What outcrossing to other breeds has been used in the LaPerm breeding programme?
In America the principle outcross to develop the gene pool of the LaPerm has been the domestic cat or non-pedigree. This is because these are the cats which are closest to the original colony where the LaPerm arose. The Ocicat was also used in America. In other countries where outcrossing to non-pedigree cats is not encouraged there is more scope for outcrossing to pedigree breeds. Lists of approved outcrosses give breeders the option to use a handful of breeds which are single coated cats of moderate type such as the Somali. Careful outcross programmes are designed to maintain type, improve the features of the breed and ensure that as numbers grow the gene pool can also grow. Outcrossing has the added advantage of helping breeders to develop new colours and patterns within the breed.
