LaPerm Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Traits & Facts

After it was first introduced to the cat fancy world in 1982, the LaPerm quickly became a crowd favorite due to its signature curled coat and affable personality. Perhaps no other breed descended from a barn cat has been so lucky; the LaPerm enjoys robust health and is best known for how much they love and care for their owners.

These lovable and curious cats have become a fixture in cat shows on the west coast of the United States. If you’re considering adding one to your home, this guide has all the information you’ll need to determine whether the LaPerm is a good fit for your family.

Finding a LaPerm to adopt can be tricky, but with our guide to everything you need to know about this rare cat breed, you’ll be able to decide whether searching one out is worth the effort. Read on to find out more about this uniquely styled, affectionate cat.

LaPerm Kittens – Before You Welcome One Into Your Familly…

Finding a reputable breeder for a LaPerm kitten should be your first step. A recently developed breed, they’re much more difficult to find than common house cats.

High energy levels and huge amounts of affection are characteristic of this loving yet somewhat high-maintenance breed. As a quiet breed, they’re more likely to get your attention by jumping into your lap than meowing at you, so be prepared for frequent invasions of your personal space with this contact-loving kitty.

The LaPerm is named for its curly hair and well-coiffed appearance and is the result of a rare genetic mutation that naturally adds extra curl to the hairs around its neck, head, and haunches. Hailing from Dalles, Oregon, this breed is also known as the Dalles LaPerm. An ordinary brown tabby barn cat was the sire to the entire breed, having produced a single nearly bald kitten in a litter in 1980. Within eight weeks, this small and frail kitten had grown a full coat of luscious, curly hair, and the LaPerm breed started its path to full recognition.

Over the following 10 years, further litters of these curly-haired kittens were sired from the same parents and went on to mate with other cats in their small Oregon neighborhood. In 1992, the cat’s owner, Linda Koehl, decided to enter one of her curly-haired adults into a Cat Fanciers’ Association show in Portland, Oregon. With the attention of dozens of cat fanciers focused on this innovative new breed, Koehl decided to apply for a registry as a certified breed and begin her own cattery and breeding program.

3 Little-Known Facts About LaPerm

1. The LaPerm’s Coat is the Result of a Rare Genetic Mutation

Most mutations that produce changes in coat color or style are due to recessive genes, while the LaPerm’s curly adaptation is a result of passing on dominant genes. This means that the LaPerm can lend its curls to any crossbreed!

2. LaPerm Kittens are Often Born Bald

Perhaps due to their complex genetic heritage, many LaPerm kittens don’t start to grow hair until they are 4 to 8 weeks old. After an initial coat of short, straight hair, they will grow in their signature curls.

3. They Can be Found in Every Available Coat Coloring

As a result of their mutation, the LaPerm’s dominant genes allow it to cross with every sort of breed and coat color while maintaining its trademark curled coat.

Temperament & Intelligence of the LaPerm

Since they’re kind, gentle, energetic, and intelligent, the LaPerm is an ideal cat for many prospective owners. They love nothing more than to spend whole days playing with their owners and other pets! If you’re looking for a cat that will keep you active and shower you with love and affection, the LaPerm may be the right choice for you.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Due in part to their barn cat heritage, LaPerm cats are some of the most even-tempered and affectionate cats you can bring into your home. They’re most attached to their owners and caretakers but generally get along well with everyone in the home. With their hearty constitutions and resilient natures, even small children can play with them without fear of causing harm.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The LaPerm is the sort of cat that doesn’t know a stranger. From other cats to dogs, guinea pigs, and other small pets, a LaPerm gets along well with everyone.  They’re an ideal addition to homes with older pets, as their energetic natures will encourage your older animals to exercise and play more.

Things to Know When Owning a LaPerm:

Owning a LaPerm can be a significant investment of time, money, and effort, but the payoff in love, care, and affection is well worth it. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether a LaPerm is right for you:

Food & Diet Requirements 

LaPerm cats require no additional care or attention to their diet than you would give any other breed. Their diet should include high-quality dry cat food and wet food in moderate portion sizes. Younger and more active cats will need more food, while older felines will benefit from meals with less fat and more vitamins and minerals.

Exercise🐈

Significant exercise requirements are the only thing about a LaPerm that is high maintenance. Since they’re full of energy and constantly on the move, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time playing with your LaPerm. Alternatively, If you bring a LaPerm into a household with other pets, they will surely encourage your other animals to play and exercise more frequently.

Training 🎾

Generally, LaPerm cats respond well to training when food is involved. Since they’re highly food-motivated and quite intelligent, your LaPerm will enjoy learning tricks when your training is reinforced with cat treats.

Grooming ✂️

Unlike other cats with luscious and unique fur, the LaPerm requires no special grooming to keep its hair in top condition. They’re available in short-haired and long-haired varieties and are also known for producing fewer allergens than many cat breeds.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Coming from a long line of wild-bred outdoor cats, the LaPerm is not prone to any serious health conditions and generally enjoys good health. When looking for a LaPerm, ask your breeder if there are any other known breeds in the cross; LaPerms descended from pure-bred cats tend to carry their mating partner’s health problems.

Male vs Female

Male and female LaPerms share all the same qualities that make the breed so desirable. While both sexes are playful, affectionate, and even-tempered, male cats tend to be more active, while female cats are more affectionate. However, more of a LaPerm’s personality is determined by its individual character than its sex.

Final Thoughts

The LaPerm is a tremendously affectionate and uniquely handsome breed. It makes a great pet for families of all sizes and compositions and generally gets along well with animals of every species. Since they have exceptionally high energy levels and an insatiable curiosity, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time training and playing with them!

Featured Image Credit:  by Bebopscrx / Fish Icon