The LaPerm Cat

The LaPerm cat is a very new breed developed from one kitten named Curly who was born on a farm in Oregon in 1982. Curly, unlike her brothers and sisters, was bald at birth but soon developed an unusual coat of soft curly hair. Subsequent matings resulted in many curly haired cats and a new breed was born. The LaPerm was recognized by the CFA in 2008 and is a fabulous addition. Loving and dog-like in personality, the LaPerm has a perfect mix of playfulness and  couch potato. They are champion shoulder-sitters or pleasant, well-behaved lapcats. Sweet, friendly, and show-stoppingly different!

 Cool Cat Facts...
Some LaPerm kittens are bald at birth and develop their curls in 6 to 12 weeks, others are born with some curls - then go bald- then grow their curls back !
Finally, a percentage are born with straight fur, but still have that fabulous LaPerm personality !                                                                      

Is A LaPerm Cat Right For You?

The LaPerm cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. and is growing in popularity among pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breeds. The coat may be straight or curly, long or short in any color. The desired coat is a soft, tousled look, with some individuals actually having fairly tight curls. Shedding is very low and regular grooming is actually not required. There also appears to be a reduction in allergic reaction to these cats, which is typical of all the curly Rex breeds. These are lean, small-sized cats that have very few breed-related health issues. Because it is active, very agreeable and greatly desires interaction the LaPerm cat is a wonderful family cat that does well with considerate children. Although very inquisitive and bright, they are quite content as indoor cats, and are not adverse to being left alone now and then.

LaPerm Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The skull is a modified wedge, slightly rounded with gentle contours. Whisker pads should appear full and rounded, with long, flexible whiskers. Muzzle: Broad with rounded contours and moderate to strong whisker pinch. Chin: Strong and firm presenting a perpendicular line down from the tip of the nose. Allowances: should be made for the jowls on mature males. Profile: Slight dip to nose just below bottom of eye, then continuing straight to tip of nose. Dip must be felt for, as it can appear straight. Forehead should be a flat plane to the top of the head, then smooth gentle curve back over top of head flowing into neck. Ears: Placed to continue the modified wedge of the head, slightly flared and cupped, medium to large. Full furnishings and earmuffs with lynx tipping is preferred on longhair breed. Eye: Medium large and expressive, almond in shape at rest and rounder when alert. Set moderately far apart and slightly slanted toward base of ear. Eye color has no relation to coat color.
Body and Tail: Torso: Small in size with medium fine to medium boning. Slim, long legs. Forelegs may be slightly shorter than hind legs. As with body, medium fine boning with rounded feet. Tail: In proportion to body, tapering from base to tip.
Coat: The cat comes in a long-haired and semi-longhaied caot, both males and females may have ruff on neck at maturity. The coat should be free of matting so it should not be too thick and heavy. The tail is plumed with some curling. The coat is springy, light and airy. The feel may vary among individual cats and/or color. Curl or Waviness: Curl is preferred. The coat should be loose and bouncy and should stand away from the body, a coat you can run your fingers through to the skin. The coat will have an almost unkempt appearance (the “Gypsy Shag” look). Tightest curls are in the ruff and the base of the ears; longest curls are in the ruff, base of the ears, and at the base of the tail. The coat may vary in length and fullness according to the season and maturity of the cat. At times this coat will part naturally down the middle of the back.
Pattern: Any accepted color is allowed.
Overall Appearance: This should be a medium sized cat with dense body weight, long-legged and with a dramatic, curly coat. Pleasant and personable, they are not just popular for their appearance, these cats make absolutely wonderful pets and companions.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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