LaPerm

Guidance Notes

For Breeders On Outcrossing

INDEX

Introduction
Health
Recommended Good Practice
Notes on Breeds

Introduction

The LaPerm breed started from one individual cat, Curly, in 1982. As with the other rex breeds this meant that in order for the breed to develop and progress outcross matings had to take place. Curly chose her own mates from amongst the barn cats on the farm where she lived leading to the natural development of a small colony of LaPerms which were then used as the basis for a formal breeding programme.

Outcrossing with non-pedigree cats and with a select list of approved outcross breeds has been used to further develop the breed and establish sound foundations across the world.  A good LaPerm breeding programme focuses on selecting matches between LaPerms of good type whose attributes and pedigrees will complement each other, while using outcrossing wisely to maintain a steady input of new blood that will safeguard the health and vitality of our cats.

The early development of the breed in all countries where the LaPerm was introduced has included a phase where outcrossing was used frequently to develop a sustainable gene pool. A smaller phase mirroring this is taking place in the UK as the breed becomes established here. It is important that outcrossing continues to take place from time to time in order to maintain a diverse, healthy gene pool, as this will enable us to breed kittens with low inbreeding coefficients. Without outcrossing a small, closed gene pool would lead to inbreeding depression. The signs that a population is suffering from inbreeding depression are reduced fertility, small litters, reduced resistance to infection, small size, reduced life expectancy etc. The highest possible number of generations needs to be taken into account in order to make an accurate inbreeding calculation.

Outcross matings have been particularly useful in the LaPerm for improving the coats of cats, making them more stable, and for providing the introduction of a breed feature where an individual cat fails to meet the standard. Outcrossing also has the added benefit of allowing new genes for colours and patterns (particularly those linked to recessive genes) to be brought into the gene pool and to be sustained.

However there is a risk with any outcross mating that type will be lost and that the offspring will bear too close a resemblance in type to the outcross breed. Breeders should act to avoid this as much as possible by choosing outcross cats which may not necessarily have the best type for their own breed, but have type similar to that desired for the LaPerm. Also if a LaPerm’s type is not ideal it can be balanced out by deliberately choosing an outcross with a breed with different type. Because the LaPerm gene for curly coat is dominant, over use of outcrossing will also add to the incidence of the straight haired gene in the LaPerm gene pool, thus giving rise to more variant kittens.

The breeds on the GCCF approved outcross list represent those historically associated with the breeding programme, which are already found in LaPerm pedigrees, and date back to decisions made by some of the early breeders. These are the breeds which need to have a valid presence in our cats’ pedigrees under GCCF rules, but also breeds which have much of value to offer in our own plans.

 The Devon and Cornish rex outcross lists have a broad range of breeds with considerable variation in type from British Shorthair to Siamese. The LaPerm outcross list is more restrictive because the curly coat is caused by a dominant gene. This means that our F1 cats (i.e. cats with an outcross parent) are curly coated, while Devon and Cornish Rexes do not have curly coats until F2 (i.e. cats with an outcross grandparent) which gives them an extra generation to regain good type.

 It has been agreed that the LaPerm breeding programme will have a relatively limited outcross list only including cats with reasonably similar type to LaPerms, with just two breed groups per hair length, plus the temporary addition of another breed group while LaPerms have preliminary status.

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Health

Health concerns should be taken into consideration when planning matings. A breeder considering an outcross to any breed on the list should make themselves aware of any health issues in that breed. Appropriate action should be taken to reduce the likelihood of introducing any health problems into the LaPerm breed.

Blood type testing of LaPerms has so far only detected blood type A, indicating that the incidence of blood type B within the breed is very rare. In order to prevent future problems of blood type incompatibility it is recommended that cats with blood type B should not be introduced into the breeding programme.

 Breeders should be aware of the possibility of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in the Tiffanie and Asian SH and enquire as to whether a cat they are considering using for an outcross mating is from lines where PKD has been detected and if so whether testing has been carried out. They should also be aware that clubs representing other outcross breeds are working to raise members’ awareness of the possibilities of other genetic conditions (such as PK [Pyruvite Kinase Deficiency] in the Somali and Abyssinian and HK [or Hypokalaemic Myopathy] in the Burmese) which may affect their breeds. Breeders should also have an awareness of common inherited diseases which can affect all cats, such as Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and their implications. Affected cats should be removed from breeding programmes and, where possible, offspring screened.

 It should also be noted that the dominant white gene (W) is associated with in increased risk of deafness in all breeds. People should only undertake matings which may result in white self LaPerm kittens with extreme caution after researching the effects of the gene, and ensure that any white cats used have normal hearing in both ears. Two white self cats should not be bred together as there is some evidence to suggest that if a cat is homozygous for the W gene then there is a further increase in the risk of deafness. Cats with blue eyes (with the exception of those with “Turner blue eyes”) have a higher incidence of deafness than those with coloured eyes. White cats carrying the white spotting gene may have an increased risk factor and white cats which had large kitten caps may have a decreased risk factor.

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Recommended good practice

It is important that LaPerm breeders employ good practice in their breeding programmes with regards to outcrossing, including being aware of issues which specifically affect some outcross breeds and of genetic problems (including the effect of different blood types) associated with some breeds. For example, some concerns have been raised about declining numbers of Abyssinian kitten registrations and low registrations in other outcross breeds (such as the Ocicat) in the GCCF. Even though we do not perceive that extensive use will be made of the Abyssinian outcross it is still important that LaPerm breeders pay attention to recommendations to ensure that we do not contribute to any further decline in numbers.

It is recommended that:

     Breeders should make themselves aware of genetic and other problems associated with their own breeding queens and of potential studs they may use. Owners of LaPerm studs should ensure that they are of Type A blood group, that they are regularly tested for transmittable disease and parasites and that only tested and approved queens from approved outcross breeds are accepted for stud.

     Where an outcross is undertaken with a breed with low numbers normally this should be an outcross male x LaPerm female. LaPerm stud owners should not normally accept females from outcross breeds with low numbers to stud, except under special circumstances, and should always ensure that any contracts associated with the breeding queen do not preclude the owner of the queen from participating in the LaPerm programme through outcrossing.

    If someone obtains a cat from a breed with low numbers expressly for use in a LaPerm breeding programme they should try to choose an individual which would not be used for breeding (perhaps with type not ideal for the specific outcross breed but suitable for LaPerm) or they should also consider breeding some of the LaPerm outcross breed.

   Where someone is breeding both breeds and carries out an outcross using a female from one of the breeds with low numbers, they should ensure that she only has one or two breaks out of her main breeding career to produce LaPerms and thus is not prevented from contributing to the registrations within her own breed.

    Breeders should not outcross twice in two subsequent generations unless there are valid reasons or specific goals are in mind. It is noted that until a reasonable number of good quality LaPerm studs are available across the UK, this may be difficult for some breeders. 

     Owners of LaPerm studs should use their judgement in accepting queens from outcross breeds for stud and should support and advise owners of queens as to the limitations and implications of using a certain stud in the LaPerm breeding programme. This advice should include making breeders aware of the breeding policy and recommendations and also advising (to the best of their knowledge and ability) on the likely outcome of specific matings in terms of LaPerm type and how the breeder might proceed with future breeding from the F1 generation of kittens.

       Breeders should select a cat for outcrossing based on its resemblance to good LaPerm type and not whether it is a good example of its own breed. A pet quality kitten might be the best choice for an outcross.

     Breeders need to think carefully about the attributes they want in the kittens they hope to breed. For example, do you want a softer or longer coat, longer muzzle, etc?  What attributes will complement those of your LaPerm?

     Breeders should not use a cat or a line as an outcross which has already been used a few times as it will not add anything new.

     Breeders should look at the results which others have had from using the same outcross to get an idea of what to expect.

     Finally, and most important, breeders should endeavour always to show respect to breeders of the outcross breeds by explaining to them why their breeds are used in our breeding programme and how this benefits both humans and cats.

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Notes on breeds

Somali and Abyssinian

These two breeds, regarded by some organisations which recognise the LaPerm as one breed group, are generally seen as one of the most suitable choices of outcross, having been recommended by early breeders and used in many countries. The Abyssinian is important firstly as an outcross breed in its own right, but also because the more widely used Somali and Ocicat have Abyssinians in their backgrounds. Cats with Somali or Ocicat breed numbers can have an Abyssinian parent and our registration policy needs to account for five generations. Many of the Ocicats used as outcrosses by breeders registering LaPerms with the CFA had Abyssinian parents; these cats were more popular as an outcross choice because they were Ocicat variants, having ticked coats, which give a nicer pattern option than spots for a LaPerm.

 The Somali is more likely to be used than the Abyssinian as LaPerms are more popular in LH than SH by a ratio of about 4:1. However both give the same benefits of maintaining good LaPerm type as the type is very similar. The breeds also have similar dispositions, and this helps to maintain the LaPerm’s affectionate and playful nature. The majority of Somali and Abyssinian lines have soft coats, without thick undercoats and the outcross therefore gives good LaPerm coat texture. An added benefit is the fact that ticking and curls make such a lovely and popular combination as the curls open the coat to show the bands of ticking

Some of the differences between the breeds which breeders should be aware of are that some Abyssinian and Somali lines are quite small and also they have a slightly different head type from LaPerms. The Somali and Abyssinian face is based on an equilateral triangle from the front, with a shallow indentation forming the muzzle (though this should not be a pinch) whereas a LaPerm has a slightly longer and broader muzzle with a pronounced whisker break. The profile also is slightly different in that the Somali and Abyssinian should have a slight nose break and the distinctive ‘smile’ whereas the LaPerm profile is a “straight nose with gentle convex curve and gentle nose break”. The eye shape is also slightly different in that although LaPerms, Somalis and Abyssinians should have ‘large, almond shape eyes’ the LaPerms’ eye should specifically be “slightly slanted to the bottom of the outside ear base”. Finally the Somali and Abyssinian should have a level topline whereas the LaPerm’s hind legs should be slightly longer than the forelegs.

 It is unlikely that in the long term the Abyssinian outcross will be used much in the LaPerm breeding programme, any more than it is in the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex breeding programmes. In fact, with our focus on LH, it will probably be used a great deal less than in both those breeds combined.

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 Tiffanie, Asian and Burmese

In this breed grouping the Tiffanie has been mainly used. While the breed is rare in the USA it has been used with great success in LaPerm breeding programmes in other countries, especially New Zealand. Therefore Asians and Burmese are on the list by logical extension and because they often appear within the preceding generations of Tiffanie pedigrees. Only European Burmese are permitted.

The Tiffanie and Asian are good choices of outcross where a breeder wishes to obtain a softer coat texture, or more coat length or density. Colour and pattern genes are an additional benefit but should not be a reason to choose a particular outcross.

There is some variation in type among Tiffanies and Asians and individuals should be chosen whose type is closest to LaPerm type. A short or rounded head or an overly thick coat should be avoided and the most suitable cats will have more length in the muzzle and not too deep a nose break or stop. The outcross is a good match for a LaPerm whose head type is too long or narrow, or whose coat is too harsh, wiry or sparse. Breeders should be wary for resulting kittens lacking head length or without strong muzzles. Breeders should not overuse this outcross in a line.

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Ocicat

The Ocicat is the most commonly used pedigree outcross within CFA. Ticked, solid or classic tabby variants were mainly used. Spotted LaPerms only have fuzzy spots because of the texture of the coat. The Ocicat outcross gives excellent type as the type is similar between the two breeds and the Ocicat especially has the broad muzzle desired in the LaPerm. Ocicats can be slightly larger than LaPerms so breeders should be wary of using individuals which are very large. However, if a LaPerm seems smaller then desirable, a match with a larger cat could be appropriate. Reports indicate that the male kittens in the first generation from an Ocicat outcross will be big. The Ocicat or Ocicat Variant is a good choice of outcross for someone wishing to breed Shorthaired LaPerms; however none of the kittens will be Longhaired. The Ocicat is a relatively rare breed in the UK so breeders should check pedigrees to make sure any mating would genuinely bring new genes into the LaPerm gene pool, as the same line may already have been used, in which case a LaPerm to LaPerm mating would be just as good.

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 Tonkinese

The Tonkinese has not been used much in the LaPerm breeding programme and the USA Tonkinese has a slightly different type to the UK Tonkinese making it less appropriate. However it is included on the GCCF outcross list by logical extension as its parent breeds are on the list and it offers a better match for type than them. The Tonkinese will probably not be greatly used but offers an alternative option for the SH outcross which will give reasonably good type and has the added option of interesting colour/pattern genes. Individuals should be chosen for their closeness to ideal LaPerm type.

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 Balinese, Siamese and Oriental SH and LH

This breed grouping is included on the outcross list because it has been used in some breeding programmes and may appear in some import pedigrees, and because it gives an option to add length to the body and face and reduce coat density. The LaPerm should have reasonable head length and a moderate but not too heavy nose break; most of the breeds on the outcross list have a slightly shorter muzzle than the ideal for the LaPerm. This breed grouping gives an option to counteract any imbalance towards shortness.

These breeds are not very good matches for LaPerm type and a good LaPerm should not look too Oriental. This outcross should normally only be used to redress an imbalance where a LaPerm has a feature such as an overly thick coat, cobby body, short muzzle or heavy stop. The Balinese is probably the most appropriate choice. Breeders must note that the breeding policy recommends that only cats of old style type should be used and very typy cats should be avoided. Breeders should be aware that a LaPerm with a Balinese, Siamese, or Oriental parent may not be show quality and another generation may have to be bred before good results are achieved. A lightly built LaPerm should not be paired with one of these breeds.

It is a strong probability that these breeds will be removed from the outcross list when the LaPerm is promoted to provisional status.

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Other Outcrosses

LaPerm breeding programmes in other countries have made use of other outcross breeds. Some experimental outcrossing has been done with other breeds with varying results.

One cat which was considered an appropriate match for outcrossing with the LaPerm is the straight eared American Curl Variant. While this breed is a good match it was not used in the States because of concerns that it could lead to cats being bred with rexed coats and curled ears. Breeders in Russia believe that because both genes are dominant this is not a risk and are using the outcross. Some breeders have used long legged Munchkin variants as they are similar to domestics but have pedigrees.

In the United States the most popularly used outcross has been the domestic cat or non-pedigree. This is because the breed originated from a colony of non-pedigree cats. CFA has set a cut of date of 2015 for outcrossing to domestic cats for outcrossing to domestic cats. Some breeders may have used other breeds and registered the kittens as having a domestic cat parent. This outcross provides the advantage of hybrid vigour, but without knowledge of a cat’s parentage the results of the offspring can be unpredictable. Cats are selected for their resemblance to ideal LaPerm type. In TICA a cat has to be three generations away from any unregistered ancestors to have a “CO” registration number  that indicates it is eligible for showing in a championship class. General GCCF rules applying to all breeds rule out the domestic cat as an outcross, but our registration policy does allow for domestics in the background of imported cats as they were widely used during the foundation stages of the breed’s development.

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