The LaPerm is a recognized breed of cat. A LaPerm's fur is curly, with the tightest curls being on the belly, throat and base of the ears. LaPerms come in many colors and patterns. They are affectionate, people-oriented, and retain a playful kitten-like nature throughout life.
Article
Born from a spontaneous curl on an Oregon cherry farm in 1982, the LaPerm cat now captivates owners worldwide with its bouncy, hypoallergenic coat and affectionate personality. Discover how this accidental mutation evolved into a recognized breed that’s stealing hearts—and laps—wherever it goes.
Meet the LaPerm, a unique cat breed that looks like it just stepped out of a salon with its distinctive curly coat. These charming cats from the United States are winning hearts with their affectionate nature, playful personalities, and eye-catching appearance that sets them apart from other breeds.
History & Origin
The LaPerm's story begins in 1982 on a cherry farm in Dalles, Oregon, where a spontaneous genetic mutation created the first curly-coated kitten in an otherwise normal litter. This kitten, named Curly, became the foundation of the LaPerm breed. The owners, Linda and Richard Koehl, initially thought nothing of the unusual coat until more curly kittens appeared in subsequent generations. By the 1990s, cat fanciers recognized the potential of these unique cats, and the breed gained official recognition. The name "LaPerm" perfectly captures their distinctive perm-like curly coats and reflects the breed's permanent wave of fur that makes them so special.
The LaPerm's most striking feature is undoubtedly its curly coat, which feels surprisingly soft and springy to the touch. These medium-sized cats typically weigh between 2.5-4.5 kg and measure 30-40 cm in length. Their fur displays the tightest curls on the belly, throat, and base of the ears, creating an adorable perm-like appearance. Unlike many breeds, LaPerms come in every conceivable color and pattern, from solid colors to tabby, tortoiseshell, and pointed varieties. Their expressive eyes can be gold, green, copper, or blue, adding to their captivating appearance. The coat varies from wavy to tightly curled, with some cats even displaying ringlets that bounce as they move.
Temperament & Personality
LaPerms embody the perfect balance of affection and intelligence, earning perfect scores in affection level, friendliness, kid-friendliness, and pet-friendliness. These gentle souls thrive on human companionship, often following their favorite people around the house like devoted shadows. Their curious nature means they're always interested in whatever you're doing, whether it's working on your computer or preparing dinner. Despite their playful tendencies, they're not overly demanding and maintain a moderate energy level that makes them ideal for various household types. Their intelligence shines through in their problem-solving abilities and their knack for learning tricks or opening doors.
Care Requirements
One of the LaPerm's advantages is their relatively low-maintenance grooming needs, rated only 2/5 despite their unique coats. The curly fur doesn't mat easily, requiring just weekly brushing to remove loose hair and maintain coat health. Some owners report that their LaPerms' curls actually become more defined after gentle grooming. These cats appreciate moderate exercise needs (3/5), enjoying interactive play sessions but content to entertain themselves with toys when you're busy. Providing climbing structures, puzzle toys, and regular playtime helps keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Their shedding level is moderate (3/5), making them manageable for most households.
Health Considerations
LaPerms are generally healthy cats with a good lifespan of 12-16 years, but responsible breeders screen for certain genetic conditions. Some bloodlines may carry pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef), an enzyme deficiency that can cause anemia, while others may be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease. Regular veterinary check-ups, genetic testing of breeding cats, and maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise help ensure your LaPerm lives a long, healthy life. Like all cats, they benefit from routine dental care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
Is This Breed Right For You?
LaPerms make excellent companions for families with children, singles, and seniors alike. Their gentle, patient nature makes them wonderful with kids, while their moderate activity level suits both active households and quieter homes. They get along well with other pets, including dogs, making them ideal for multi-pet families. If you're looking for a cat that will greet you at the door, curl up on your lap, and entertain you with playful antics throughout their lives, the LaPerm could be your perfect match. Their unique appearance is sure to spark conversations, but it's their loving personality that will truly capture your heart.
The LaPerm offers the best of both worlds: a visually striking appearance with a heart of gold. These curly-coated companions bring joy, affection, and gentle entertainment to any home lucky enough to have them. Whether you're attracted to their unique looks or their loving personality, a LaPerm will reward you with years of devoted companionship and countless memorable moments.
2/5
Health Issues
Generally healthy; some lines may show signs of pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef) or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
American cat breeds
hypoallergenic cats
Cat's Doctor
Get AI-powered advice about your cat's health and care. Enter your cat's information and start a conversation with our veterinary assistant.
Get expert advice about cat care, behavior, nutrition, grooming, and training. Ask our AI cat care expert anything about your cat and receive professional guidance.
