's very painful surgery and has a long painful recovery period.

The Cat’s Claws
Unlike most mammals who walk on the soles of the paws or feet, cats are digitigrade, which means they walk on their toes. Their back, shoulder, paw and leg joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves are naturally designed to support and distribute the cat's weight across its toes as it walks, runs and climbs. A cat's claws are used for balance, for exercising, and for stretching the muscles in their legs, back, shoulders, and paws. They stretch these muscles by digging their claws into a surface and pulling back against their own clawhold - similar to isometric exercising for humans. This is the only way a cat can exercise, stretch and tone the muscles of its back and shoulders. The toes help the foot meet the ground at a precise angle to keep the leg, shoulder and back muscles and joints in proper alignment. Removal of the last digits of the toes drastically alters the conformation of their feet and causes the feet to meet the ground at an unnatural angle that can cause back pain similar to that in humans caused by wearing improper shoes.

Understanding Declawing (Onychectomy)
The anatomy of the feline claw must be understood before one can appreciate the severity of declawing. The cat's claw is not a nail as is a human fingernail, it is part of the last bone (distal phalanx) in the cat's toe. The cat’s claw arises from the unguicular crest and unguicular process in the distal phalanx of the paw (see above diagram). Most of the germinal cells that produce the claw are situated in the dorsal aspect of the ungual crest. This region must be removed completely, or regrowth of a vestigial claw and abcessation results. The only way to be sure all of the germinal cells are removed is to amputate the entire distal phalanx at the joint.

Contrary to most people's understanding, declawing consists of amputating not just the claws, but the whole phalanx (up to the joint), including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons must all be amputated. Thus declawing is not a “simple”, single surgery but 10 separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last joint of each finger.

Many vets and clinic staff deliberately misinform and mislead clients into believing that declawing removes only the claws in the hopes that clients are left with the impression that the procedure is a "minor" surgery comparable to spay/neuter procedures and certainly doesn't involve amputation (partial or complete) of the terminal-toe bone, ligaments and tendons. Some vets rationalize the above description by saying that since the claw and the third phalanx (terminal toe bone) are so firmly connected, they simply use the expression "the claw" to make it simpler for clients to "understand". Other vets are somewhat more honest and state that if they used the word "amputation", most clients would not have the surgery performed! Onychectomy in the clinical definition involves either the partial or total amputation of the terminal bone. That is the only method. What differs from vet to vet is the type of cutting tool used (guillotine-type cutter, scalpel or laser).

Onychectomy (Declawing) Surgery
The below is a clinical description of the the declawing surgery taken from a leading veterinary surgical textbbook. Contrary to
misleading information, declawing is not a "minor" surgery comparable to spaying and neutering procedures, it is 10, seperate, painful amputations of the distal phalanx at the joint (disjointing).

"The claw is extended by pushing up under the footpad or by grasping it with Allis tissue forceps. A scalpel blade is used to
sharply dissect between the second and third phalanx over the top of the ungual crest . The distal interphalangeal joint is
disarticulated (disjointed), and the deep digital flexor tendon is incised (severed). The digital footpad, is not incised. If a nail
trimmer is used, the ring of the instrument is placed in the groove between the second phalanx and the ungual crest. The blade
is positioned just in front of the footpad. The blade is pushed through the soft tissues over the flexor process. With the ring of
the nail trimmer in position behind the ungual crest, the blade is released just slightly so that traction applied to the claw causes
the flexor process to slip out and above the blade. At this point, the flexor tendon can be incised and disarticulation of the joint
(disjointing) completed. Both techniques effectively remove the entire third phalanx." (Excerpted from: Slatter D; Textbook of Small Animal Surgery 2nd ed vol I, p.352 W.B. Saunders Company Philadelphia.)

Complications
Declawing is not without complication. The rate of complication is relatively high compared with other so-called routine procedures. Complications of this amputation can be excruciating pain, damage to the radial nerve, hemorrhage, bone chips that prevent healing, painful regrowth of deformed claw inside of the paw which is not visible to the eye, and chronic back and joint pain as shoulder, leg and back muscles weaken.

Other complications include postoperative hemorrhage, either immediate or following bandage removal is a fairly frequent occurrence, paw ischemia, lameness due to wound infection or footpad laceration, exposure necrosis of the second phalanx, and abscess associated with retention of portions of the third phalanx. Abscess due to regrowth must be treated by surgical removal of the remnant of the third phalanx and wound debridement. During amputation of the distal phalanx, the bone may shatter and cause what is called a sequestrum, which serves as a focus for infection, causing continuous drainage from the toe. This necessitates a second anesthesia and surgery. Abnormal growth of severed nerve ends can also occur, causing long-term, painful sensations in the toes. Infection will occasionally occur when all precautions have been taken.

"Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing."
Christianne Schelling, DVM

"General anesthesia is used for this surgery, which always has a certain degree of risk of disability or death associated with it. Because declawing provides no medical benefits to cats, even slight risk can be considered unacceptable. In addition, the recovery from declawing can be painful and lengthy and may involve postoperative complications such as infections, hemorrhage, and nail regrowth. The latter may subject the cat to additional surgery." The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR)

Two recent studies published in peer-reviewed veterinary journals (Vet Surg 1994 Jul-Aug;23(4):274-80) concluded “Fifty percent of the cats had one or more complications immediately after surgery.... 19.8% developed complications after release.” Another study (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998 Aug 1;213(3):370-3) comparing the complications of declawing with Tenectomy concluded “Owners should be aware of the high complication rate for both procedures." Many cats also suffer a loss of balance because they can no longer achieve a secure foothold on their amputated stumps.
diagram:

"He is your solace, your partner, your spiritual guide
You are his life, his love, his everything.
Through many lifetimes,
He will always be yours, always faithful, always true,
beyond the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him, to be worthy of such devotion."
~Author Unknown [modified]~

• In general, Manx are healthy & robust.
• There are some Manx Myths and Legends that have been passed around, written down, even published that have been accepted as fact. It is up to every Manx fancier to “do the work” to educate themselves about the TRUTH. For more information see our Myths and Legends section.

• When choosing your Manx, make sure you visit the home or cattery to examine the Manx in their environment. You want to find that the adults & kittens are kept in clean & healthy surroundings. It is mandatory that the cats & kittens have clean clear eyes, noses, ears & butts. They must be walking, jumping & running with all four legs moving normally. They should have glossy coats without signs of flea dirt. You are looking for a healthy, happy, & very athletic kitten. Do not accept excuses for anything less. Never rescue a “poor” kitten.

All of ZNoTailz kittens are valued the same, no matter their future adventures. ZNoTailz wouldn't offer a kitten that wasn't a happy, healthy robust example of Manx whether it is going to be shown to Grand awards or taken as a "Grand-Family-Member" to fill a home with love & laughter.

We have been blessed to know accomplished Manx breeders who share their very best Manx with us. We have committed ourselves to learning from them and to continue the preservation & promotion of the finest Purebred Registered Manx.

And just for you, CFA has designed a web site & yahoogroups mail list & Blog that has everything you ever wanted to know about showing your cat. here is the website:
Showing cats isn't just a hobby - it's a mindset and (often) a way of life. Having a positive show experience doesn't just happen; it takes thought, planning, and a lot of consideration. Maintaining a balanced and positve outlook and doing your homework will go a long way in keeping the showhall a fun place to be.

Finally, CFA also created a YahooGroup mail list just for "NewBees" - a place where they can ask questions that haven't been covered here and have them answered by experienced showhands.

Showing sometimes leads Manx enthusiasts to become interested in breeding Manx. If you think you want to breed Manx so you can make money from the kitten sales, forget it – this is an expensive hobby that requires sponsorship, commitment & passion. Often breeders will suggest that you jump-start your education about the breed by showing an altered Manx. For the breeder, showing Manx is a big part of breeding them. It is in the show ring where you get the feedback on how you are progressing. It is in the show hall that you make the friends that will help you and encourage you along the way.

Reputable breeders are dedicated to the protection of the Manx breed. They are very diligent when allowing any of their Manx to be sold for breeding, which is always in Partnership and with a contract. When they consider selling you a Manx, it is a sign that you have gained their respect. Please remember that you are not dealing with just one person. You are dealing with the many who came before them and who carefully bred and protected the breed. Find a breeder you like. Earn their trust and trust their judgments. Educate yourself about the many aspects of the Manx. You’ll discover that just when you think you know it all, you will learn something new.

The goal is to set down an agreement in writing that states the expectations & assurances of both parties in the interests of the cat or kitten.

We are so proud of our Manx and want them to have full, happy & healthy lives with someone who will make a full commitment to them.

("special thanks to Iris Anne Hirsch,
for sharing Kalei's picture.'')

All purebred Manx ARE Manx regardless of their tail status. In any one litter you may find kittens with or without tails.

Manx can fall into any one of the following categories:

• rumpys - No tail naturally
• rumpy risers - Only one vertebra [either movable or stationary]
• stubbies - Short tail naturally.
• tailed - Full tail.
• docked - docked – tails shortened to one or two vertebra

We use all of these Manx in our breeding as long as their health & conformation reflect the Manx Standard. However, the Show Manx are naturally tailless, or have a natural riser that does not impede the judge's hand as s/he runs it over the length of the cat.

We feel that the tail, or lack of, is the least important characteristic of the Manx. The best characteristics are often reminders of a "puppy" because Manx are loyal to their family [sometimes picking their favorite member] & their tremendous love of play.

Our Manx will look for ways to get you to play with them. They will bring you gifts of their toys or untie your shoe strings to get your attention. Little girl's ponytails are meant to be a source of fun. Brown paper sacks are great places to hide while waiting for some unsuspecting ankle to pass by. There are no books or papers that you read that do not get inspected by their curious little paws. And when you sit down, your lap is their favorite place to view the world. However, it is their loud purring & "happy feet” that will replace your stress with bliss.

Other traits that delight us about Manx:

• Most of them like water and some even swim
• Most will learn their name and come when called
• Learning to fetch comes quickly to most Manx
• They always know when it is breakfast & dinner time <grin>

We are committed to finding the right homes for our retirees, so we discount these beauties to their new owners. For just the cost of the altering & vetting & transportation, you may find the love of your life.

• OVER THE YEARS, THIRTEEN RETIRED, ALTERED, MANX HAVE FOUND WONDERFUL NEW HOMES:

There have been many Manx breeders who, down through the years, have kept records of breeding only Manx to Manx; that is what we refer to as "Purebred Manx”.

The documentation of this pure breeding is the "Pedigree" which lists the generations of ancestors. There are several Feline Breed Organizations/Registries that accept the pedigree of the purebred Manx to be "Registered" with them. And it is possible to have a Pedigreed Manx that is registered with all the Registries.

ZNoTailz "Registers" our Purebred Pedigreed Manx with the Cat Fanciers Association [CFA], which is the most comprehensive & largest Feline Registry in the world.

Other Associations of Acceptance:
American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE)
American Cat Association (ACA)
American Cat Fancier's Association (ACFA)
Canadian Cat Association (CCA)
Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
Cat Fanciers' Federation (CFF)
The International Cat Association (TICA)
United Feline Organization (UFO)

It is a beautiful weekend drive up Hwy 101 to San Luis Obispo County from either the North or the South.

In the Springtime there are abundant wildflowers in the fields around the county:
In the fall there is the grape harvest in the fields around the wineries:

Regarding delivery, when the kittens are ready to leave their moms, there is the possibility that we could arrange to meet you at one of our shows to deliver your Manx to you; that way you can see ZNoTailz Show Manx in action when you pick up your Manx.

If you are located at a great distance, we suggest that you find a "special" airfare for yourself; it will only cost a bit more for the cat's fare. Fly out to visit us when your Manx is ready to leave for its new home. We have a guest room & can provide transportation to & from our airport. You can take your new Manx home in a carrier placed in the cabin with you for the safety & comfort of your new baby.
...........................................................................................

How can I be prepared for a poison emergency?

Also here is the number for ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435.
And for more information:

Sometimes they are neither Registered nor Purebred Manx.
And sometimes they are not Manx at all.
The incomplete dominant gene that shortens the tail can be found in feral colonies & randomly bred domestic cats. These are erroneously called “manx" because the tail is short or missing, but are “domestic tailless cats.”

There are Veterinarians & Shelter Staff that place "designer labels" on cats -to make them more desirable to the public looking for their new buddy. Hence, if they find a cat without a tail, they call it a manx. This happens with other breeds as well. For example, large, long haired cats are often, but erroneously, labeled "Main Coon" while cats that have color points are often, and again erroneously, labeled "Siamese.”

As far as this goes, I am in favor of every healthy cat getting a new start on life in a kind, caring, loving home [whatever their "fancy-labeling"].
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO FIND A HOME FOR THE PET:

IF YOU ARE AN OWNER LOOKING TO REHOME YOUR CAT
NOTE: Please do NOT turn to Shelter or Rescue for a "quick fix" for your cat unless there is absolutely no other choice.
If you bought your cat from a breeder, contact them to ask if they will take the cat back or help you rehome the cat. Sometimes they have a waiting list for their breed.

BASIC SUGGESTIONS FOR PLACING YOUR CAT:

• S/N [alter] your pet if not already spayed or neutered.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations
• Wash and groom your pet before taking pictures or showing your pet to potential adopters
• In addition to your cat's record, you may also want to provide addresses of your cat's usual groomer, veterinarian and a picture of your cat.

• veterinary history,
• favorite treat,
• what food the cat is used to eating,
• what litter the cat is used to using and
• what sort of litterbox.

PREPARING FLYERS:
You can make a flyer here:.

• Describe the appearance, size, and age of the animal.
• Describe his/her nature and appealing qualities.
• Include the pet's name
• State that the pet is spayed or neutered.
• Define any limitations, e.g.
• not good with cats/small children/ other dogs/other cats.
• Use a good photograph. Color is best. Copy places like Kinko's can help with these.
• Be sure to put in your phone number, and time you can be reached.

ADVERTISING YOUR PET:

• Advertise your cat and charge a nominal fee (do not offer for free as it attracts undersirable interest from those who may not value your pet
• Make flyers which display your cat's photo and put your contact information on it. *Ask your vet to post it in his/her office.
• Put them up at work.
• Ask to post them at the local pet stores and food markets.
• Post them at your church.
• Post them on community bulletin boards.
• Give them to your friends and family and ask that they post them where ever they can.
• Post them at the local grooming establishments.
• Put an ad in your local newspaper - charge a minimal fee to discourage those who would sell to research laboratories

SCREEN ALL POTENTIAL OWNERS:

• Ask about their experience grooming a Longhair and clipping nails.
• Ask how much time they are at home and what arrangements they make for a pet when they are away or ill.
• Ask if they have ever declawed a cat.
• Ask if they ever allow their cats outside.
• Ask to for their permission to speak directly to their vet about their history with animals,
• including how up to date the animals are on vaccines,
• how diligent they are about maintenance issues like teeth cleaning, and
• under what conditions they have euthanized pets, if ever.
• Ask if they have ever brought an animal to a shelter to relinquish the cat.
• Find out what other animals they have and have had and what experience they have with grooming.
• Find out if any people in the household have allergies.
• Ask if they will allow you to visit their home before you place the cat there.
• Ask if they have arrangements in place for someone to care for the cat should they become ill, are hospitalized, or die.