The LaPerm Cat: Everything You Need to Know

November 17, 2025

The LaPerm Cat: Everything You Need to Know About This Curly-Coated Breed

Introduction

The LaPerm is one of the most distinctive and charming cat breeds in the feline world. With their unique curly coat that resembles a soft, shaggy perm, these cats are impossible to ignore. But there's much more to the LaPerm than just their stunning appearance. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about this remarkable breed.

Origins and History

The Accidental Discovery

The LaPerm breed has a fascinating origin story that began quite by accident in 1982 on a farm in The Dalles, Oregon, USA. A barn cat gave birth to a litter of kittens, and one particular kitten was born completely bald with unique tabby markings on her skin.

The First LaPerm:

Initially hairless at birth
Developed a soft, curly coat at about 8 weeks old
Named "Curly" by her owner, Linda Koehl
Became the foundation of the entire LaPerm breed

Breed Development

What started as a curiosity quickly became a recognized breed:

1982-1992: Natural development through free-breeding on the farm
1992: First shown at a cat show, where the breed gained immediate attention
1997: Granted championship status by TICA (The International Cat Association)
2008: Recognized by CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association)
Present: Now bred worldwide in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia

Physical Characteristics

The Signature Coat

The LaPerm's most distinctive feature is undoubtedly their luxurious curly coat:

Coat Varieties:

Longhair LaPerm: Long, flowing ringlets and waves; plumed tail; ruff around the neck
Shorthair LaPerm: Springy texture; stands away from body; tight curls on tail

Texture Details:

Soft and silky to touch
Ranges from loose waves to tight ringlets
Each cat has a unique curl pattern (no two are exactly alike)
May have a "coat blow" where they temporarily lose their coat and regrow it
Whiskers are often curly too!

Colors and Patterns: All colors and patterns are accepted, including:

Solid colors (black, white, cream, red, blue)
Tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, spotted)
Tortoiseshell and calico
Pointed patterns
Bicolor and tricolor combinations

Body Type

Build:

Medium-sized breed
Weight: 6-12 pounds (females smaller, males larger)
Athletic and muscular build
Elegant yet sturdy appearance
Long legs relative to body
Tail in proportion to body, tapering to the tip

Head and Face:

Modified wedge-shaped head
Wide-set, expressive eyes (all colors accepted)
Medium-sized ears with lynx tipping in longhairs
Whisker pads slightly rounded
Alert, sweet expression

Personality and Temperament

Active and Affectionate

LaPerms are known for their wonderful personalities that make them ideal family pets:

Key Personality Traits:

Highly Affectionate: Love to be close to their humans
People-Oriented: Follow you from room to room
Gentle Touch: Often reach out to touch your face or "pat" you with their paws
Lap Cats: Enjoy cuddling and sitting on laps
Playful: Maintain kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood

Intelligence and Curiosity

Mental Characteristics:

Very intelligent and trainable
Curious about everything in their environment
Can learn tricks and commands
Problem solvers (can figure out how to open doors!)
Enjoy puzzle toys and interactive games

Social Behavior

With Humans:

Excellent with children (patient and gentle)
Bond strongly with all family members
Not typically one-person cats
Seek out human interaction and attention

With Other Pets:

Generally good with other cats
Can coexist peacefully with cat-friendly dogs
High prey drive may affect relationships with small pets
Proper introduction is key to success

The Hypoallergenic Question

Understanding Cat Allergies

Many people are drawn to LaPerms because of their reputation as "hypoallergenic" cats. Let's clarify what this means:

The Facts:

No cat breed is 100% hypoallergenic
LaPerms produce the Fel d 1 protein (the main allergen) like all cats
However, many allergy sufferers report fewer reactions to LaPerms

Why LaPerms May Cause Fewer Allergies:

Their rex coat may trap dander more effectively
They produce less dander due to their unique coat structure
Regular grooming can further reduce allergen levels
Individual variation exists (some LaPerms may trigger more reactions than others)

Important Note: If you have cat allergies, spend time with LaPerms before committing to adoption. Every person's allergies are different, and what works for one may not work for another.

Health and Lifespan

General Health

LaPerms are generally healthy cats with few breed-specific health issues:

Lifespan: 12-15 years (with proper care, some live longer)

Health Advantages:

No known genetic disorders specific to the breed
Diverse gene pool reduces inherited health problems
Hardy constitution from their barn cat origins

Common Health Considerations

While generally healthy, LaPerms can still experience typical feline health issues:

Watch For:

Dental disease (regular teeth cleaning recommended)
Obesity (monitor food intake and encourage exercise)
Urinary tract issues (ensure proper hydration)
Parasites (regular flea and worm prevention)

Preventive Care:

Annual veterinary check-ups
Keep vaccinations up to date
Regular parasite prevention
Maintain healthy weight through diet and exercise

Grooming and Care

Coat Maintenance

Despite their unique coat, LaPerms are surprisingly low-maintenance:

Grooming Routine:

Frequency: Once or twice weekly brushing
Tools: Soft bristle brush or wide-toothed comb
Technique: Gentle strokes to avoid breaking curls
Bathing: Occasional baths (every 2-3 months or as needed)

Special Notes:

LaPerms shed minimally compared to other breeds
Their coat doesn't mat as easily as you might think
Over-grooming can loosen the curls
Some LaPerms go through a "molt" where they temporarily lose their coat

Nutrition

Dietary Needs:

High-quality protein-based diet
Age-appropriate food (kitten, adult, senior)
Portion control to prevent obesity
Fresh water always available

Feeding Tips:

2-3 meals per day for adults
Follow feeding guidelines on food packaging
Adjust portions based on activity level
Treats should be less than 10% of daily calories

Exercise and Enrichment

Activity Requirements:

Moderate to high energy level
Daily play sessions (15-30 minutes)
Climbing opportunities (cat trees, shelves)
Interactive toys and puzzles
Rotate toys to maintain interest

Living with a LaPerm

Ideal Home Environment

Best Suited For:

Families with children
Singles or couples seeking an affectionate companion
Multi-pet households
First-time cat owners
People with mild cat allergies (test first!)

Space Requirements:

Adaptable to apartments or houses
Appreciate vertical space (cat trees)
Benefit from window perches for bird watching
Need safe outdoor access (catios) or stimulating indoor environment

Daily Life

What to Expect:

Morning greetings with head bumps and purrs
Following you around the house
Gentle paw taps for attention
Participation in your activities
Evening cuddle sessions
Playful antics throughout the day

Finding a LaPerm

Adoption Options

Breeders:

Research reputable breeders carefully
Visit the cattery if possible
Ask about health testing and guarantees
Expect to pay $600-$1,200 for a pet-quality LaPerm
Show-quality or breeding cats cost more

What to Look For:

Clean, healthy environment
Well-socialized kittens
Health records and pedigree papers
Contract with health guarantee
Breeder willing to answer questions

Rescue and Adoption:

Check breed-specific rescues
Monitor local shelters
Search online adoption platforms
Consider adult LaPerms (often calmer than kittens)

Fun Facts About LaPerms

Natural Mutation: The curly coat is caused by a dominant gene, unlike most rex breeds
Self-Discovered: The breed developed naturally without human intervention initially
Curly from Birth (Sometimes): Some kittens are born with curls, others develop them later
Unique Individuals: No two LaPerm coats are exactly alike
Name Origin: "LaPerm" comes from their permanent wave-like coat
Temperature Sensitive: Curls may be tighter or looser depending on climate and season
Outcross Breeding: Still allowed to outcross with domestic cats in some associations
Quiet Cats: Known for soft, gentle voices

Is a LaPerm Right for You?

Pros of Owning a LaPerm

✅ Affectionate and loving personality
✅ Low-maintenance grooming needs
✅ Generally healthy breed
✅ Good with children and other pets
✅ Unique, beautiful appearance
✅ May be suitable for some allergy sufferers
✅ Intelligent and trainable
✅ Adaptable to various living situations

Considerations Before Adopting

⚠️ Need daily interaction and attention
⚠️ Can be demanding of your time
⚠️ May not be suitable for people who travel frequently
⚠️ Initial cost and ongoing veterinary expenses
⚠️ Not guaranteed hypoallergenic for all allergy sufferers
⚠️ May be difficult to find from reputable breeders

Conclusion

The LaPerm cat is truly a remarkable breed that combines stunning looks with an equally beautiful personality. Their curly coats make them stand out in any crowd, but it's their loving, affectionate nature that wins hearts.

Whether you're drawn to their unique appearance, their reputation for being hypoallergenic, or their wonderful temperament, the LaPerm can make an excellent addition to the right home. They thrive on human companionship and will reward your love with years of devotion, entertainment, and cuddles.

If you're looking for a cat that's as unique on the inside as it is on the outside, the LaPerm might just be your perfect match. Their combination of beauty, brains, and boundless affection makes them one of the most delightful cat breeds to share your life with.

Ready to welcome a LaPerm into your home? Start your search with reputable breeders or breed-specific rescues, and prepare for a lifetime of love with your curly-coated companion!

Have questions about LaPerms? Leave a comment below or contact us for more information about this amazing breed!