The Happy Cat Site

All you need to find a kitten and raise a happy, healthy cat

  • Breeds
  • Book
  • Kittens
  • Food
  • Health
  • Names
  • Cat Facts
  • Toys
You are here: Home / Cat Breeds / Skookum Cats: Breed Information, Facts & Advice

Skookum Cats: Breed Information, Facts & Advice

March 15, 2017 By Betsy Rathburn 3 Comments

Skookum Cats are a Munchkin cat x LaPerm cat. A new rare mixed breedSkookum Cats are a new and rare breed of cat.

They are recognized as an experimental breed by some cat registries, and Skookum cat breeders are working hard to make this delightful breed a household name.

But is this necessarily a good thing for the cats in question?

This article will help you understand what Skookum cats are

What potential health problems they face

And to decide whether the breed is right for you.

What Is A Skookum Cat?

Skookum cats are combination of Munchkin cats and LaPerm cats.

Munchkins are known for their short legs. LaPerms are known for their curly coats.

LaPerm Munchkin Cat Mix is a new cross breed now known as the Skookum Cat

When combined, these two breeds create the short-legged, curly-coated Skookum.

Skookums have the sweet personalities of Munchkins and LaPerms. They are also intelligent, calm and affectionate cats.

Skookum Cat History

Because Skookums are such a new breed, most of its history lies with its parent breeds.

  • A Complete Guide To Persian Cats
  • Teacup and Miniature Cat Breeds

Short-legged cats have been around for decades – at least since the 1940s. After about 10 years of tracking the breed, starting in 1994, Munchkins gained TICA championship status nine years later in 2003.

LaPerms gained championship status that same year, though this breed only reaches back to 1982. Originating when an Oregon woman named Linda Koehl discovered a curly-haired kitten born to her ordinary barn cat. Over the years, more curly cats appeared on her farm, and the rest is history.

While LaPerms and Munchkins were taking their first steps towards becoming official breeds, the Skookum cat breed was just being born.

It all started in the 1990s when Roy Galusha began crossing Munchkins and LaPerms. Soon, other breeders followed suit.

Skookum cats are still an experimental breed today.

Why Are They Called Skookum Cats?

The word “rex” is often used to show that a cat breed has curly hair. For example, the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Selkirk Rex are all curly-haired breeds. While the curly-haired Skookum does not follow suit, it does have an interesting name.

“Skookum” has Native American origins, coming from a Chinook Jargon word meaning “mighty” or “powerful.”

That’s a pretty big name for such a small cat to live up to!

Skookum Cat Characteristics

Skookum cat characteristics include distinct features that set it apart from the Munchkin and LaPerm cats it comes from.

Skookum tails are long and plumed with a rounded tip.

Large, pointed ears stick up from their wedge-shaped heads. They have medium-to-large, almond-shaped eyes.

How well do you know your cat? Discover the secret world of cats.

The Happy Cat Handbook - A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!
the happy cat handbook

Because of their short legs, Skookum cats have stocky bodies that stay low to the ground. Their front legs are always shorter than their back legs. We will look at what this unnatural body stature means for them health wise later on in this article.

Skookum Cat Size

Skookums are small cats. Females usually weigh 3-5 pounds. Males are slightly larger, about 5-7 pounds.

Skookum Cats are created by mixing Munchkin cats with LaPerms. Find out more about this mix in the linked article from The Happy Cat Site.

Because of their short legs, you will want to make sure your Skookum gets enough exercise so that it can stay mobile.

These cats are energetic, so you should have no problem getting your Skookum to stay active.

However, this cute exaggerated shape and size have some serious potential health implications, which we will look at in more details below.

Skookum Cat Coats

A Skookum’s curled coat is one of its most special features. The cats even have curled whiskers.

Their beautiful fur can be any color or pattern that Munchkins or LaPerms come in, including colorpoint, solid, and bicolor.

In addition, coats can be short or long.

For now the possibilities are endless, but as the breed becomes more standardized, that may change.

One thing to note if you are looking for a Skookum cat of your own: male Skookum coats often have a tighter curl than females.

If you love the curly look, you’d do well to look for a male. But no matter which sex you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a cat with a beautiful, unique coat.

Skookum Cat Personality

Because Skookum breeding is still in its early stages, it’s important to study Munchkin and LaPerm personalities before deciding that the Skookum cat personality is right for you.

The Skookum Cat breed is being created by mixing a LaPerm with a Munchkin Cat

Skookum cat personality will retain many of the qualities of these breeds, so you’ll want to make sure your lifestyle will work with the traits the cat may have.

Munchkin Cats

Did you know that thousands of research papers have been published on cat behavior and health? No time to read them all? Don’t worry - we’ve done it for you! And picked out the best bits! The Happy Cat Handbook - A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!
the happy cat handbook

Given a Munchkin’s short legs, you may not think of them as athletes. But these little cats have a lot of energy. They are known to speed around the house, chasing after toys and treats. They love to play and even like the company of children, dogs, and other cats.

Their legs do not stop them from jumping high to explore every corner of the house. However, this may be problematic as there are concerns that they are not as structurally sound as your average moggy.

LaPerm Cats

While the Munchkin’s most noted trait is its vast store of energy, the LaPerm is known for being silly. Often referred to as clown cats, LaPerms regularly make their owners laugh.

They are also highly intelligent, with the ability to open doors and scoop treats out of hard-to-reach places. But along with the LaPerm’s silly antics comes an affectionate nature. These cats love to cuddle up with just about anyone.

Skookum Cat Temperament

The Skookum cat combines the traits of both of these breeds. They’re known for being lively and playful, but also intelligent and curious. If you’re looking for a cat that can get along with most pets and people and will cuddle you as often as it will beg to play, a Skookum cat could be the choice for you.

It is important to remember however that with any cross bred cat, you could end up with more or less of the personality from either parent breed.

So make sure that you are happy with the Munchin and LePerm temperaments before you commit to your Skookum. It could result in a combination of the two, or one or the other!

Skookum Cat Health

Skookum cats are a new and experimental breed, so their major health problems and life span are not yet known.

But what we do know, is that dwarfism in cats and exaggerated breeding may have health implications.

Because Skookums are bred to be short-legged, Skookum kittens may be born with limb deformities.

Just like the similarly diminutive Lambkin Cat, the Skookum cat is bred from the Munchkin cat. There short legs are a result of a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia.

Breeders of Munchkin cats are keen to assure kitten buyers that they do not suffer as a result of their achondroplasia, however veterinarians are not so sure.

Veterinarians from The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare are concerned that a “proportion of kittens born to Munchkin parents dies prior to birth because of this serious genetic mutation”.

They also clearly state that “because of risks to quality of life, cats with this abnormality should not be used for breeding”

This means that some vets disagree with the use of Munchkins are breeding at all, based upon their concerns about the health issues surrounding them.

In fact, there is currently a huge study being launched which aims to “clinically define cat dwarfism in regards to the Munchkin breed and define any primary or secondary health concerns”.

We will need to wait a few years for the results of this study, but it should give us more information on the realities of the health implications to Munckin cats and their mixes.

Skookum Cat Care

Skookums are a low-maintenance breed. They are easy to care for, but they still require the basic care that you would give any cat.

Regular visits to a veterinary professional for shots and general check-ups are recommended.

It is also important to feed your Skookum a healthy diet and to give the cat plenty of exercise.

However, due to the concerns about their small legs you should take your Skookum for regular check ups with the veterinarian to ensure that they are not suffering from back or joint problems.

Skookum Cat Grooming

Like the LaPerm, Skookum coats do not require much grooming. Their hair is more coarse than most cats, making it less tangly and easier to brush.

To keep the Skookum coat healthy, brush it one or two times a week.

It is helpful to get your long haired cat used to grooming from a young age, so that they happily accept this activity. Start with short sessions with a soft brush.

Should I Buy A Skookum Cat?

There are two sides to the question of whether you should buy a Skookum cat.

The first is to do with the personality, characteristics and practicality.

The Happy Cat Handbook

A Munchkin and a LaPerm do not always create the short-legged, curly-haired Skookum. And even when two Skookums are bred, the kittens do not always match the desired traits. As a result, Skookums are rare cats.

Depending on demand, they may be quite expensive. You can expect to pay around $2,000 to take your Skookum home.

If you are willing to pay the price, pet Skookum cats are great for those who love active yet affectionate breeds. When socialized from a young age, these cats are great with pets and children, making them an ideal companion for the family.

However, the second and potentially most important consideration is that of health.

 

Because Skookums are a new breed, you should be aware that unforeseen health problems may crop up.

In addition to this, we know that some veterinarians are very concerned that the deliberate breeding of cats with achondroplasia could have serious health implications.

Only you can decide whether you are happy to risk your cat’s future health in order to get the look you want, or whether you will go with another similarly lovely tempered breed until we have the results of the study on the longevity and health of Munchkin cats.

Some other lovely, fun breeds of cat you might like to consider include:

  • Ragdoll Cats
  • Maine Coon Cats
  • Bengal Cats

Your Amazing Cat!

the happy cat handbook

We are so excited to share our new book with you!

If you have enjoyed your visit to The Happy Cat Site we think you'll love The Happy Cat Handbook.

Written by the founders of this website including the author of the hugely successful Happy Puppy Handbook, it's packed with cat care information and fascinating cat facts.

Grab your copy today!

     

Comments

  1. karen guadalupi says

    November 27, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Hi Betsey, you have so much info on a Skookum. do you have one?
    i do and she came from a breeder on Long Island NY
    the breeder has since past this year and I am not sure who took over her cattery, I was on a waiting list.
    I was in touch with Australia breeder, but am wondering if you know of one on long island ?
    i am not sure if this comment box is for questions to you or going to be posted?

    i love my skookum and i want more

    Reply
  2. Ed Kuehn says

    December 8, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    We inherited a Skookum from a family member who could no longer care for the cat. The cat was approaching her 15th birthday at the time and lived for another 5 years. We became very attached to her because of the love she gave, despite her distorted body. I always felt sorry for her in that she couldn’t do “normal” cat daily activities, such as properly grooming herself, so it was extremely difficult when the time came to have her “put down.” I can attest to some of the cautions, raised in the article, of having this breed.

    Reply
  3. Nikki says

    November 2, 2019 at 2:06 pm

    I had a Skookum cat I inherited from a stepparent who mistreated her. While I owned her, she was a very happy, affectionate cat and had zero health problems. I had her for roughly 11 years before she passed away and she was already at least a few years old when I met her. Her previous owner stated she had tried to breed her once but all the kittens were stillborn and I think she said some were deformed. My cat use to occasionally walk around with a little stuffed dog in her mouth, meowing, I think because she missed her kittens. But overall she was the perfect, loveable, happy cat. She could do anything other cats could do, the only difference being her appearance.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cat Breeds & Cross Breeds

  • Abyssinian
  • Balinese
  • Bengal
  • Lambkin
  • Maine Coon
  • Manx
  • Persian
  • Ragdoll
  • Savannah
  • Scottish Fold
  • Siamese
  • Siberian
  • Skookum
  • Sphynx

Just Posted

siamese tabby

Siamese Tabby Cat Breed Traits and Personality

A Siamese tabby is also known as a tabby point … Read More...

flame ragdoll

Flame Ragdoll Color, Breed Traits and Care

The flame Ragdoll sounds like it should look … Read More...

himalayan siamese cat

Himalayan Siamese Cat Breed Colors and Traits

The Himalayan Siamese is a hybrid designer cat … Read More...

chocolate point ragdoll

Chocolate Point Ragdoll

The chocolate point Ragdoll is one of the most … Read More...

Different Types Of Cat

  • Cats for Kids
  • Exotic Cats
  • Extinct Cats
  • Large Cat Breeds
  • Long Haired Cat Breeds – Different Breeds, Care, And Grooming
  • Most Intelligent Cats
  • Outdoor Cat / Indoor Cats
  • Rare Cat Breeds
  • Teacup and Miniature Cats
  • Stray Cats & Kittens
The Happy Cat Site by Red Cat Media - copyright 2017 Red Cat Media Ltd. - Logo by Toby Mattinson Animation
The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
View Privacy Policy