A large number of the kittens  raised in the U.S. are raised by people who NEVER have another litter. Relatively few of these people are well informed, prepared for the experience and do a good job. They don't usually stand behind their kittens. Very few are equipped to take adequate care of all their kittens until they can be placed in good homes, regardless of how long that takes. Another LARGE PERCENTAGE of kittens are raised by "Kitten mills" that sell numerous litters of many breeds, or sell to retailers for resale. A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER NEVER SELLS TO PET SHOPS!!!

That leaves relatively small percentages of kittens being raised by experienced people who are dedicated to one or two breeds and raising kittens  for reasons other than maximum profit. Not all of these breeders are knowledgeable and conscientious.

How Do You Identify An Experienced and Conscientious Breeder?

1. When you inquire about a Manx, the breeder will interview you. You know they will not sell you a Manx kitten simply because you want one and have the money to pay for one. They want to know that you can house and raise their Manx appropriately and that their kitten will have one "For Ever Home".
2. You will talk to and buy the Manx from the breeder who raised the litter and owns or co-owns the mother. Conscientious breeders don't trust other people to screen new homes for them and would NEVER offer a Manx as a prize or for an auction. Their Manx kittens don't cost any more because there is no "middleman". All kittens will have had all of their Vaccinations.
3. The breeder will know the ancestry of the kittens, not just Parents, but Grandparents, Great Grand Parents, etc. Not just titled and colors, but strong points and weak points of personality and structure.
4. The breeder will tell you what genetic screening is necessary for the Manx, and will be willing to discuss problems.
5. You won't see multiple litters of multiple breeds. One to three breeds is typical and one to five litters a year TOTAL is typical. You will see evidence (photos, books, awards) of long term interest and activity in the Manx breed. The kittens environment will be clean with ample room for exercise, and socializing. 
6. The kittens will not have been separated from their mother and littermates at less than 14 weeks of age. Many breeders consider 14 weeks ideal, some wait until the Manx kitten is 16 weeks or older. 
7. All things discussed and implied will be written down in a contract. The breeder will be there to help and advise you throughout the life of your Manx. The breeders will ask you to bring the kitten (or cat) back to them at any age, if for any reason you can't keep him.
8. Unless you are very serious about becoming a student of your breed and a conscientious breeder, and dedicated to showing to improve the Manx breed (or any other breed), the kitten will be spayed or neutered before going to his/her new home.  The breeding of a Manx is a responsibility that shouldn't be entered into lightly.
9. The breeder will insist that you prepare an appropriate place at home for your kitten before you take him/her home. They will give you thorough personal instructions on feeding, care and a record of vaccinations and worming.
10. If CFA registration application will be sent home with the kitten.

Be aware that CFA registration does not mean quality, or health. It only means that your Manx is registered. "Pet quality" kitten should be considered as just that! Even litters from very well bred parents usually contain only a few "show or breeding" quality kittens. The rest of the litter sold as pets and the  buyers realize that these kittens are not to be used for breeding.