LaPerm

The curly-coated, lap-loving cat from Oregon

The LaPerm began in 1982 on a farm in Oregon, when a barn cat had a litter that included a bald kitten who later grew a curly coat. The breeder who took an interest named the breed after the “perm”, and the curl gene turned out to be dominant. Kittens may be born bald or with a close, curly coat.

It is a gentle, warm-seeking cat, with a coat that looks permanently windswept.

LaPerm at a glance

Origin: Oregon, USA
Size: Small to medium
Weight: Usually 3 to 5.5 kg
Lifespan: Often 12 to 15 years
Coat: Soft, wavy or curly, short or long, with curly whiskers
Colours: Almost any colour and pattern

Personality scorecard

Energy: 3 out of 5
Affection: 5 out of 5
Chattiness: 2 out of 5
Grooming needed: 3 out of 5
Good with children: 4 out of 5
Good with other pets: 4 out of 5

Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.

What they look like

A medium cat with a wedge-shaped head, big, expressive, almond-shaped eyes, wide-set ears and a flexible body. The coat is soft and bouncy, and may be loose waves or ringlets, with the longest curls around the neck and tail. The whiskers and eyebrows can curl, too. It comes in short and long versions, and in any colour and pattern.

Personality

Affectionate, gentle and attention-loving. LaPerms like to be on laps, in arms, or touching you, and often rub their cheeks on their people. They are active and curious, enjoy being up high, and are usually friendly with children and other pets.

Care and grooming

Be gentle: comb the dry coat lightly, and avoid heavy brushing, which can make the curls frizzy. Bathing is rarely needed. Give them play, perches and company. Keep up with dental checks.

Health to know about

Generally healthy, with no breed-specific problems well established, though it is a rare breed, so ask breeders about health testing. Like any cat, a LaPerm is not hypoallergenic.