Furry Diary

Skookum

Felis catus

experimental breedShort profile

From United States, 1990s12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male3 kg12
Weight, female2 kg12
Height, male15 cm2
Height, female13 cm2
Lifespan10 to 15 years2
Sizesmall

Males slightly larger than females; range 1.5-3 kg overall

Affectionate
Playful
Intelligent
Sociable
Gentle
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

Curly or wavy coat; short legs (dwarfism)

The Skookum has a soft, curly or wavy coat that stands away from the body in loose ringlets. Its most striking feature is the very short legs, caused by the Munchkin dwarfism gene, while the spine and pelvis remain normal. The body is cobby and muscular, giving a sturdy appearance despite the small size.34

ColoursAll colours and patterns accepted3

Personality what they are like

Skookums are cheerful, confident and very people-oriented. They stay playful and curious well into adulthood, love to climb and jump despite their short legs, and enjoy cuddling in laps. They are not aggressive and get along well with children and other pets, including small animals.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high. They are lively and agile, needing interactive play, cat trees and toys to channel their energy. They enjoy short walks on a leash if trained from kittenhood.52

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. Brush the soft curls gently once a week to prevent tangles and reduce shedding. Avoid over-brushing to keep curls from becoming frizzy. Mist the coat with water and let it air dry after bathing to enhance curl.12

Home where they are happiest

Strictly indoor cat. Provide a safe, enriched home with climbing structures, scratching posts and hiding spots. Not suited to outdoor life due to short legs and potential health risks.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A balanced, high-quality diet rich in animal protein. Wet and dry food both suitable. Monitor weight carefully to avoid obesity, which can stress joints.6

Company who they like around

Very sociable and affectionate. They form strong bonds with their humans and dislike being left alone for long periods. They get along well with children and other pets, including cats and even small rodents or birds.2

The story where it all began

The Skookum was created in the 1990s by American breeder Roy Galusha, who accidentally bred a Munchkin with a LaPerm. He then deliberately crossed short-legged Munchkins with curly-coated LaPerms to stabilise the look: a dwarf cat with a soft, wavy coat. Other breeders in the US, New Zealand and Australia joined the effort. The name 'Skookum' comes from a Native American word meaning 'powerful', a playful contrast to the cat's small size. The breed remains experimental and rare, with limited recognition from registries.72

Recognised by the official bits

Catz Inc. (New Zealand)
Full Championship Status7
TICA
Previously listed in Experimental Breed Registry (delisted)2
World National Cat Registry of Australia (WNCA)
Championship level competition2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Skookum. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Skookum tip

Skookums are prone to weight gain, so keep treats to a minimum and factor them into their daily calorie allowance. If your cat has a sensitive tummy, stick to single-protein treats and always introduce new ones slowly.

Source: petmd.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Skookum, and at what times?

Feed your Skookum a balanced, high-quality diet rich in animal protein, using both wet and dry food. Monitor weight carefully to avoid obesity, which can stress their joints. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Skookum eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced, high-quality diet rich in animal protein is best, with both wet and dry food suitable. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.68

Does a Skookum need baths?

Baths are rarely needed; only bathe if very dirty or sticky. After bathing, mist the coat with water and let it air dry to enhance the curls. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly instead.19 Furry Diary plan

How often does a Skookum need brushing?

Brush the soft curls gently once a week to prevent tangles and reduce shedding. Avoid over-brushing to keep curls from becoming frizzy. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends weekly brushing.1 Furry Diary plan

How do I trim a Skookum's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every three weeks, as per Furry Diary's starting plan. For technique, start with one or two claws per session and use proper cat nail clippers. Ask your vet or a good breeder for a demonstration.9 Furry Diary plan

How much play does a Skookum need?

Skookums have moderate to high activity needs and enjoy interactive play, cat trees, and toys daily. They stay playful into adulthood and can even learn short leash walks if trained from kittenhood. Furry Diary suggests daily play.52 Furry Diary plan

How do I look after a Skookum's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every two days. For ears, check weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for specific guidance. Furry Diary plan

How long does a Skookum live?

Skookums typically live between 10 and 15 years. With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a long, happy life indoors.2

Is a Skookum good with children and other pets?

Yes, Skookums are cheerful, confident, and get along well with children and other pets, including cats and even small animals. They are not aggressive and enjoy cuddling and play.21

Can a Skookum be left alone?

Skookums are very sociable and form strong bonds with their humans, so they dislike being left alone for long periods. If you must be away, provide enrichment and consider a pet sitter. Their needs vary, so ask a good breeder or vet for advice.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. mycatbreeds.com: skookum vs bengal mycatbreeds.comused for origin, weight kg, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, fun fact
  2. mypets-en.decorexpro.com: skukum poroda koshki mypets-en.decorexpro.comused for origin, weight kg, height cm, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs, history
  3. catzinc.org: skookum catzinc.orgused for coat or body, colours
  4. munchkincatguide.com: the munchkin cat laperm mix the skookum munchkincatguide.comused for coat or body, fun fact
  5. zoetispetcare.com: skookum zoetispetcare.comused for activity needs
  6. zoomalia.ie: everything you need to know about skookum cat zoomalia.ieused for diet basics
  7. catzinc.org: skookum catzinc.orgused for history
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  10. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.