LaPerm
The LaPerm is a unique breed distinguished by its curly, textured coat that ranges from wavy to tight ringlets. Originating from a spontaneous genetic mutation on a farm in Oregon in 1982, this affectionate breed is known for its gentle temperament and strong desire for human companionship. LaPerms come in both longhair and shorthair varieties, and their distinctive curls are soft to the touch. Often called 'shoulder cats' for their habit of draping across their owner's shoulders, LaPerms combine striking appearance with an exceptionally loving personality. They are equally at home in a bustling family household or a quiet apartment, adapting readily to their surroundings as long as they have human companionship.
Key Stats
Weight
5-10 lbs
Height
7-12"
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
4/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The LaPerm breed began in 1982 on Linda Koehl's cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon, when a barn cat named Speedy gave birth to a litter that included one unusual bald kitten with tabby markings on her skin. Named Curly, this kitten grew a soft, wavy coat at around eight weeks old. Over the next decade, Curly produced more curly-coated offspring, and the curly gene spread naturally through the farm cat population.
Koehl eventually took notice of the growing number of curly cats on her property and began a deliberate breeding program. She named the breed 'LaPerm,' a playful reference to the permanent wave hairstyle popular in salons. Geneticists confirmed that the LaPerm mutation was a dominant gene, distinct from the recessive rex mutations found in the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex. This meant that only one parent needed to carry the gene to produce curly-coated kittens.
The breed gained recognition through the cat fancy community in the 1990s, with TICA granting recognition in 2002. CFA followed with championship status in 2008. Today, LaPerms are bred worldwide, though they remain relatively uncommon compared to more established breeds.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual cats may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Cattitude
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for LaPerm owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 20+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Dental Disease
- Obesity
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a LaPerm
Grooming
weekly
Exercise
20+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your LaPerm
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and affection. LaPerms are food-motivated and respond well to clicker training. Keep sessions short and rewarding, as they enjoy the interaction more than repetitive drills.
Training Tips
- Teach tricks - they enjoy learning new things
- Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
- Leash training is possible with patience
- Train them to come when called
- Interactive toys keep them engaged
Common Challenges
- May become distracted by desire for cuddles
- Can be too focused on human interaction
- Needs varied activities to stay interested
Is a LaPerm Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train cat
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy cat
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
LaPerms are not hypoallergenic, despite their unusual curly coat and common misconceptions about rex-coated breeds. They still produce the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, skin secretions, and urine that causes allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, regardless of coat type.
However, some allergy sufferers report fewer symptoms with LaPerms compared to heavily-shedding breeds. Their lower shedding rate means fewer allergen-coated hairs are released into the home environment. Additionally, their curly coat texture may trap dander close to the skin rather than dispersing it into the air, potentially reducing airborne allergen levels. This does not eliminate allergens but may reduce overall exposure for mildly sensitive individuals.
Always spend extended time with a LaPerm on multiple occasions before committing to adoption if you have allergies, as tolerance varies significantly between individuals and between individual cats. Practical measures like HEPA air purifiers, regular grooming, washing hands after handling, and keeping the cat out of the bedroom can further reduce allergen exposure for sensitive owners.
