Few breeds shape-shift quite like the LaPerm. Famous for a tousled, curly coat that can shed completely and grow back better than before, this American breed combines real rarity with a friendly, family-oriented temperament — affectionate without being clingy, playful without being chaotic, and remarkably easy to live with.
Appearance
The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat with a balanced, semi-foreign build. Males typically weigh 3.5–5.5 kg and females 2.5–4.5 kg. Despite the soft, somewhat exotic look of its coat, the breed is muscular, athletic, and surprisingly sturdy when picked up.
The body sits on strong legs, with the hind legs slightly longer than the forelegs. The head is a medium, modified wedge with rounded contours, full whisker pads, and a firm chin. Eyes are large and almond-shaped, set at a slight slant, and may appear in any color regardless of coat shade. Ears are medium to large with rounded tips; lynx-like tufts are considered desirable in longhaired examples. The tail is long and tapers to the tip, finishing in a plume on semi-long cats.
The signature trait, of course, is the coat. Two coat lengths are accepted — short and semi-long — and both should curl. The texture is light, springy, and silky rather than wiry, with curls ranging from tight ringlets to gentle waves, especially on the belly, throat, and tail. All colors and patterns are permitted, from solids and tabbies to tortoiseshells and pointed varieties.
Most LaPerm kittens go through at least one bald phase during the first months of life, sometimes more than once. The coat regrows, and the second or third generation of fur is usually denser and more curled than what came before. By around a year of age the coat settles into its adult form.
Personality
LaPerms are people-oriented, curious, and lively without being demanding. They are climbers and explorers — equally happy to investigate a paper bag, ride on a shoulder, or watch the world from the top of a bookshelf. Most stay playful well into adulthood, but they also know how to settle.
Toward their family they are affectionate and gentle. They tend to follow their humans from room to room, “help” with tasks, and curl up close at the end of the day. They are generally good with children old enough to handle a cat respectfully and get along well with other cats and friendly dogs. Unlike some hyper-attached breeds, LaPerms don’t usually impose themselves, but they do appreciate attention and will ask for it in a soft, pleasant voice — chatty enough to be charming, quiet enough not to wake the household.
Health
The LaPerm arose from a natural, dominant-gene mutation rather than a tightly engineered breeding program, and the breed has no widely recognized hereditary disorders. With responsible breeding and routine care, most cats live 12–15 years, and many exceed that.
As with all cats, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and annual veterinary check-ups form the foundation of long-term health. Because the breed remains relatively uncommon, lines vary, so prospective owners should ask breeders about the health history of the parents and any screening practices used in the cattery.
Care
LaPerms are low-maintenance for a curly-coated breed. The coat does not mat easily, and most cats only need brushing or combing once or twice a week to remove loose hair while preserving the curl. Aggressive grooming actually flattens the texture, so a soft-bristle brush, a wide-tooth comb, or even fingertip “scrunching” works better than heavy slicker tools. Bathing is rarely necessary; when given, the coat should be allowed to air-dry so the curls reform naturally.
Trim claws every couple of weeks, check ears regularly, and brush the teeth as part of routine care. The breed tolerates apartment life well, but it thrives with vertical space, interactive toys, and plenty of time with its people. Feed a high-quality diet formulated for the cat’s life stage, and keep an eye on portions — LaPerms are food-motivated and will happily overeat if given the chance.
History
The LaPerm story begins in 1982 on a cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon. A barn cat named Speedy gave birth to a litter that included one bald, mottled kitten with skin like a Sphynx. Owner Linda Koehl named her Curly, and over the next two months Curly grew a soft, curly coat unlike anything else on the farm. Linda allowed the trait to spread naturally through her working barn cats, and within a few generations curly kittens were appearing consistently.
Genetic study later confirmed that the LaPerm coat is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. Selective breeding from those original cats produced today’s recognized breed. TICA accepted the LaPerm for championship status in 2002, with CFA following in 2008 and other major registries adding recognition in subsequent years. It remains one of the rarer rex breeds, prized for its unusual coat and its balanced, easygoing personality.
Registry Recognition
The breed is recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), World Cat Federation (WCF) — first recognized in 1982.
Recent Comments