LaPerm Cat Breed Information

Group

Rex

Weight

3.5-4.5 kg

Length

15-25 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the LaPerm Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

LaPerm cats are one of the friendliest and most sociable cat breeds available today. They have a distinctive curly coat and display a dazzling display of coat colours and patterns.

Take a look below to find our LaPerm cat breed information guide to see whether or not they are the best breed for your home!

What Is the History & Origin of the LaPerm Cat?

In 1982 in the state of Oregon, USA, a brown barn cat with a tabby pattern and the name of Speedy gave birth to a litter of 6 beautiful kittens. One of the kittens stood out amongst its brothers in sisters as it had big ears and curly fur – this was the start of the LaPerm breed!

This cat was named Curly, due to her standout curly coat. Curly had kittens with a range of different cat breeds in the city of The Dalles, but the curly fur remained a prominent feature of each litter.

Over time, these kittens had kittens of their own, and the LaPerm breed of cats became a household name!

What Is a LaPerm Cat Breed?

LaPerm cats are a breed of cats that all feature fantastic curly coats. These curly-coated cats come in a range of colours and patterns and are known for being extremely affectionate to their owners. LaPerms are exceptionally sociable and get along extremely well with other pets.

Who Is a LaPerm Cat Best For?

LaPerm cats are best suited for pet owners who are looking for a friendly and affectionate cat breed. Although they will make an excellent lap cat, they do tend to live active lifestyles and are perfect for anyone looking for a cheeky friend.

What Does a LaPerm Cat Look Like?

One of the standout features of LaPerms is their curly cat hair and almond-shaped eyes. LaPerms show a range of patterns and colours, but the most common appearance is that of the first LaPerm kitten, a tabby coat.

Coat

All LaPerm cats have a curly or wavy coat, which is shorter around the ears and the throat. A LaPerm’s coat covers a majority of its body in curls, especially around its tail and its back and stomach.

The LaPerm coat sheds annually, much like other cats and long-haired dogs, with their winter coat being the longest. This is to keep them warm when the temperature begins to drop.

Colours

LaPerms display a fantastic array of coloured coats, from snow white to a traditional brown or black coat. They are born bald, so it can be hard to know what colour their coat will be, but you can generally tell from their parents!

Patterns

LaPerm cats always demonstrate a selection of patterns, but they mainly feature a bi-colour or tabby coat. It isn’t uncommon for your LaPerm to have no pattern at all, sticking with their distinctive solid curly fur.

LaPerm Cat Grooming & Shedding

As they have longer fur due to their curls, LaPerms will tend to require a decent amount of grooming. This can just be a simple comb once every couple of days to avoid knots and tangles.

They rarely shed, but they do moult during summer. Even though they have long hair, their coats aren’t as prone to shedding as some other pets or household animals.

How Do LaPerm Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

LaPerm cats love affection and will almost always bounce onto your lap when you are reading or watching a movie. The Cat Fanciers’ Association suggests that LaPerms will nuzzle you with their head and gently pat your face with their paws to show their affection.

They are extremely sociable and curious cats and get along well with other household animals, including dogs and other cats.

You can regularly find your LaPerm looking for someone to play with, whether that’s a kid or another cat!

Living Needs

For such a sociable cat, a LaPerm is exceptionally independent. They can find themselves happy in almost any environment, as long as they have toys to play with, water to drink and food to eat.

Although they are classified as a fairly active breed, the International Cat Association has recognised that they prefer being indoor cats and rarely venture outside.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of LaPerm Cats?

Habits

As LaPerms were originally barn cats, they do have the habit of hunting small rodents such as mice and young birds. When they’re not on the hunt, however, they tend to just want to play games or cuddle up with their owner.

LaPerm cats do love to explore their environment from above, so consider installing a cat tower for them to play with and climb on. You may even find your LaPerm climbing onto shelves and bookcases simply to watch the house from above.

Activity Level

LaPerms are a lot like a yo-yo; one minute, they can be on your lap, and the next, they can be looking for someone to play with. They have a fairly high activity level, but they will know when it is time to rest for the day due to their high intelligence.

Vocalness

Although they are extremely sociable and active cats, most LaPerms are surprisingly quiet. They may meow when they are hungry or just want attention, but they tend to be a lot quieter than other popular breeds.

Perhaps the loudest noise a LaPerm will make is purring when they receive affection. As they love any attention they can get, you will often catch your LaPerm purring loudly when being stroked or cuddled!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a LaPerm Cat?

Height

The average LaPerm will be around 15-25 cm tall. This is pretty average for most breeds of long-haired cats.

Weight

Most LaPerms will weigh anywhere between 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms; underneath all that fur, they are fairly skinny!

Size

Overall, LaPerms are a fairly typical cat breed when it comes to their size. They are reasonably light, and their fur makes them appear larger than they truly are.

Are LaPerm Cats Easy to Train?

Your typical LaPerm pet is extremely easy to train due to its high levels of intelligence. They are naturally extremely curious and love to learn new things every day.

As they are extremely smart, training them to use a litter tray or scratch post shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. With enough time, you can even teach your LaPerm to do a range of tricks!

Does the LaPerm Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

The first LaPerm was a robust barn cat, so thankfully, LaPerms are rarely at risk of diseases and other health issues. They have a fairly long lifespan for pets and will generally live active lives until they are fairly old.

They are somewhat prone to:

Skin Yeast Infections: LaPerms can be prone to yeast infections on their skin, which may require treatment.
Dermatitis: Their sensitive skin can lead to dermatitis, making them vulnerable to skin irritations and the need for sunblock in summer.
Kidney Disease: While generally healthy, LaPerms can still develop kidney disease, so regular check-ups are important.

What Is the Lifespan of a LaPerm Cat?

The lifespan of your cat will depend on its diet and a range of other factors, such as genetic diseases. However, a typical LaPerm will live anywhere between 10 to 15 years, which is typical for most cats.

How Much Does a LaPerm Cat Need to Be Fed?

Feeding a LaPerm is the same as with any other cat. As they are smart, they will learn a feeding routine fairly quickly. They will also let their owner know when they are hungry with a quiet meow or even a gentle nuzzle.

Your LaPerm should be fed around 2 times a day, with a mixed and varied diet to ensure they are kept healthy.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a LaPerm Cat in Australia?

The price of a LaPerm will depend on a range of factors, such as its coat colour and pattern. Typically, you can expect a LaPerm to cost you between $300-$600 from a reputable breeder.

When shopping for a LaPerm, we would always recommend only purchasing a cat from a trustworthy breeder. Not only will this ensure your cat is a genuine LaPerm, but it will also help ensure that your cat has received any vaccinations or medications needed.

LaPerm Cat FAQs

Do LaPerm cats get along well with kids and other household pets?

Yes, LaPerm cats get along with kids and almost any household pets. Always introduce them to your cat or dog slowly to avoid scaring them when they are young. After a few weeks, you will quickly notice they love having someone to play with!

How often should you bathe a LaPerm cat?

Much like most breeds of cats, your LaPerm will only need a bath when it is extremely dirty. Cats tend to prefer to groom themselves, with the odd combing session from their owner once or twice a week.

If you do bathe your LaPerm, dry them off gently with a soft towel as their long fur can take a while to fully dry naturally.

Are LaPerm cats hypoallergenic?

LaPerms can be considered hypoallergenic as their long curly hair traps dander, which is the main cause of allergies. Contrary to popular belief, the length of your cat’s coat will not impact how allergenic a specific breed is!

How long does it take LaPerm kittens to reach physical maturity?

Once they have been born, your LaPerm kittens will take anywhere between 2 to 3 years to reach full physical maturity. Once they have reached their full size, you can expect them to grow even more playful than usual!