LaPerm

Is a LaPerm cat right for you?

The LaPerm takes its name from the tight, wavy "perm" of its coat. Despite its striking looks, the temperament is refreshingly simple: people-oriented, lap-loving, curious, and playful. CFA describes it as "extremely interactive and affectionate," and individuals who happily ride around on an owner's shoulder are common. Thanks to the natural wave, grooming is notably lighter than for other long or semi-long-haired breeds.

The most realistic question: can you accept the LaPerm's coat as it is, without over-brushing it? In this breed, too much brushing can flatten the curl; the whole point of its grooming is "less intervention."

Before you adopt

The LaPerm's curly coat comes from a dominant gene mutation that alters coat structure and, per Wikipedia, is genetically unrelated to other "rex" breeds such as the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, or Selkirk Rex — it is an independent mutation. A curly-coated mixed-breed cat can easily be sold as a "LaPerm"; what distinguishes a genuine one is pedigree paperwork and the coat's distinctive texture, often described as having a slight mohair-like "drag" to the touch.

Kittens can be born bald. The breed's best-known trait is that kittens sometimes arrive completely hairless or with very sparse fuzz, shed what little coat they have in the first weeks, and then grow the characteristic curly coat by around four months of age. This is confirmed in CFA and breeder sources as a normal developmental stage specific to this breed — it is not a cause for alarm, and if a listing mentions "born bald, then grew a coat," that is expected for a LaPerm, not a sign of illness.

Temperament

Descended from working farm cats, the LaPerm has a strong hunting instinct alongside being intensely people-oriented. It is curious, opening cupboards, climbing into bags, and inserting itself into whatever you're doing.

Despite loving a lap, it is not a sedentary cat; it is playful and intelligent, capable of learning simple tricks. Riding on an owner's shoulder is a commonly reported behavior in this breed.

Its voice is used gently; it is not an especially vocal breed. It generally gets on well with children and other pets.

Because of its strong attachment to people, it does not enjoy long stretches alone; if under-stimulated it can channel its curiosity into mischief.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources report no documented breed-specific inherited disease; CFA and Wikipedia describe the breed as generally healthy. Ongoing outcrossing in breeding programs preserves genetic diversity. Lifespan is usually reported around 12 to 15 years.

• Sunburn risk: The coat can thin out seasonally, particularly on the back and belly; thinly coated areas can burn with prolonged sun exposure. Provide shade for cats that go outdoors.
• General feline health risks: Tartar, obesity, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — conditions seen across cats generally — warrant routine veterinary checks; no increased breed-specific risk has been reported.
• Allergen claim: Some sources suggest the LaPerm triggers fewer allergic reactions. This is based on individual observation rather than strong scientific evidence; anyone with a significant cat allergy should spend extended time with the cat before adopting to test their own reaction.

Feeding

An adult LaPerm ranges roughly 2.5–5.5 kg; males are noticeably larger than females.

• Kitten (2–12 months): Kitten food, three to four meals a day. Bald or sparse coat at this stage is normal and unrelated to diet.
• Adult: A high-protein, balanced diet; this active, curious breed has moderate-to-high energy needs. Use measured meals rather than free-feeding.
• Senior (8+ years): Age-appropriate food alongside weight and dental monitoring.

Wet food and a fountain-type water bowl help support water intake.

Grooming and coat

This is the breed's easiest aspect and a particular draw for informed adopters.

• Don't over-brush. Frequent, firm brushing can flatten the natural curl; a gentle hand-fluff or a wide-toothed comb once a week is enough.
• The coat mats less than straight long hair, but knots can still form in the curled areas (behind the ears, under the neck); check these by hand.
• Bathing is usually unnecessary; if done, keep it infrequent and gentle.
• Nails every two to three weeks, teeth several times a week.
• Check the ears monthly.

Living space and enrichment

1. Room to be curious. Open shelves, boxes, paper bags — this breed loves to explore.
2. Daily interactive play. The hunting instinct is strong; wand toys and hunt-simulation play work well.
3. A place to climb. A medium-height cat tree and a window perch for observation.
4. Social contact. Set up a routine where it won't be alone for long; a second pet is generally welcomed by this breed.
5. Shaded indoor spots. Protection from direct sun during sparsely coated phases.

Living as an indoor cat is recommended for both safety and coat health.

History

The LaPerm's story begins in 1982 on a farm in The Dalles, Oregon. A kitten born to Linda and Richard Koehl's farm cat Speedy arrived completely bald; within a few months it grew an unusual, curly coat and was named "Curly." Every LaPerm today traces its pedigree back to this single cat.

Over the following decade a free-breeding colony grew naturally around the farm before the Koehl family began a controlled breeding program. The curl was determined to come from a dominant gene mutation with no genetic relation to other rex breeds.

CFA accepted the breed for registration in 2000 and granted full championship status in 2008. TICA granted championship status in 2003; the GCCF gave full recognition in 2012, and FIFe in 2015. Today registries permit limited outcrossing to short- and longhaired domestic cats to preserve genetic diversity; CFA plans to phase this out after 2025.