Let's talk LaPerms

It’s that hallmark coat and docile temperament that makes the LaPerm cat a much-cherished breed. A true American original, this cat’s curly covering is merely their genes at work; from there, expect a vibrant personality from the LaPerm cat and a high dose of easy affection. The breed is also blessed with great health, with a relatively problem-free track record. The LaPerm cat is lively as well as good-natured, a great mix of feline attributes all around.

Official name: LaPerm

Other names: LaPerm Longhair, LaPerm Shorthair

Origins: United States of America

Labrador Retriever adult black and white

Shedding level:		Warm weather?
Energy level (high, low, medium) *:	High	Family pet? *
Compatibility with other pets:

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.

For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

15 - 25 cm translations.feature.breeds.height

3.5 - 4.5 kg translations.feature.breeds.weight

15 - 25 cm translations.feature.breeds.height

3 - 3.5 kg translations.feature.breeds.weight

Baby age:	Birth to 4 months
Growing kitten:	4 to 12 months
Adult:	1 to 7 years
Mature:	7 to 12 years
Senior:	From 12 years

Laperm sat on a wooden floor looking up to the camera

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Origins of the breed

For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.

The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.

Black Laperm kitten in a mini hammock against a blue background

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2 facts about LaPerms

1. The name game

The jovial name of the LaPerm cat was given for the bouncy curls they were born with. It follows the local Chinook tribe’s tradition of using a French word and involving the definite article to make a new word, thus “La” and “Perm” for “the permanent”, after the styling technique that transforms straight hair into curly. The moniker is a no-brainer for the cat too, who wears it well.

2. Staying on top of things

The birthplace of the LaPerm cat lies close to a sacred territory of the Wishram Indians, a Chinook tribe based in northern Oregon. Being born into this very cherished space is taken seriously by LaPerm breeders, who then bestow Native American names to their new kittens. It’s a tradition that’s intended to be respectful, and interesting to boot.

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History of the breed

In 1982, a new breed of cat entered the world at a simple cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon. The owners, Linda and Dick Koehl, adopted some typical barn cats to control their ongoing rodent problem. One of these not-so-ordinary cats turned out to have a mutant gene that gave birth to a litter of six kittens, one of whom had a curly coat. The LaPerm was born.

After not thinking anything of it for the greater part of 10 years, the Koehls realised that a new cat was in their midst and sought a formal breeding program. They named the breed for its “permanent”-like coat.

The LaPerm was recognised in the U.S. in 1995, with the LaPerm Society of America formed in 1997. The International Cat Association gave the LaPerm championship status in 2003 followed by the Cat Fancier’s Association in 2008.

Black and white portrait of a Laperm cat

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of LaPerms

1. Ears

Slightly flared ears, cup-shaped, medium to large.

2. Body

Small body with medium-sized boning.

3. Coat

Signature light curly coat falling in natural ringlets, can be short- or long-haired, variety of colourations.

Ginger Laperm lying on draped royal blue velvet

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your LaPerm

Two Laperm cats snuggling in a beige cat bed

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Caring for your LaPerm

Grooming, training and exercise tips

Grooming the natural ringlets of the LaPerm is almost entertaining, and your cat may truly enjoy the process. Use a revolving toothed comb weekly, which will make the curls fluffy. They can also be kept tight by wetting the fingers and brushing them through the cat’s fur to make them spring back. Despite the curly composition, their coat does not (thankfully) mat easily. Bathe only as needed and never blow dry the LaPerm coat as it will end up a frizzy mess. The LaPerm cat’s claws grow quickly so trim regularly. If your cat is cooperative with tooth brushing, go for it: Daily is ideal. Periodontal disease in cats is a concern and brushing their teeth is a necessary part of keeping them healthy. The sweet nature of the LaPerm doesn’t mean they lack liveliness; in fact, they have a penchant for playing so exercise will be easy for the breed. Throwing toys into the mix will make any session that much better. When it comes to training the LaPerm, owners can expect an uncomplicated process. This is an easygoing breed so teaching them to use the litter box from kittenhood won’t be hard.

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