Description: Laperm
The LaPerm is a unique and enchanting cat breed known for its distinctive curly coat, which can range from soft waves to tight ringlets. Originating in the United States in the 1980s, the first LaPerm kittens were born on a farm in Oregon, showcasing their signature curly fur due to a natural genetic mutation. LaPerms are medium-sized cats with well-proportioned bodies, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and a friendly, affectionate temperament. They are known for being intelligent, curious, and playful, often seeking interaction with their human companions. Despite their glamorous appearance, LaPerms are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and are generally healthy cats. Their adaptable and gentle nature makes them well-suited for families, singles, or households with other pets. The LaPerm's engaging personality and charming looks make it a beloved choice for cat enthusiasts seeking a loving and social feline friend.
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Properties
The LaPerm is a unique and charming cat breed, renowned for its distinctive curly coat and affectionate nature. Originating in the United States in the early 1980s, the LaPerm was first discovered on a farm in Oregon, when a kitten in an ordinary litter was born with an unusual curly coat – a natural mutation that soon became the foundation of the breed. The LaPerm's coat comes in various lengths and a broad spectrum of colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid shades. Their curls can range from loose, wavy ringlets to tight, corkscrew curls, giving each LaPerm an individual appearance. Some kittens are born bald or with straight coats, but their distinctive curls often develop as they grow.
Physically, the LaPerm is a medium-sized cat, generally weighing between 5 and 10 pounds. They have a lithe, athletic build, with well-proportioned bodies, long necks, and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Despite the abundance of curls, their fur is usually light and airy, making grooming fairly straightforward: brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep their coat from matting. The LaPerm sheds minimally compared to many other breeds, which may make them a good option for people with mild allergies, though no cat is truly hypoallergenic.
The LaPerm’s temperament truly sets it apart from other breeds. These cats are known for their loving and sociable personalities. They thrive on human interaction, enjoying lap time and being involved in their family's activities. LaPerms are often described as curious, playful, and intelligent. They are gentle with children and often get along well with other cats and dogs. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various households, including families, singles, and seniors.
Health-wise, the LaPerm is generally robust, with few breed-specific health problems, thanks to its relatively recent origin and diverse gene pool. With proper veterinary care, a nutritious diet, and a loving home, LaPerms typically live 12-15 years or longer. Their combination of unique looks, loving personality, and manageable grooming needs makes the LaPerm an excellent choice for cat lovers seeking a distinctive and affectionate companion.
Appearance
The LaPerm is a unique and eye-catching cat breed, primarily known for its distinctively curly coat and elegant appearance. This breed stands out among other domestic cats due to its curly fur, which can range from wavy to ringlet-like and covers the entire body, including the ruff, tail, and even the whiskers. The coat itself is medium to long in length and has a soft, light texture that is almost airy to the touch. The curls may vary in tightness and density, sometimes appearing as loose waves or, more dramatically, as tight corkscrew curls.
The LaPerm’s coat is its defining characteristic and can be found in virtually any color or pattern recognized in cats, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, colorpoint, and more. No single color or marking is preferred over another in the breed standard, which contributes to the LaPerm’s remarkable diversity in appearance. Another interesting aspect of the breed is that some kittens are born hairless or with straight hair, only developing their signature curly coat as they grow older.
The LaPerm’s head forms a modified wedge shape, with gentle contours and prominent cheekbones, giving it a sweet, alert expression. The eyes are almond-shaped, large, expressive, and can come in any color independent of the coat color. The ears are medium to large, slightly flared, and may have tufts of fur on the tips or interiors, enhancing the breed’s overall whimsical charm.
This breed’s body is of moderate build, neither too slender nor overly robust, but muscular and well-balanced. The legs are medium long and in good proportion to the body, with hind legs slightly longer than the front, which adds a touch of grace to their movement. The paws are rounded, and the tail is medium long to long, covered evenly with fur that may also curl or wave.
Overall, the LaPerm combines distinctive curls, a wide range of colors and patterns, and playful, inquisitive eyes, making it a visually stunning breed. Its low-shedding, hypoallergenic curls also attract owners who appreciate cats with unique coats and minimal grooming needs, although occasional combing is recommended to prevent mats and tangles.
History
The LaPerm is a unique and relatively recent cat breed known primarily for its curly coat, which can range in texture from wavy to ringlet-style curls. The origins of the LaPerm go back to 1982 in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. It all began on the farm of Linda and Richard Koehl. A brown tabby barn cat named Speedy gave birth to a litter of kittens, and one kitten stood out due to her bald appearance at birth. This kitten, later named Curly, began to grow soft, wavy hair at about 8 weeks old. As Curly matured, her fur became more obviously textured, and she later gave birth to her own kittens, many of whom were also born bald or with sparse hair but developed the signature curly coat as they grew.
The Koehls noticed the recurring curly-haired trait and realized it was a naturally occurring genetic mutation within their cat population. They began selectively breeding these cats to preserve the curly coat trait. Over time, the population was carefully bred with both curly-coated and straight-coated cats to ensure genetic diversity while maintaining the LaPerm's distinctive fur. The breed name, 'LaPerm,' was chosen in reference to the breed's curly coat, reminiscent of a permanent wave hairstyle.
Interest in the breed grew, and breeders outside of Oregon began to work with LaPerms. The breed was recognized by several major cat registries beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). LaPerms were also introduced to the United Kingdom and Europe, increasing their popularity internationally. The breed remains relatively rare compared to other, longer-established domestic cat breeds, but it has steadily built a loyal following among cat enthusiasts for its affectionate personality and unique looks.
The LaPerm's history is an example of how naturally occurring genetic mutations can give rise to entirely new breeds. Unlike some other breeds that arose from intentional crossbreeding, the LaPerm maintains a close genetic link to random-bred barn cats. This has given the LaPerm not only its distinctive appearance but also a reputation for overall robust health and a friendly, adaptable temperament.