LaPerm

The LaPerm is a medium-sized, curly-coated cat breed from the United States, best known for its distinctive wavy or ringlet coat and very affectionate, people-oriented temperament. It is generally healthy, active, and adaptable, making it a good choice for many types of households, including families with children and other pets.

Origins and recognition

• The LaPerm originated in the early 1980s from a natural mutation in barn cats on a farm in Oregon, USA, where a kitten with an unusually curly coat appeared in a litter.
• The breed was later intentionally developed and is now recognized by major cat associations, including TICA and CFA, in both longhair and shorthair varieties.

Appearance and coat

• LaPerms are medium-sized, lean but muscular cats with a semi-foreign or moderate build, wedge-shaped head, large expressive almond-shaped eyes, and prominent, often well-furnished ears.
• Their hallmark is a soft, curly or wavy coat that can form loose waves, ringlets, or corkscrew curls, with the tightest curls usually on the neck, underside, and around the ears; all coat colors and patterns are accepted, and whiskers are typically long and curly.

Temperament and behavior

• LaPerms are typically very affectionate, people-focused cats that enjoy sitting on laps, following their humans, and being involved in daily activities.
• They are active, playful, curious, and intelligent but usually have an easygoing, gentle nature, and they tend to get along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs when properly introduced.

Care, grooming, and health

• Despite their curls, LaPerm coats are generally low-maintenance and light shedding; a wide-toothed comb and brushing about once or twice a week is usually enough to prevent tangles, with bathing only occasionally needed.
• The breed is considered generally healthy and long-lived, with no widely recognized, severe breed-specific issues; routine veterinary care, vaccination, parasite prevention, and a balanced diet are important to maintain their overall health.

Living with a LaPerm

• LaPerms thrive on companionship and do best in homes where people are present often or where they have another active animal companion, as they can become lonely if left alone for long periods.
• They suit a variety of environments, from apartments to houses, as long as they have interactive play, climbing opportunities, and regular social interaction to satisfy their energetic and social nature.

Summary Table

Aspect	LaPerm details
Origin	Early 1980s, Oregon, USA; originated from natural mutation in barn cats; recognized by TICA and CFA in both longhair and shorthair varieties.
Size and build	Medium-sized, lean but muscular; semi-foreign or moderate build; wedge-shaped head with large expressive almond-shaped eyes.
Distinctive features	Soft, curly or wavy coat forming loose waves, ringlets, or corkscrew curls; tightest curls on neck, underside, and around ears; long curly whiskers; all colors and patterns accepted.
Temperament	Very affectionate, people-focused; active, playful, curious, intelligent; easygoing and gentle; enjoys sitting on laps and following humans.
Compatibility	Gets along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs when properly introduced; thrives on companionship.
Grooming	Low-maintenance despite curls; light shedding; wide-toothed comb and brushing once or twice weekly; occasional bathing.
Health	Generally healthy and long-lived; no widely recognized severe breed-specific issues; routine veterinary care recommended.
Best suited for	Homes with regular human presence or another active companion; apartments or houses with interactive play and climbing opportunities.

The LaPerm combines a unique, eye-catching curly coat with an exceptionally affectionate and adaptable personality, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals seeking an active, loving cat that thrives on human interaction and companionship.

References

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