Kings or Democrats: Julia Miropolskaya (Russia) and Alexandra Holmgren (Sweden) Sometimes Think Differently, but Equally Love their Cornish Rexes!

November 19, 2015

How did the Cornish Rex enter your life? Why did you choose this very breed? What attracted you and still attracts you in this breed?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Our first cat was the Don Sphynx; we bought it in 2000. Such a choice was connected with the fact that I and my son suffered from hair allergy. But after a failed delivery and sterilization of the cat, we decided that this was not “our” breed. Searching on the Internet, we found information that like the Sphynx, the Cornish Rex does not cause allergy; we believed and decided to buy a Cornish Rex. Moreover, we liked the exotic appearance of these cats. Due to the allergy, we did not consider other breeds. We have not regretted it for a minute! This is “our” breed in every respect. In terms of its character: we love moderately active cats with balanced temperament, which are affectionate and attached to us, highly intelligent, amusing. An unusual appearance is also important for us, and Cornish cats have a very unusual appearance, with their thin hound-like body, a Roman profile, huge ears, big eyes and, of course, their main advantage - curly hair.

Alexandra Holmgren: I have had housecats during earlier years, and then my dream came thru and I got to be owned by Pharaohounds, so for many years I was in the dogworld compeeting with my dogs all over Scandinavia. Still I missed being owned by a cat. I found pictures of Cornish Rex on the web, and started to look around.. I was not to buy, just to look (like that work in reality!) We went to a breeder JUST to look.. On the way home from the visit I called her and booked my first Cornish Rex, he was a chocolate male , named Sture, and he came to me in 2004. As I have been exhibiting dogs, it was natural for me to start exhibit my chocolate male. I wanted a breed that was like my sight hounds, and after studying different breeds the Cornish seemed to be the "dogs" of the catworld. During these years.. The best description of a Cornish is "spider-monkey" they are everywhere high, low, in your face cat that is so important to inform new potential owners about.. If you want a calm cat in your house the Cornish Rex is not for you.

How did you decide to become not just an owner but a breeder of the Cornish Rex?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Our first cat made us start breeding. It all began with shows. We took part in a show, and were quite successful; we liked the atmosphere of the show, socializing with new people. We brought our Lunya to the title of the Grand European Champion. Then we found a great fiance for her and received fantastic kittens, which also started to win at shows. But the second delivery was unsuccessful, and the cat was sterilized. This did not deter us from the desire to breed and show cats, but it was decided to change the breed. We bought a Cornish Rex female cat in 2002 and also started its show career. Planning to receive kittens, we also acquired a male cat in our young cattery. The decision to breed was also made because we saw how Cornish Rex cats in Russia differed from those abroad, especially in America. The desire to have the same perfection at home was irresistible. And the desire “to create ourselves”, not just to buy (though it was almost unreal at that time) was our dream.

Alexandra Holmgren: My interest for breeding grew as I started to get involved in the cat club and cat shows. The cats woke my curiosity and longing to be able to contribute to the breed. I have my goals and thought about the Cornish and I have thru this gotten to know many new breeders and friends allover the world. I did not start with breeding. I had a long learning period. I started with showing and club work in 2004. In 2008 I applied for a cattery name and started to look for a female. It took me a year to find a female that was to my liking in pedigree and type. I had my first litter in 2010. So for me this is a hobby and a way of life.. I believe in rushing slowly, I have few litters and always plan a litter as I want to keep something myself (or if a fellow breeder are interested in a combination, I can make the combination for them and I can buy something back after a few generations)I started out in an independence club in Sweden in 2004, and in 2010 our club joined WCF and the world of cat became much bigger for us as a club and member :). I have been a boardmember of SNRF (Sveriges Nya Raskattförening) since 2005 and since 2009 I am vice president of the club. I put a lot of commitment into the club and our members and I love it. In 2008 I applied for my Cattery name: Pixie Fay. Up until today I have had 8 litters, my first litter was born In 2010.

What features of the Cornish Rex do you seek to develop first? Which of their qualities would you like to change?

Yulia Miropolskaya: We try to maintain and develop several important characteristics of the Cornish Rex: great friendliness (both to people and other animals), devotion to the owners, communicability and its show temperament. There are two ways to achieve it. The first one is to leave kittens with the best character in the cattery, which can be seen already at the age of 2 months. The second way is to “get rid” of problem kittens. In our cattery, all kittens are born with different character. I do not use coward or stiff kittens, and do not sell them for breeding. Those of them which behave adequately and friendly are sold as pets. I do not deny that at the beginning of breeding we got a few kittens with too cowardly character, and now they live with us, I did not sell them even as pets. As a result of such selection, we almost stopped to receive kittens with behavioral problems. The second problem is aggressiveness. At the beginning of our show activities judges were afraid to examine Cornish Rexes. If someone tore somebody with teeth and claws somewhere - they said it was Cornish. Now you cannot see direct aggression at shows. But there are still hysterical and excessively stressful cats – I would not use such cats in breeding, if I were in their owners’ shoes. But mature adult male cats can start to demonstrate aggression at the age of 1.5 years or older. Most often this aggression is directed to other male cats. It is better not to use such cats in breeding, or if the cat is adequate and infinitely valuable, to use only female cats born from them. As a rule, this too dominant behavior is not passed through generations.

Alexandra Holmgren: The difficulties with the Cornish Rex is actually type.. As there are at least 6 different standards for the Cornish Rex depending on which organisation you belong to. Still we co-work across borders, countries and organisatins to develop and strengthen type and quality of the Cornish Rex. So to develop for me a Cornish that is true to type I have to try to follow the standard that is to my liking, with that I will have lots of stops on my "straight road" to perfection. I need to be able to combine cats that has the traits I want and still be able to use a cat with "wrong" type, because that cat can give me a better body type for my litter, or focus on chin because the cat I have with for me correct type, might not have the chin. Health is also a very important part for the Cornish Rex, as HCM and also PRA among different issues has during the last years been a rising issue that we need to scan and prevent. Another problem within the breed is coat.. More and more we see beautiful close to perfect cats I type, but they lack in coat.. The same time there are a lot of for me not very good typed cats that has the most wonderful wavy coat. Both these examples are for me wrong. And the difficulties is to combine these to types as lack of coat can jump generations.. So we need to find a balans to be able to use both the stars and the mediocre cats in breeding so we can have both type and coat in the future.

Have you changed your opinion about the character of the Cornish Rex since you became its breeder?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Of course, I have, and we have done our best to achieve it. It is difficult even to compare our first Cornishes with the present generation. The character has changed together with the appearance, perhaps, not so sharply, but the difference is obvious. These cats are now very adequate, friendly, relaxed, cleverest creatures that evoke positive emotions of their owners at home and of others at shows. It was in the breed earlier, but these qualities have strengthened and stabilized.

Alexandra Holmgren: Yes, unfortunately not all are nice to each other and it shows especially in cat shows every now and then. But the most horrible example is actually what is giving us the opportunity to co-work - The Internet. Internet is a fantastic technology for us all to come closer and to make contact. Also it is the biggest threat as many seem to think that when behind a computer screen and keyboard one has the right to write whatever they like, true or false, hurtful or joyful. People share "facts" that are not true and people receive and read and continue to share "fact" about other breeders without even think one second if the source of the "fact" is even close to the truth. We MUST start to think before we write/send and post "facts" about other persons.

What is the “breeder’s ethics” to your mind? What is the most important in this issue?

Yulia Miropolskaya: There are Breeder’s Codes in any felinological system, and I'm ready to support every single word in them. Not only to support - I have always unconditionally obeyed these rules. The following aspects are the most important for me:

- Maintenance of cats in catteries;

- Sale of kittens at the age of not less than 3.5 months, after all vaccinations and socialization, and if the kitten is sold not for breeding purposes - only after its sterilization (I do not sell kittens before the age of 4 months);

- Frequency of cat matings;

- Compliance with contractual obligations between the breeder and the buyer.

My personal values are reflected in folk wisdoms: these short phrases have never let me down; the life has repeatedly proven their effectiveness.

1. It is necessary to treat the customer in a way you would like them to treat you.

2. The Earth is round.

3. Harm set, harm get.

4. Life does not end tomorrow.

Alexandra Holmgren: As the world opens up and gets smaller due to Internet and the ease to fly, to import an export it also opens up easier ways to co-operate. I find unfortunatelly that many seem to think they "own" lines that they have created lines themselves, and instead of co-working they close the possibility to broaden and help other to move forward in breeding.

I get very proud and happy when other breeders contact me and want to buy from me, as for me it is a reciept on that I am doing something right with my breeding and plans. That my thought of what is a good combination also appeals to other breeders.

I wish breeders would support each other more than they do today, that even though compeeting in shows are fun and it makes us proud and happy to win. Equally we should be happy and support other breeders who win over us, as for the breed it is most important that we get acknowledgement from the judges that our breed is in such high quality that it is winning in Shows, that we do not focus on an individual cat but focus on the breed in whole.

The most important fanciers etiquette for me is networking and supporting each other. To treat fellow breeders the way you want to be treated, to be able to be open and helpful. With that we can all come far and also make the Cornish Rex more beautiful more healthy and strive towards "the perfect Cornish Rex"

Have you ever faced violations of ethical norms in breeding and sale of kittens? What have you done in such cases, if it’s not a secret?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Unfortunately, I face this regularly both myself and as I hear it from other breeders; many breeders also come to me for advice or help. In such cases, I always do one and the same thing: I do not conceal it, communicate the case to the public using various media, and take all possible measures (of course, legal ones). The country must know its “heroes"” and in some cases not only the country, but also a wider audience. I actively struggle against dishonest breeders, irrespective of whether somebody likes it or not. Alas, even well-known breeders are increasingly passing to this category. For such people, greed is more important than well-being of cats and preservation of their reputation.

We MUST start to think before we write/send and post "facts" about other persons.

How much can a Cornish Rex kitten cost, with which you can achieve success at shows?

Julia Miropolskaya: I will only talk about the Cornish Rex, because the cost of such kittens of different breeds can differ significantly. An average world price for such a kitten makes up 2000-2500 dollars. This is the price for a kitten, which can really get the highest titles and results in various felinological systems.

Alexandra Holmgren: How much would a championship-ready Cornish-rex cost?

When it comes to money and the value of a cat (no matter breed) for me this is first and foremost a hobby. I do not have different prices on my cats depending on if it is for breeding, show or pet. I have one price. I can see if , for me, a kitten develops the way I want but I do not have the eyes for the other breeder/buyer. So I cannot guarantee that the kitten you buy that looks like a showstopper at 4 months of age will develop and be a multi star as an adult. I have seen so many promising kittens grow into a mediocre cat as an adult, and also seen sold as pets, and then as adults I get struck by the type and development that pet has grown into.

I have until today never sold an adult that has been shown to titles to anyone that want an adult cat for showing or breeding. I do not charge for titles. I sell with hope that my kitten will have a long happy life with the new owner no matter it is for breeding , show or pet.

What qualities of these cats would you advise to pay attention to for those people who are just going to buy a Cornish Rex kitten?

Julia Miropolskaya: I always say: Google will help. Modern Internet technologies make it easy to find out any information about the seller of kittens – the most important thing is not to be lazy and spend a little time not to regret in the future. Information can be obtained even by the seller’s telephone number. Choose the best but not the cheapest, but remember that dishonest breeders do not sell kittens for 3 rubles; they often sell them at a price of a good cattery. A good healthy kitten cannot be sold until the age of 3.5 months. To sell “babies” is the prerogative of dishonest breeders.

Alexandra Holmgren: Knowledge! As a beginner you do not know everything (after 11 years with the breed I do not know everything! And I will never be fully learned) read, study and most of all talk to other breeders and ask if they can mentor you. Many think it is just to take litters and sell.. As a breeder you have many rules and even laws to follow in Sweden when it comes to breeding and selling pets. I would say start out with a male, start to show him and make connections . Talk to breeders and exhibitors in the show, you will find someone that will help you. Start by being a foster home for a breeder then you will be mentored by the breeder when the cat is having litters and you will have support.

Have you ever got a Cornish kitten, which you would never part with, as they say, “not for love or money”? What have attracted you in it?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Of course, I have. First, this is my famous Sebastian. This kitten was of such quality that I got a call from a Polish person speaking through an interpreter and offering 10000 euros. I refused, and this cat became the best Cornish cat in the world in accordance with the CFA system (Breed Winner) of the years 2009-2010. 2 years ago its son Nobel became the Best Kitten in accordance with two systems (WCF and CFA) at a multisystem show “Catsburg” in Moscow. Very respected people offered me 5000 euros for this kitten in front of other show participants. Of course, I refused. And a very high-ranking official wanted to buy another female adult cat called Murakami; its price made no difference for him, but I also refused. These are my best cats, under no circumstances I would part with them. First of all, they are our pets, and they are simply unique in character! Second, they are a basis of the breeding program. Finally, it is great to participate in shows with such cats, and we have achieved great results with them that have made a significant contribution to the reputation of our cattery. Reputation is more expensive than money.

Alexandra Holmgren: Well, the one I have at home is not a cat bred by me, he is a stud I borrowed and he stayed with us for quite some time. He connected with my husband so when he was done for breeding for him who owned him, he was given as a gift to my husband when neutered :D he is very special and I would not name him a "spider-monkey" when to describe him.. He will stay until his last day in life with us. When it come to my own breeding, I have not sold a kept kitten if I have decided to keep it myself. What I have done as I wrote before is that IF a combination is very interesting for another breeder and I cannot at the time keep another cat at home, I can sell the , for me, best cat in the litter to that breeder, and maybe sometime in the future buy back a kitten when I have room.

It is believed that the hair of the Cornish Rex does not cause allergy. Is this true? Can allergic persons adopt cats of this breed?

Yulia Miropolskaya: In fact, their hair does cause allergy. I do not recommend allergic people to get this breed. Only few people are lucky to avoid allergy, including me. Most often, I see how quickly allergic reactions emerge.

Alexandra Holmgren: No, Cornish Rex is not a cat to be sold as a hypo-allergenic cat.. Too many has bought a Cornish in hope to be able to have cat and reacted badly. No cat is hypo-allergenic no matter breed. I have sold to allergic people and also said no. If they have allergies I recommend them to bring a pillow case with them when meeting the kittens, then we cuddle the kittens with the pillow case, he/she then takes it home and put it on their pillow and sleeps with it for at least a week. To see if any reaction. Some has allergiy reactions and are prepared to medicate during the periods it is worse. The ones I always say no to is if it is a child that has reactions in the family. As I believe that just because the adults want to have a cat a child should not be forced to medicate to make the rest of the family contant. An adult can take make their choice for themselves to medicate, but they should not take that choice for a child.

What is your favorite colour of the Cornish Rex?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Black and white. This is a brand colour of our cattery. We will never betray it, although there are animals of various colours in the cattery. I also like modest black tortoiseshell cats.

Alexandra Holmgren: I love solid colors without white, for many years I was stubbornly trying to breed only solid colored rexes.. But everyone in breeding knows about the ressessive white (EMS code 09) and thus I now have both solid and with white at home. I like strong coloring, true in color. I want pitch black if black, golden red if red etc.. Today as color has no points in showing for cornish Rex breeders mix all color and combination, which creates bad washed out colors. I wish and hope we will eventually have points for colors so we breeders on top of breeding type and health also start to breed for stong colors. So the color itself is not the most important and I have no favorite color, it is the intense in color that appeal to me.

What is more preferable for the Cornish Rex: dry or natural food?

Yulia Miropolskaya: We use high-quality dry food of the premium quality. We have been choosing a manufacturer for a long time. We focus on the hair quality and body condition of our pets. As to small kittens and lactating cats, we use mixed feeding (we add meat, cottage cheese, chicken).

Alexandra Holmgren: I feed Barf (raw meat) and wet food. And also have dry kibbles at home. All but one eats wet food. He is a dry food junky. When I started with BARF/wet food as main food, my cats stopped over eat on dry food, and now I do not have to meassure how much food as they keep in weight. With only dry food as I had earlier I had to portin out food so they would not gain too much weight.

Do Cornish cats like bathing? And specifically yours?

Yulia Miropolskaya: They do not like bathing, but they like water. They bathe reluctantly; they just bear it. But they cat endlessly play with water.

Alexandra Holmgren: I start from they are kittens to wash them so they learn. But there is always one or two who never likes it.. I have learned that if I am calm and has a good grip of the cat when washing, it relaxes and let me wash them even though they do not like it. Fortunately Cornish Rex is no high maintanance as the long or semi long hair breeds are, so I do not need to wash as often as they do.

What are the main difficulties in breeding of the Cornish Rex?

Yulia Miropolskaya: To get a cat with a good coat and a good type. That's the main thing. Moreover, breeders have always set some goals and gradually moved to their achievement. If we look into the history, they have d for a modern type, ears, head, chin, body ... This is like doing a puzzle. Now we are struggling for the profile. It is very difficult to get the desired profile of the American extreme type. We are now focused precisely on this aspect in our cattery. In addition, there is a number of hereditary diseases of the Cornish Rex. HCM is a particularly acute problem. Breeders should seriously treat the issue of testing sires for the disease. Myodystrophy is also widespread. At CFA shows experts pay much attention to examining cats for signs of the disease. I would like WCF experts to pay attention to this problem.

Alexandra Holmgren: I have had sighthounds and I have kids, and yes the Cornish is a perfect family pet. As long as one is prepared that with a Cornish you do not own or rule the cat. The cornish rule you and will let you in the its flock not the other way around.

If you have children, dogs or other cats, is it a good idea to adopt a Cornish Rex? What breeds (cats and dogs) do they get on well with?

Yulia Miropolskaya: The Cornish Rex is an ideal cat for a family with cats, dogs and children. They get on well with everyone. Basing on our personal experience, I can say, they get on well with any breed of cats and dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Alexandra Holmgren:

How should one take care of the curly hair of the Cornish Rex to maintain its beauty? What tools should be used?

Yulia Miropolskaya: The Cornish Rex’s hair usually does not require any extra effort to look good. Cornish Rexes are very clean, especially boys, and they take care of their hair themselves. But we can help them while shedding using rubber brushes and suede cloth to remove dead hairs. You can use vitamins with biotin and zinc if shedding is excessive. That's enough for amateurs. All other tools belong to the sphere of professional breeding and are used only for show purposes.

Alexandra Holmgren: I use very few products, a good schampoo will do wonders. I never wash too close to the show s the coat needs at least a week to recover and get the tight curls back.. For show I use baby powder to sprinkle into a brush and then brush brush brush until no powder is left in the coat. The powder helps take away any grease that could be on the skin/coat. After that I use a skinn cloth to make the coat shine and be close to body with tight curls.

How do Cornish Rexes behave at shows? How often can they be showed?

Julia Miropolskaya: I'll speak about my cats. My Cornish Rexes are true examples of show cats. Being in a cage, they are full of dignity; they sit proudly and look at others. Being on the table, they try to demonstrate all their advantages. This can be a complex of gymnastic exercises, jumping on a post, embraces and kisses with an expert. In short, it is a whole performance. I usually show a cat during the entire show season - from May to May (during a year). If I want to get good results in the rating, we can participate in shows weekly, especially at the end of the season. Only a real show cat is able to withstand such a schedule. I show only such strong, stress-resistant cats that tolerate long trips. If the cat has a stress, it will bring neither good results, nor pleasure to the owner, and what is most important, it will harm its health up to the severest consequences.

Alexandra Holmgren: Usually (own experience) they are very showy when shown especially as youngsters. But also there can be change of temperament especially when they are fertile. I find it easier to show males than females. I have with one cat taken a pause as she started to missbehave when she had had her first litter.. But after her second litter she had matured in behavior and could be shown again with success

Give some advice for those who are just starting show careers of their Cornish Rexes. How should they prepare for the show, what should be taken into account?

Yulia Miropolskaya: These are my care instructions for buyers of my kittens.

The list of essential accessories:

1. A small soft rubber brush with short teeth. It is good at removing dead hair, especially during shedding. Do not be afraid: dead hairs (resembling gray ones) will be replaced by new ones. All procedures should be carried out only in the direction of hair growth. Do it periodically at home.

2. A brush with NATURAL hair resembling a cloth-cleaning brush. They are rarely sold in pet stores, so try to find one in a shoe store. Using such a brush, you can sleek the hair and make it shiny. Remember, such a brush should be natural, not synthetic.

3. Ideally, you should have a special shaving machine (I have a Wella machine, it's small and virtually noiseless). This machine should be used to trim cheeks and completely shave the inside of the ears to make them visually larger. Of course, it would be better to see how such a machine is used before starting to use it yourself.

4. You need to have a white powder for a bicolour cat to whiten its scratched nose. To do this, there is also special chalk; you can also use it. I have a powder produced by Jerob. The same powder can emphasize white paws. I always wash paws and breast before the show, and use powder already at the show. You must cut and CLEAN claws to make them absolutely clean.

5. You need an antistatic agent. Most of all, I like Hair ReVitalizer and Instant Antistatic Coat Spray produced by 1 All Systems. Before the examination or the Best competition you need to sprinkle the coat with it, and then brush with a natural brush. The coat becomes smooth, does not bristle and lies in beautiful waves. If you find one, necessarily buy it. Among other things, such a spray smells good; experts like it very much, especially when the cat demonstrates tenderness to the expert while being on the table.

6. The animal’s eyes and ears must be perfectly clean. Even if I have already cleaned them at home, I check and clean them once again at the show. And another place: pardon my expression, the bottom. It must be perfectly clean, too. Just use a wet wipe.

It is believed that our breed needs minimal grooming. Here is an example: in the evening before the World Cat Show in Moscow in 2007, when my Giacomo became a winner two days running, I spent 2.5 hours for grooming. And I checked the ears, the bottom and the paws several times during the show. So judge for yourself.

Alexandra Holmgren: I always have contact with my kitten buyers. I pay for 1 year membership in my club and also urge them to come an try a show. If I have a show coming up close to delivery of kittens I offer to enter and pay for the show if it is a first time try for them. The best way to get new fanciers and to make our clubs and shows to grow is to keep in touch with our buyers. Often they come back to buy their second or third kitten from me, and I believe it is because I do support. They can contact me anytime with any questions and I try to help. Not all are for shows but by helping the itten buyers to try, some of them will continue and develop an interest for our clubs and shows.

Do you walk with your cats outdoors? Is it necessary?

Yulia Miropolskaya: We do not go for a walk, but a few of our customers have taught kittens to walk on a leash since their childhood, and thus they walk them over. We have built an open summer terrace for walks in the new house, because fresh air and positive emotions will positively influence our pets.

Alexandra Holmgren: No I have no stroller for my cats, I take them out I leads sometimes and they can be outside in the back yard in an fenced in area. We also have netted inside doors so we can open up and air the house but not let them our.

Is it true that Cornish Rexes often feel cold? How do you warm your cats?

Julia Miropolskaya: It’s true, even if compared with Sphynxes, Cornish Rexes feel cold. They really love warmth. We do not save money and use electric heaters in the cold season, when the heating has not been turned on yet. Well, there is also a warm blanket of the owner! This is the best shelter from the cold for Cornish Rexes.

Alexandra Holmgren: Yes... Even I summer they choose to dig themselves a cave in a fleece blanket. All cats come and sleep under my blanket at night in bed. So when sleeping I lay totally still as I don't want to disturb the cats ;) (which offcourse give me pain sometimes as if I lay in an uncomfortable way, I have to stay like that until they wake up :) the house is decorated for the cats.. We have cat beds, cat trees, wall beds, blankets etc allover the house.. But usually they prefer to cuddle inside your sweater and lay in your lap.

Can a Cornish Rex get a tan?

Yulia Miropolskaya: Sphynxes can get a tan. Only black-coloured Cornish Rexes suffer from the sun. Cats fade in the sun and turn brown, chocolate. Black cats participating in shows are sometimes even hidden from the open sun.

Alexandra Holmgren: Yes they can get pigment spots especially in areas where the coating is thin, like ears, side of head etc. Also the coat as it only has a single coat can get tanned. You see it best on a black cat that if in sun too much can change to a brownish color.

Cornish Rexes are royal cats, aristocrat cats. Do you agree with this statement?

Julia Miropolskaya: No, it’s absolutely ridiculous. These are very democratic cats with manners not resembling those of aristocrats: they are mischievous, curious and cunning. As for me, real aristocrats among cats are Burmese, British, but not Cornish.

Александра Холмгрен:

Do you have a favorite saying or a phrase about the Cornish Rex? And about cats as a whole?

Julia Miropolskaya: only two Cornish Rexes can be better than one Cornish Rex!

Alexandra Holmgren: Cornish is not a cat it is a Spider-Monkey :D LOL , I love both dogs and cats, the big difference is the independence. I love that the cat is independent and owns you. A dog is owned by you a cat owns you.