LaPerm Cats

The LaPerm's most striking feature is the coat.

It is soft, wavy, curly and even extending to ringlets in the long-haired variety. It can resemble a shaggy perm hence the name!

The long and short-haired variety can vary in length and fullness.




The LaPerm's most striking feature is the coat. It is soft, wavy, curly and even extending to ringlets in the long-haired variety. It can resemble a shaggy perm hence the name! The long and short-haired variety can vary in length and fullness depending on the maturity of the cat and the season.

The longhairs can have a full ruff on the neck once mature and both varieties have a ‘saddle' of shorter hair over the shoulder area and curly ear hair. The tightest curls are on the underside of the cat and at the base of the ears. The tail hair stands out like a bottle brush!

The coat feels textured and many have described it as like stroking velvet. The shorthairs have more texture to the coat than the longhairs. All colours and patterns are permissible by breed standards although tabbies, reds and tortoiseshell are the most common.

The coat is light and single (no undercoat) and is easily groomed by regular combing. Some kittens may be born hairless but most have short wavy hair at birth. For the first six months of a LaPerm's life it is a guessing game as to what sort of coat it has as the coat may grow, revert to baldness, and then grow back in!

Temperament
LaPerms have a great temperament. Gentle and affectionate, they seek human contact and love to be cuddled and held. They are intelligent and inquisitive and like to know what is going on around them. Being a farm cat they are excellent hunters so you need to protect local wildlife from them. This instinct to hunt will be easily diverted by providing toys and games. They are generally very adaptable cats that are not overly demanding but will become vocal if needing attention.

Health
This is a healthy and robust breed that just requires a weekly comb to keep the coat in top condition.

Possible Genetic Disorders
No known genetic disorders.

Best Suited
To those wanting companionship with an independent and extroverted cat. Best kept indoors due to their propensity to hunt. Being adaptable they will be a good breed to socialise with other pets and children.

Not Suited
To those wanting an independent outdoor type cat.