Personality and Temperament
A cute, curly coat is just the beginning: The LaPerm cat has an absolutely charming personality. Meet this sweet kitty just once, and you will fall in love!
As family pets, LaPerm cats adore everyone from tiny tots to grandparents. They also have a tendency to make friends with other pets including their fellow felines and well-mannered dogs. These kitties are fond of cuddling up, making themselves comfy whether on your lap, next to you, or underneath your covers.
Between naps, these fabulous felines stay busy. They are as fond of helping their people with projects as they are of playing with their toys. The LaPerm cat possesses quite an inquisitive nature, and will happily investigate unsecured cupboards and drawers, inspecting and sometimes removing their contents.
If you are hoping for a quiet pet, the LaPerm may be ideal. When this kitty does use its voice, the sound tends to be soft and melodious rather than harsh and demanding. To get your attention, the LaPerm cat is more likely to offer a soft tap with a paw.
These amazing cats are truly endearing, quickly making friends with everyone who crosses their path. If you socialize an LaPerm kitten well, it's quite likely that once grown, your cat will greet new acquaintances like old friends.
Care
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
Health
The LaPerm cat has no special nutritional needs, however you may wish to choose a food that has added Omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and report that vibrant, curly coat that makes this breed stand out. In addition, be sure that you choose a high-quality food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Real meat or fish should be the main ingredient.
While the LaPerm cat does not require a lot of maintenance, it's best to groom them at least 2 to 3 times per week, using a comb or brush with rotating bristles. The texture of your cat's coat will determine how often your help is needed.
In addition to coat care, you may wish to clip your cat's claws on a regular basis. While LaPerm cats are not particularly destructive, keeping your kitty's toenails short will help prevent damage to your furniture.
You might also want to teach your cat to accept toothbrushing, since regular dental care contributes to overall well-being.
LaPerm cats are naturally active. In addition to running and jumping, they have an above average appreciation for climbing. If you bring one of these wonderful kitties into your life, plan to offer them more than one cat tree and consider installing cat friendly shelves on the walls. LaPerm cats love to view their homes from the highest possible vantage point and without these items, are likely to find less-suitable perches, such as the tops of cupboards and refrigerators.
Like many other cat breeds, the LaPerm has a tendency to slow down with age. Since less activity can lead to weight gain, you'll want to keep them engaged by offering puzzle toys, feathered wands, catnip mice, and other favorites.
The LaPerm cat has a reputation for enjoying good health. This breed is not subject to any known genetic conditions.
History
The LaPerm is a fairly new cat breed. In 1982, a barn cat in Oregon gave birth to a kitten with barely any hair. As the kitten grew a little older, she began to develop a curly coat and her adopter, a cat lover named Linda Koehl, named her "Curly."
When Curly grew up, she produced a few litters of kittens and some of these eventually developed curly coats like their mother's. Curly's owner developed an interest in feline genetics and over time, discovered that her cat's unique appearance was caused by a dominant gene.
Curly and her offspring were very popular at shows, and interest in this unique breed grew. The International Cat Association (TICA) granted official recognition in 2002. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) followed suit, along with many other cat breed registries worldwide.
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
The Breed Standard
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
FAQ
How much does a LaPerm cat cost?
LaPerm cats cost between $800-$1,500.
How big do LaPerm cats get?
LaPerm cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown LaPerm cat might weigh between 5-10 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10"-14" inches tall.
How long do LaPerm cats live?
The Average lifespan for LaPerm is 12-15 years.
Do LaPerm cats shed?
LaPerm are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds.
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