LaPerm cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the LaPerm

The LaPerm is a natural curly-coated breed that began on a farm in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1982. A barn cat gave birth to a bald kitten that later grew a soft, curled coat, and the breeders Linda and Richard Koehl built a breed from her line. The curl comes from a dominant gene that appeared by chance and is not related to the genes behind the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex or Selkirk Rex.

Most LaPerms are medium in size, with a modified wedge head, large ears and a rounded muzzle. The coat is light and springy, with ringlets that are tightest at the throat and around the base of the ears. Short-haired and long-haired cats occur, and every colour and pattern is accepted. The breed gained championship status in TICA in 2003 and in CFA in 2008.

Temperament and living with one

LaPerms are known for being people cats. They want to be where you are, climb into a lap and rub their cheeks against your hand. Breeders describe them as gentle and active rather than wild, with a curious streak that makes them follow tasks around the house.

They get on well with considerate children, other cats and dogs. They like toys, a window perch and games with a person, but they are usually not demanding or noisy. Most do not enjoy being left alone for long stretches, so they suit a home where someone is often present. They learn routines and simple tricks quickly if training is gentle.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is easier to keep than it looks. Comb gently once or twice a week with a wide-toothed comb, and avoid brushing hard, which can make the curls frizzy. Kittens may be born bald or with a different coat, and the curl may take months to appear. The coat can change in density with age and season.

Because the coat is thin in places, a LaPerm may feel the cold and can sunburn on any sparse patches. Keep the cat indoors and out of strong sun. Feed a complete adult diet in measured meals, trim the nails and look at the ears.

Health

The LaPerm is generally sturdy, and no health problem has been tied to the curl gene. Heart disease and inherited kidney disease can occur in any cat, so ask the breeder what screening the parents have had. Because the breed is small, the gene pool is limited, and responsible breeders outcross and test. Keep your cat at a healthy weight, brush the teeth or arrange dental checks, and ask your vet about a vaccination and parasite plan.

Is it right for you?

Choose a LaPerm if you want a warm, social cat whose looks are unusual but whose care is simple. It suits a quiet or busy home with someone often at hand. It is a poor fit if the house is empty most of the day. For another curly coat, compare the Selkirk Rex, the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex.