Skookum

Skookums are confident, outgoing, and full of energy. Despite their small size, they have a bold, fearless personality — which is fitting, as their name means "strong" or "brave" in Chinook Jargon. They are playful and athletic, performing impressive feats of agility despite their short legs. They are social cats that enjoy being the center of attention and interact enthusiastically with all family members. They get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs. They are intelligent and curious, always investigating new things in their environment. Their cheerful, entertaining nature makes them excellent family companions.

Skookums are small cats, typically weighing 2 to 4 kg, with short legs and a curly or wavy coat. The coat ranges from loose waves to springy ringlets, with the longhair variety showing more dramatic curls. The texture is soft and lightweight. Their body is compact and muscular with a slightly elongated torso. The head is a modified wedge with walnut-shaped eyes and medium to large ears. The eyebrows and whiskers are often curly as well, adding to their whimsical appearance. The tail is long and may be plumed or have loose curls.

The Skookum was developed by Roy Galusha in the United States in the 1990s. Galusha crossed Munchkin cats with LaPerms to create a short-legged cat with a curly coat. The breed name comes from Chinook Jargon, a trade language of the Pacific Northwest, where "skookum" means "strong," "brave," or "impressive" — an apt description for these confident little cats. The breed was accepted into TICA's Experimental registry. Skookums are recognized by several international organizations, including CATZ Inc. in New Zealand and the UK's Rare and Exotic Cat Club. Both short-legged and long-legged kittens appear in litters.

Skookums may inherit health considerations from both parent breeds. Short-legged individuals should be monitored for lordosis and pectus excavatum. Joint health is important — maintain an appropriate weight to reduce stress on their shorter limbs. Regular dental checkups are recommended. As a relatively new breed, long-term health data is still being gathered. Annual wellness exams with a veterinarian will help track their overall health.

Their curly coat needs gentle grooming two to three times per week — use a wide-toothed comb and work through the curls without pulling. Avoid over-brushing, which can relax the curls and reduce their bounce. The coat is generally low-shedding. Provide appropriately sized cat furniture with easy access points. Interactive toys and play sessions are essential to satisfy their energetic nature. Feed a balanced, high-quality diet, and monitor portions to maintain a healthy weight on their smaller frame.