Cats - LaPerm

The breed is recognised in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties and in all colours and patterns. The longhaired LaPerms look dramatic with their long curly coats, with lovely waves or ringlets all over their bodies.  They often have long curly ear muffs, with lynx tipping and a full curly ruff, as well as long, curly whiskers.  Little grooming is required and the coats are low maintenance.  However, some LaPerm kittens are born completely hairless, and some go bald when very young. This isn’t a worry, however, as the hair always grows back, and soon becomes the unique curly coat that the LaPerm is noted for.

Their bodies are muscular, with long legs and necks, and tapering tails, which can be plumed and curly in the longhairs and stand out like bottlebrushes in the shorthair cats.  LaPerms present with modified wedge-shaped heads, with gentle rounded contours, and almond-shaped eyes.   They have large cupped ears, and a broad nose, moderate in length with a slight break in profile, but no stop, as well as a rounded muzzle and whisker pads, and firm chin. 

The natural origins of the LaPerm have given rise to a healthy breed with no known problems. They are devoted mothers who tend to produce big strong litters which develop rapidly. Both coat lengths can occur in the same litter. The LaPerm gene is dominant, which means that some LaPerms (known as heterozygous) can carry the gene for straight hair. Sometimes straight haired kittens, or LaPerm variants, can appear in litters. 

These cats are like LaPerms in every way except their silky flat coats. They cannot be shown but are useful in breeding programmes and make great pets. Breeders often use the initials BC, BB or BS in their kittens’ names; these stand for Born Curly, Born Bald and Born Straight. Those kittens like Curly who are born bald then develop a curly coat have become rarer as the breed has progressed.   

The LaPerm is a loving and mild tempered breed. They can be gentle and active at the same time. They love to play and stay busy, but when you’re ready for a rest, they will happily accompany you. They are a very people oriented breed, and are rightly known as a “lap cat”. They will soon make your lap their resting place, and will lay there for hours if you let them.

They are very sociable and gentle, and bond well with humans.  They seek human contact and are very inquisitive; often kittens will stop nursing to seek out the source of a human voice before their eyes are even open.  They are mischievous, loving. A LaPerm loves contact and whilst sitting on your lap, will gently reach up and touch your face or head butt you for a bit of love.  They love being kissed and will kiss back. They beg to be held, drooped over a shoulder or cradled in your arms while resting on their backs.  

At night they will curl up next to you in bed, in constant contact with your body, purring non-stop.  LaPerms readily accept other animals into their domain and are eager to share their human.  They are quite happy as indoor cats. 

Although not a loud “speaker”, the LaPerm does purr quite often. Just stroking the back or belly of one of these lovelies will set off its purring, and will melt your heart. They normally purr just when they see you come into the room. They are a wonderful companion, and will bond with you very strongly. Just knowing that you’re near makes them happy, and then the purring begins. The LaPerm is a very inquisitive breed, and like to investigate every sound or movement. But when it’s time to rest, they are happily back at your side, or back on your lap.

Intelligence abounds in this breed, and they can be taught many tricks, including fetch and catch. They love playtime, and will keep you interested for hours just watching them swat at a crumpled up piece of paper. As long as you’re watching them, they are more than happy to entertain you.  

Bringing a LaPerm into your home not only means that you’ll have a beautiful and unique cat to look at, but you’ll also have a lifelong friend and companion. Wonderful with other pets and children, a LaPerm is a perfect choice for almost every household. Given the proper medical treatments when needed, and routine vaccinations, you will have this beautiful creature for a long and happy time.  

Two laperm cats exploring the garden