A medium, semi-foreign cat with moderate bone, fairly long legs and neck. Its coat is loose, springy and light, standing away from the body in waves, curls and ringlets, with the tightest curls around the throat and ear base. Longhairs grow a curly ruff and plumed tail; shorthairs have a bottle-brush tail. The texture is often compared to mohair.321
Coloursall colours and patternsincluding solids, tabbies, tortoiseshell, points, smokes and shadedKarpati (salt-and-pepper) pattern321
Personality what they are like
Loving and gentle, yet not pushy. LaPerms enjoy human company, often trail their owners round the house and happily settle on a lap. They are curious, inquisitive and a little mischievous, and tend to be quiet, speaking up mainly when they want attention.321
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and alert, with a keen hunting drive; enjoys interactive games and climbing trees, but adapts well to the owner's pace of life.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy. Occasional combing with a metal or rolling-tooth comb lifts out loose hair without spoiling the curls. The coat rarely mats. An occasional bath with towel drying (not blow drying, which frizzes the curls) keeps it fresh; trim nails about every two weeks and brush teeth regularly.32
Home where they are happiest
Enjoys cat trees and places to climb as part of family life indoors.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family and enjoys being involved in daily life.23
The story where it all began
On 1 March 1982 a brown tabby farm cat in Linda and Richard Koehl's cherry orchard in Oregon gave birth to a bald kitten named Curly, who grew a soft, wavy coat within months. As more curly kittens appeared, Linda Koehl began a planned breeding programme, and every LaPerm today descends from Curly. The breed went on to gain championship status with TICA, CFA, GCCF and FIFe between 2003 and 2015.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The very first LaPerm, Curly, was born completely bald and grew her curls by about four months old; bald kittens still turn up and later grow curly coats.3
2
Unlike some other rex breeds, LaPerms keep long, flexible whiskers.2
3
The name plays on the idea of a 'perm' hairdo and follows a local Chinookan custom of borrowing French words.1
4
CFA notes the LaPerm is the only breed that can be shown in the Karpati colour pattern.3
The breed name comes from the French definite article 'la' combined with 'perm', a reference to the cat's curly coat resembling a loose perm, and also reflects a Native American connection with the Chinook tribe who used the French definite article when creating new words.2
Famous ones stars of the breed
Curly The founding cat of the breed, born bald in 1982, from whom all LaPerms descend.4
I started my day by inspecting every corner of the house, just to make sure nothing had changed overnight. My human laughed when I chirped at them, demanding my morning greeting. I followed them to the bathroom, sat on the edge of the tub, and supervised their routine. After breakfast, I chased a dust bunny across the floor, then climbed my cat tree to survey my kingdom. When my human settled on the sofa, I knew it was lap time. I kneaded a soft rhythm and purred until my eyes closed. Later, I batted at their fingers when they tried to work, just to remind them I'm here. A quiet, contented day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my LaPerm, and at what times?
Feed your LaPerm a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available. Meal times and amounts vary by cat, so check the food label and ask your vet for a schedule that keeps your LaPerm at a healthy weight.
What should a LaPerm eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Your LaPerm is an obligate carnivore and does best on a complete, balanced cat food. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and raw dough; always avoid these and consult your vet for a full list.6
Does a LaPerm need baths?
An occasional bath with towel drying keeps the coat fresh, but avoid blow drying as it can frizz the curls. Only bathe when needed, as the coat rarely mats and stays clean easily.327
How often does a LaPerm need brushing?
Brush your LaPerm occasionally with a metal or rolling-tooth comb to lift loose hair without spoiling the curls. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 14 days with a soft glove or cloth, as the coat is delicate.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a LaPerm's claws, and how often?
Trim your LaPerm's nails about every two to three weeks using a proper cat nail trimmer. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 21 days; if you're new to trimming, do no more than two claws per session at first.327Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a LaPerm need?
Your LaPerm is active and alert with a keen hunting drive, so daily interactive play and climbing opportunities are important. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends daily play sessions to keep them happy and engaged.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a LaPerm's teeth and ears?
Brush your LaPerm's teeth regularly, ideally daily as suggested in Furry Diary's starting plan, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Ask your vet for proper dental care and ear cleaning techniques. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a LaPerm live?
Your LaPerm typically lives between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many years of loving companionship.2
Is a LaPerm good with children and other pets?
Yes, LaPerms are loving and gentle, bonding closely with their family and enjoying being involved in daily life. They usually get along well with children and other pets when introduced properly.321
Can a LaPerm be left alone?
LaPerms enjoy human company and may trail you around the house, but they adapt well to your pace of life. They can be left alone for reasonable periods, though they thrive with daily interaction and play.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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