LaPerm Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

Compare Breed

Origin

United States

Height

10"-14"

Adult weight

5-10 pounds

Life Span

12-15 years

Temperament

Gentle, active, curious, affectionate

Other Names

Dalles LaPerm

Group

Medium-sized shorthair and longhair

Price

$800-$1,500

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

0 100%

100%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

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80%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

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80%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

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80%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

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80%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

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90%

Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

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80%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

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50%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

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20%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

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50%

Personality and Temperament

A cute, curly coat is just the beginning: The LaPerm cat has an absolutely charming personality. Meet this sweet kitty just once, and you will fall in love!

As family pets, LaPerm cats adore everyone from tiny tots to grandparents. They also have a tendency to make friends with other pets including their fellow felines and well-mannered dogs. These kitties are fond of cuddling up, making themselves comfy whether on your lap, next to you, or underneath your covers.

Between naps, these fabulous felines stay busy. They are as fond of helping their people with projects as they are of playing with their toys. The LaPerm cat possesses quite an inquisitive nature, and will happily investigate unsecured cupboards and drawers, inspecting and sometimes removing their contents.

If you are hoping for a quiet pet, the LaPerm may be ideal. When this kitty does use its voice, the sound tends to be soft and melodious rather than harsh and demanding. To get your attention, the LaPerm cat is more likely to offer a soft tap with a paw.

These amazing cats are truly endearing, quickly making friends with everyone who crosses their path. If you socialize an LaPerm kitten well, it's quite likely that once grown, your cat will greet new acquaintances like old friends.

Image Credit: https://pictures-of-cats.org/laperm-cat.html

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

The LaPerm cat has no special nutritional needs, however you may wish to choose a food that has added Omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and report that vibrant, curly coat that makes this breed stand out. In addition, be sure that you choose a high-quality food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Real meat or fish should be the main ingredient.

While the LaPerm cat does not require a lot of maintenance, it's best to groom them at least 2 to 3 times per week, using a comb or brush with rotating bristles. The texture of your cat's coat will determine how often your help is needed.

In addition to coat care, you may wish to clip your cat's claws on a regular basis. While LaPerm cats are not particularly destructive, keeping your kitty's toenails short will help prevent damage to your furniture.

You might also want to teach your cat to accept toothbrushing, since regular dental care contributes to overall well-being.

LaPerm cats are naturally active. In addition to running and jumping, they have an above average appreciation for climbing. If you bring one of these wonderful kitties into your life, plan to offer them more than one cat tree and consider installing cat friendly shelves on the walls. LaPerm cats love to view their homes from the highest possible vantage point and without these items, are likely to find less-suitable perches, such as the tops of cupboards and refrigerators.

Like many other cat breeds, the LaPerm has a tendency to slow down with age. Since less activity can lead to weight gain, you'll want to keep them engaged by offering puzzle toys, feathered wands, catnip mice, and other favorites.

The LaPerm cat has a reputation for enjoying good health. This breed is not subject to any known genetic conditions.

History

The LaPerm is a fairly new cat breed. In 1982, a barn cat in Oregon gave birth to a kitten with barely any hair. As the kitten grew a little older, she began to develop a curly coat and her adopter, a cat lover named Linda Koehl, named her "Curly."

When Curly grew up, she produced a few litters of kittens and some of these eventually developed curly coats like their mother's. Curly's owner developed an interest in feline genetics and over time, discovered that her cat's unique appearance was caused by a dominant gene.

Curly and her offspring were very popular at shows, and interest in this unique breed grew. The International Cat Association (TICA) granted official recognition in 2002. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) followed suit, along with many other cat breed registries worldwide.

Image Credit: http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/laperm

Did You Know?

The LaPerm cat is renowned for its tendency to purr and show affection to its favorite people. Members of this breed often begin purring as soon as they sense that someone is paying attention to them.

Did You Know?

The name "LaPerm" translates to wavy or curly, like the breed's coat.

Did You Know?

The way this breed was developed is completely unique. Before introducing the LaPerm to the world of cat fancy, the Koehl family allowed their colony of felines to continue breeding for about 10 years without any human interference. Breeders continue to outcross LaPerms with domestic cats as a means of ensuring genetic diversity.

Image Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaPerm

Eyes

The eyes are of medium size, with an alert, expressive appearance and a slight slant. They should be almond shaped when the cat is relaxed, and it should appear rounder when the cat is alert. Eye color has no relation to coat color.

Legs & Paws

The legs are long and slim, giving the impression that the cat is walking tall. The hind legs may be longer than the front legs. The paws should be rounded.

Tail

A LaPerm cat's tail is unique and should complement its coat. Shorthaired varieties should have tails that look almost like bottle brushes, while long-haired individuals should develop a plume.

The Breed Standard

Body

LaPerm cats are of medium size, typically weighing in at 5 to 8 pounds. Males tend to be a bit larger than females. The overall impression is that of a fine-boned but not delicate cat, with ample strength and graceful toys.

Head

The head is a modified wedge shape that displays slight rounding and gentle contours. The whisker pads should be full and rounded, with long whiskers. The whiskers are often curly.

Ears

LaPerm cats have medium to large sized ears with full furnishings. The long-haired variety should have earmuffs and lynx tips.

Coat

The coat is the LaPerm cat's distinguishing feature. It may be long or short, and it may change over time. Kittens are often born hairless or nearly bald, however some are born with full haircoats. In shorthaired varieties, the coat displays a soft, wavy look and feel. Long-haired LaPerm cats often develop ringlets, along with a longer mane around the chest area. Discover more long-haired cat breeds: American longhair, British longhair and Oriental longhair

Color

LaPerm cats can be found in every color and pattern imaginable.

FAQ

How much does a LaPerm cat cost?

LaPerm cats cost between $800-$1,500.

How big do LaPerm cats get?

LaPerm cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown LaPerm cat might weigh between 5-10 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10"-14" inches tall.

How long do LaPerm cats live?

The Average lifespan for LaPerm is 12-15 years.

Do LaPerm cats shed?

LaPerm are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds.

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LaPerm Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

Where to Find a LaPerm Cat or Kitten

FAQ

How much does a LaPerm cat cost?

How big do LaPerm cats get?

How long do LaPerm cats live?

Do LaPerm cats shed?

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