LaPerm
The LaPerm is a naturally occurring curly-coated breed that originated from a spontaneous mutation on an Oregon farm in 1982.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–15 years
Weight
3–5.5 kg (7–12 lbs)
Height
20–28 cm (8–11 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The LaPerm is a naturally occurring curly-coated breed that originated from a spontaneous mutation on an Oregon farm in 1982. The founding kitten — born bald and later developing a curly coat — went unnoticed as a barn cat until her owner, Linda Koehl, realised she had something unusual and began developing the breed. The LaPerm curl gene is dominant, meaning one copy produces a curly coat. The LaPerm is unique in often being born bald and developing its curl over time, or being born with a straight coat that curls as the cat matures. The breed takes its name from the "permanent wave" hairstyle — a "perm."
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The LaPerm has a medium body of foreign type and a coat of soft, loose, springy ringlets or waves. Both shorthaired and longhaired varieties exist. The longhaired variety has a spectacular plumed tail and ringlet-covered body. The texture is very soft — the curls should feel light and springy, not matted or felted. The curl pattern varies from tight ringlets to loose waves.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
LaPerms are affectionate, curious, and people-oriented — they tend to seek out human contact and will tap a person's face gently with a paw to get attention. They are quiet and gentle. They adapt well to various living situations.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Surprisingly low maintenance despite the curly coat — the loose curl texture does not matt readily. Gentle weekly brushing with the fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Avoid brushing too vigorously — this disrupts the curl pattern into frizz. Minimal bathing.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Generally a very healthy breed with no documented breed-specific conditions. HCM may occur as in all cat breeds. Low incidence of hereditary disease due to the naturally diverse founding population.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
LaPerm kittens may be born bald and develop their curly coat later — or may be born with a straight coat that develops into curls as they mature. Some individuals lose their kitten coat entirely before the adult curly coat grows in.
The LaPerm was developed from farm cats with no pedigree background — the unusually diverse genetic foundation gives the breed robust health compared to many breeds developed from narrow pedigree stock.
The LaPerm's ringlets can be stretched out and spring back — a springy elasticity that distinguishes the LaPerm curl from matted or felted coat textures.
