LaPerm Cat

Meoww!!

The people-oriented LaPerm loves to sit in a lap, but when that’s not an option, this investigative cat is exploring its surroundings and making sure that it’s a part of anything that’s going on. It’s generally a quiet cat who enjoys giving kisses and riding on a shoulder so it can keep an eye on everything.

In 5 Words

  • Curly
  • Intelligent
  • Affectionate
  • Serious
  • Sweet

Snapshot

Size: small

Weight: 8lbs

Origin: United States of America

Lifespan: 12 – 15 years

Colour:  tabbies, reds and torties are well represented reflecting their origins, chocolate.

Characteristics

Activeness
Intelligence
Curiosity
Friendliness
Vocal
Did You Know?

Their most significant feature is their coat, which is made up of soft waves, curls and ringlets, resembling a shaggy perm.

Learn About the LaPerm Cat

History

The first LaPerm was born in 1982 and was a spontaneous mutation in an otherwise normal litter of kittens. In 1982, a farm cat in The Dalles, Oregon, produced a litter of six kittens that included a single bald kitten. In spite of the disadvantage, the kitten survived, and she eventually grew a coat. Unexpectedly, her coat, unlike that of her littermates, was curly and soft to the touch.The year was 1986 and farmer, Linda Koehl, heard a kitten crying outside.

Venturing out in the dark and the rain, she found a tiny, bald kitten abandoned near her barn, where barn cats came and went as they pleased. Fearing it would not survive, she brought it into her house and within a few weeks, the kitten not only survived but also had grown a lovely curly coat! Linda knew very little about breeding cats but noticed that more curly-coated kittens appeared in each generation. These curly cats were recognized by TICA as a new breed of Rex cat in 1995, and by CFA in 2000.

Description

The LaPerm is medium sized, curly coated with semi-foreign type. . All parts of the body are in harmony with the size of the cat. A LaPerm’s fur is curly (hence the name “perm”), with the tightest curls being on the belly, throat and base of the ears. LaPerms come in many colors and patterns.

Temperament

The LaPerms are very gentle and affectionate; they seek human contact and purr as soon as they are aware of your presence.LaPerm is a people loving cat, a breed which thrives on attention, happily spends hours on its owners lap, and which prefers to stay indoors with human company rather than explore the great outdoors. They are very playful, energetic cats and some will bring their toys to their owners and ask for a play session, retaining their kittenish ways into adulthood. LaPerms adore being kissed and will readily kiss back. They beg to be held or draped over your shoulder, or cradled in your arms.

Health

The Laperm is a particularly strong and healthy breed, deriving as it does from robust farm cat ancestry. It is not known to have any breed-specific health problems. In common with other cats, they need annual vaccination boosters against the common feline ailments of flu and enteritis, as well as against Feline Leukaemia if they go outdoors.

Care

The LaPerm’s unusual coat is easy to care for and usually doesn’t mat or tangle if it is combed or brushed one to three times a week. LaPerm needs is regular nail trimming and ear cleaning if the ears look dirty. . Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian.

If you give the LaPerm a bath, press a towel against the coat to soak up moisture and then let him air dry in a warm, draft-free spot. Using a blow dryer will give him a bad case of the frizzies.