LaPerm Cat

Breed Profile

Imagine a cat with a permanent wave—a coat of soft ringlets and curls that looks like it just came from a high-end salon. This is the LaPerm, a unique and charming breed that sports a Rex (curly) coat. But don’t let the fancy hairdo fool you; the LaPerm is a down-to-earth, working-class cat at heart, originating from humble beginnings in an Oregon barn. Friendly, inquisitive, and deeply affectionate, the LaPerm is as delightful to live with as it is to look at.

History and Origins

The story of the LaPerm began in 1982 on a cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon. A barn cat named Speedy gave birth to a litter of kittens. One of them was born completely bald. As the weeks passed, this kitten, named “Curly” by the owners Linda and Richard Koehl, began to grow a soft, curly coat.

Curly eventually had her own kittens, and more curly-coated cats appeared. The Koehls realized they had a new mutation on their hands. Unlike the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex mutations, which are recessive, the LaPerm gene is dominant. This means that only one parent needs to have the gene to produce curly offspring, making the breed genetically diverse and healthy as outcrossing was easy in the early days.

The breed gained recognition rapidly due to its unique look and wonderful temperament, achieving championship status in TICA in 2003 and CFA in 2008.

Physical Characteristics

The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat with a semi-foreign body type—meaning they are athletic and moderately slender but not as extreme as the Siamese.

The Curly Coat

The coat is the breed’s crowning glory. It can be short or long.

• Texture: The fur feels unique—often described as having a “crisp” texture like mohair, yet soft to the touch. It is not silky like a Persian’s coat.
• The Curls: The curls can range from tight ringlets to loose waves. The tightest curls are usually found on the belly, throat, and behind the ears. Longhaired LaPerms have a plumed tail with curly fur, while shorthairs have a “bottle brush” tail.
• Molting: Interestingly, many LaPerm kittens go through a “baldness” phase where they lose their coat and grow it back. Even adults may molt heavily and look sparse before growing a new, thicker coat.

Hypoallergenic Qualities?

While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, many people with allergies find they can tolerate LaPerms better than other breeds. Their curly coat sheds less dander into the air, and the curls hold onto loose hair rather than letting it float around the house. However, it is always recommended to visit a breeder and spend time with the cats before purchasing if you have allergies.

Personality and Temperament

The LaPerm is a cat of many talents. They are clever, mischievous, and very people-oriented.

Affectionate Lap Cats: True to their name, they love laps. They are tactile cats who will reach out a paw to touch your face or gently pat your arm for attention. They purr loudly and often.

Inquisitive and Helpful: Whatever you are doing, the LaPerm wants to help. They are curious about everything. If you are unpacking groceries, they are inspecting the bags. If you are typing, they are watching the screen (or the cursor).

Active but not Hyper: While they are playful and athletic—capable of impressive jumps—they are not in constant motion like some Oriental breeds. They have a nice “off switch” and are happy to settle down for a movie night.

Care and Maintenance

Coat Care

Despite the curls, the LaPerm is low maintenance. The coat does not mat easily.

• Combing: A revolving-tooth comb is best to move through the curls without straightening them out. Comb once a week to remove dead hair.
• Bathing: LaPerms tolerate bathing well. After a bath, do not blow-dry them, as this will make the coat frizzy (like a bad 80s perm!). Instead, towel them dry and let them air dry. Spritzing the coat with a fine mist of water can help reset the curls if they look flat.

Social Needs

These are social creatures. They do well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. They are patient with children. However, they do not like to be ignored.

Health and Longevity

The LaPerm is a very healthy breed with high genetic diversity. Since it arose from a barn cat population and outcrossing was permitted for many years to establish the breed, they do not suffer from many of the hereditary diseases found in older, more inbred lines. They are robust and generally live long, healthy lives of 15 years or more.

Is the LaPerm Right for You?

If you want a cat that is distinctively different, affectionate, and low-maintenance, the LaPerm is a fantastic choice. Their sense of humor and loving nature make them wonderful companions for almost any household. Just be prepared to answer the question, “Did you perm your cat?” from every guest who walks through your door!