Discover the Striking LaPerm Cat

A LaPerm cat generally lives 12 to 14 years, which is a common age for domestic breeds. While their coat colors and patterns range widely, the LaPerm is almost always medium-sized with a sturdy, muscular build. These cats usually weigh between 6 and 12 pounds, and males often grow larger than females. They have balanced proportions, with a broad chest and a long, tapering tail.

The temperament of a LaPerm is friendly, affectionate, and people-oriented. LaPerms do well with children, making them a great cat for families to consider. They are cuddlers and enjoy being around others, even if they are not playing directly with their human family. Their loving and playful manner means that they make great companions.

The LaPerm breed is an excellent addition to a home that has other pets but, as always, it's a good idea to approach the introduction of new animals slowly. LaPerms are a curious and vibrant breed; they may become hunters if allowed to roam outdoors and bring home "gifts." Alternatively, they may encounter danger from other large animals if left outside without supervision.

It is important to provide LaPerms with mental stimulation and activities to keep them occupied, particularly for indoor cats. Spending quality time with their humans and other pet companions might include playing with toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime. Like most domestic cats, you can train the intelligent LaPerm using positive reinforcement techniques. Tricks like fetch, stay, and come are all possible with patience.

The LaPerm’s basic needs for happiness include a sense of connection with their family, mental and physical stimulation through play, and a well-balanced diet. When selecting a brand of food, look for good protein, minerals, and vitamins, as these essential nutrients will promote a healthy coat, resulting in a better grooming experience for both humans and cats.

With such a unique coat texture, the care of a LaPerm cat is relatively easy. Their coats are low-shedding, but weekly brushing will benefit their overall health and appearance by preventing matting. As with any domestic cat, trimming their nails every two to three weeks is also a good practice, as it will prevent overgrowth. While LaPerm cats are not officially hypoallergenic, they might be a good choice for owners with mild or moderate allergies to cats.

LaPerm cats can be either indoor or outdoor cats, but their coat does not provide the protection that other breeds have when it comes to wet, cold, or windy weather. LaPerms will benefit from supervised outdoor time for mental stimulation, but the best practice is to provide a secure cat run or introduce leash training for LaPerms.

The LaPerm does not have specific health issues based on its breed, but general cat care and planning will keep your pet in good health. Because of both its build and personality, regular exercise and veterinary visits will contribute to the overall health of this breed, especially as they age, though they are generally hardy. Vaccinations and flea protection are all ways to continue good health. Toys and playtime will keep them active even as they grow older.

A hallmark of this breed is its soft, curly coat, which is quite unique. The curls result from a spontaneous genetic mutation in domestic shorthair cats, in which a dominant gene produces a wavy undercoat and outercoat. This texture can range from wavy to curly to tight ringlets, depending on numerous factors, including whether both parents or just one have the dominant gene.

The genetic mutation in the breed was discovered in the early 1980s when a cat with a curly coat produced a litter of kittens with the same appearance and texture in Oregon. The breed continued to develop and was recognized in 1995 by The International Cat Association (TICA) and, soon after, by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). The name, LaPerm, was based on the LaPerm sheep breed, which shares a similarly curly coat.