The medium-sized LaPerm's most notable feature is its curly coat. Some are longhairs and some are shorthairs, and these cats develop curls that range from pronounced waves to tight ringlets to corkscrews. Kittens are born bald or with some straight hair, with the permed look setting in at maturity; occasionally, a cat of this breed retains straight hair for life. LaPerms come in all colors and patterns, but tortoiseshell, tabby, and red are most common. Longhaired LaPerms have full ruffs and plumed tails and shorthaired LaPerms have bottle-brush tails.
No genetic predisposition to illness or other problems has yet been observed in LaPerms, though this is a relatively young breed and not much is known about its genetic health.
Oddly, these very active animals make great lap cats. While they're energetic and love to play, they follow the lead of their human companions and readily settle down when a lap becomes available. They purr quite a bit and are extremely affectionate, as eager to stroke and rub against their humans as they are to be held and petted. LaPerms are adaptable enough for a variety of home situations and get along well with children and other pets.
There's a misconception that LaPerms' coats make them hypoallergenic. However, cat hair is not the cause of most allergic reactions. Instead, cat dander or saliva is to blame. LaPerms shed dead skin cells and produce saliva just like other cats.
LaPerms are active cats with a love of interactive play, and they are famous for their ability to switch gears instantly. They readily jump up from a lap to play if a person encourages it, just as they quickly calm down and shift into snuggle mode when a person stops playing and sits. This is not generally seen in other breeds as active as this one.
These cats are people-oriented, preferring to be in a lap or on a shoulder when possible. They need attention, but they don't usually nag for it like some other breeds. They get along well with children, but supervision is needed to ensure young children don't pull the cat's curls or otherwise handle it inappropriately. LaPerms also get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs.
The LaPerm is a decidedly loving breed. It purrs loudly and often, cherishing every moment of a petting. It also pets its people back and nuzzles with its face. When it goes off on its own, this intelligent and inquisitive cat is probably exploring and touching everything it can get its paws on.
The LaPerm is a hardy and healthy breed that can live 15 years or longer. A nutritionally balanced diet and daily physical activity help these cats maintain a healthy body weight and stay well for the long term. LaPerms should undergo a veterinary well check at least once per year to check for problems and health concerns.
No genetic predisposition to illness or other problems has yet been observed in LaPerms, though this is a relatively young breed and not much is known about its genetic health.
To maximize the chances of acquiring a healthy, properly socialized LaPerm, it's important to deal only with a reputable breeder with customer references. A breeder should provide written proof of standard parental and kitten health screenings and a written guarantee of good health at the time of purchase.
LaPerms like to be involved in whatever is going on. They are eager for stimulation, so puzzle toys are a good way to keep them out of human activities when necessary. Because they are fond of heights, accessible shelves and a tall cat tree are appreciated, as is a shoulder to perch on.
The better socialized a LaPerm cat is from birth, the more outgoing it will be through life. Assuming proper socialization from a young age, these cats eagerly greet unfamiliar visitors and even show affection toward them after a brief introductory period.
Socialization also ensures these cats develop the adaptability that allows them to switch easily between activity and relaxation and to deal with environmental changes that might bother other breeds. It also builds their resistance to stress and helps make them the good travelers they are known to be.
The curly coat of the LaPerm is surprisingly easy to care for, especially on shorthairs. For these cats, frequent petting and brushing the coat out once every week or two generally suffices. For longhairs, the coat should be brushed once or twice each week. Though matting is rare, extra brushings prevent tangles when necessary.
LaPerms are particularly light shedders. However, many experience short periods of heavy hair loss. Kittens commonly lose their coats as they mature, making room for the curly coat. Also, hormonal changes after spaying or neutering can trigger hair loss and growth of a new, thicker coat. Other occasional heavy sheds may occur to make way for a thicker regrowth. Some LaPerms experience a bulk shed similar to a molt, after which their coats remain sparse.
Occasional bathing with a gentle feline shampoo and towel drying help maintain the LaPerm's curls. Their big ears should be cleaned when wax accumulates or when the ear canals appear dirty. Seek treatment for potential ear infections. The nails need trimming once every week or two, and the teeth should be brushed regularly.
Breeders did not design the LaPerm's unique coat. Rather, it resulted from a spontaneous, natural genetic mutation, something that occurs relatively often in feline physiology. The first LaPerm was born on an Oregon farm in 1982, and this cat was hairless, as is the norm for the breed. Soon, this kitten began growing curly hair; her owner, Linda Koehl, named her Curly.
At first, Koehl allowed Curly to roam freely, mating at will. Cats with similar fur appeared through the years. When she realized she had something unique, Koehl began learning about genetics and started controlling Curly's breeding. The curly gene turned out to be dominant in males and females.
Koehl entered some of her curly-coated creatures in cat shows and was amazed at the enthusiastic responses. She named the breed LaPerm, and word of these charming cats spread quickly. It did not take long for demand for these cats to increase.
Today, most major registries recognize LaPerms. The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the breed in 1995. In 2008, the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) did the same.
