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LaPerm vs Selkirk Rex
Two curly-coated, easy-going cats. The LaPerm is lighter, more clinging and sheds less; the Selkirk is plusher, bigger and top-rated with children.
Verdict
These two are close, and coat and size decide it. The LaPerm is a medium cat of about 6 to 10 lb with a light, springy coat that sheds lightly, and it scores top marks for affection and low for independence, so it suits someone home through the day. The Selkirk Rex is plusher and heavier, with males around 12 to 15 lb, sheds more and rates top marks with children. Its profile names kidney disease, heart disease and hip dysplasia. Choose the LaPerm for a lighter lap cat, and the Selkirk for a plush family cat.
Choose the LaPerm if
- You want a loving, easy-going lap cat.
- You want a light curly coat that sheds lightly.
- You are home most of the day.
- You will wait for a kitten from a Rare breed.
Choose the Selkirk Rex if
- You have children and want the top-rated breed for them.
- You prefer a plush coat and a heavier cat.
- You want an easier search, since it is Uncommon.
- You will ask about kidney disease, heart disease and hip dysplasia.
Where they are alike
Both have curly coats in short and long forms and need regular combing. Both are moderately energetic, quiet cats that rate well with other pets and suit a small to medium home.
Side by side
| LaPerm | Selkirk Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Oregon, United States | Montana, United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | About 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg); males are larger | Males about 12-15 lb (5.4-6.8 kg); females are somewhat smaller |
| Lifespan | Often reported as 10-15 years; few studies | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Medium | Medium |
| Coat | Curly or wavy, light-textured coat without a thick undercoat, in short and long forms | Plush, curly coat with loose random curls, in short and long varieties |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2008 | Championship breed since 2000 |
| How common | Rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 3 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The LaPerm's curls hold loose hair and it sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to it. | — |
| Suits | A home where someone is around most of the day and wants a loving, easy-going lap cat with an unusual curly coat. | A family or a household that wants a calm, cuddly cat with an unusual coat and does not mind regular combing. |
| Less suited to | A household that is away all day, or anyone who wants a cat that keeps its distance. | Anyone who wants an energetic, athletic cat, or who expects a rex coat to mean low shedding. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026