LaPerm Cats: The Naturally Curly Breed

LaPerms have naturally curly coats that feel like soft springs or silk. Their curls range from loose waves to tight ringlets, making them one of the most distinctive cat breeds.

If you want a unique-looking, cuddly cat with a gentle personality, LaPerms are perfect. They love being held, rarely cause drama, and get along with everyone.

Quick Facts

Weight: 6-10 pounds (medium-sized, females are smaller)
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, social, gentle, curious
Grooming needs: Low to moderate (less than you’d expect for curly coats)
Energy level: Moderate
Vocal level: Soft and gentle
Good with kids: Excellent
Good with other pets: Yes, very adaptable
Coat: Comes in short-haired and long-haired varieties, all colors and patterns

What Makes LaPerms Special

The Naturally Curly Coat

LaPerms have soft, springy curls caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation. The curls can be:

Loose waves (especially on short-haired LaPerms)
Medium curls (like a perm from the 1980s)
Tight ringlets (especially around the neck and tail)

The coat feels like:

Soft silk
Velvet
Warm chenille fabric

Every LaPerm has a slightly different curl pattern, making each one unique.

The Origin Story

LaPerms originated in Oregon in 1982 when a barn cat gave birth to a hairless kitten. The kitten grew curly fur as it matured.

The farmer, Linda Koehl, bred the cat and discovered the curly coat was a dominant gene. She named the breed LaPerm (from “permanent wave,” the old term for permed hair).

Today, LaPerms are rare but recognized by major cat registries.

Two Coat Lengths

LaPerms come in two varieties:

Short-haired LaPerms - Wavy or loosely curled coats, feels like textured silk
Long-haired LaPerms - Tight ringlets, especially around the neck (creating a “ruff”), tail, and ears

Both varieties are equally affectionate and low-shedding.

Hypoallergenic Qualities

While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, LaPerms shed less than most breeds and produce less Fel d 1 protein (the allergen responsible for cat allergies).

People with mild cat allergies often tolerate LaPerms better. Always spend time with a LaPerm before adopting to test your reaction.

Gentle, Affectionate Personalities

LaPerms are lap cats. They love:

Being held and cuddled
Sitting on shoulders
Sleeping curled up with their humans
Following you from room to room

They are not demanding or hyperactive. They just want to be near you.

Temperament

LaPerms are:

Affectionate - They love physical contact. Lap time is mandatory. They will drape themselves over your shoulders, curl up in your lap, and sleep pressed against you at night.
Social - LaPerms get along with everyone - kids, strangers, other cats, even dogs. They are gentle and adaptable.
Gentle - Patient and tolerant. They handle being picked up and cuddled without complaint.
Playful - They enjoy interactive toys and games but are not hyperactive. A 20-minute play session makes them happy.
Curious - LaPerms love exploring new spaces and investigating new objects.
Vocal - LaPerms have soft, gentle voices. They will chirp and trill to communicate, but they are not loud or demanding.
Intelligent - They learn quickly and can figure out puzzles and routines.

They are perfect for families, singles, and seniors who want a devoted, low-key companion.

Living with a LaPerm

They Are True Lap Cats

LaPerms will spend hours in your lap if you let them. They are not just “near you” cats - they want physical contact.

If you work from home, expect your LaPerm to:

Sit on your keyboard
Drape over your shoulders
Curl up in your lap during Zoom calls

If you want an independent, aloof cat, LaPerms are not your breed.

They Are Gentle and Patient

LaPerms are perfect for families with young children. They tolerate:

Being picked up
Gentle hugging
Dress-up games (if socialized early)
Loud household chaos

They rarely scratch or bite, even when overstimulated. They simply walk away when they have had enough.

They Adapt Easily

LaPerms handle change well. They adjust to:

New homes
New family members (including babies)
Other pets
Travel (with gradual training)

This makes them excellent for families with changing dynamics.

They Need Companionship

LaPerms are people-oriented and do not like being alone for long periods. If you work full-time, consider:

Getting a second cat (LaPerms love companions)
A cat-friendly dog
Hiring a pet sitter for midday visits

Lonely LaPerms become anxious and destructive.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Despite their curly coats, LaPerms are surprisingly low-maintenance.

Short-haired LaPerms:

Brush weekly with a soft brush or comb
Their coats do not mat easily

Long-haired LaPerms:

Brush 2-3 times per week
Focus on the ruff (neck area) and tail where curls are tightest
Mats are rare but can happen if neglected

General grooming:

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
Check ears monthly for wax buildup
Brush teeth regularly

LaPerms shed less than most breeds, so you will find less fur on your furniture.

Bathing

LaPerms rarely need baths. Their coats repel dirt naturally.

If you do bathe them:

Use a gentle cat shampoo
Pat dry with a towel (do not rub, or you will create frizz)
Let air dry naturally for best curl definition

Exercise and Enrichment

LaPerms have moderate energy. They enjoy play but are not hyperactive.

Best activities:

Feather wand hunting
Laser pointer chase
Puzzle feeders
Cat trees for climbing
Interactive toys

Aim for 20-30 minutes of active play daily.

Diet

LaPerms are moderate eaters and rarely overeat. Feed high-quality, protein-rich food.

Provide wet food for hydration
Measure portions to prevent obesity
Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation

Companionship

LaPerms are social and thrive on interaction. They need:

Daily lap time
Playtime
Conversation (yes, they like being talked to)
Grooming sessions

If you travel frequently or work long hours, LaPerms may get lonely. Provide companionship through other pets.

Health Considerations

LaPerms are generally healthy and have no known breed-specific genetic issues. Their natural mutation and diverse gene pool give them strong genetics.

Dental Disease

Like all cats, LaPerms can develop periodontal disease without dental care.

Prevention: Brush teeth regularly and schedule annual cleanings.

Obesity

LaPerms can gain weight if overfed or under-exercised.

Prevention:

Measure food portions
Limit treats
Maintain daily play sessions

Ear Infections

LaPerms with tight curls around their ears may trap moisture or debris.

Prevention: Check ears monthly and clean if needed.

Coat Changes

LaPerm kittens are sometimes born with straight coats that curl as they mature. Some kittens are born hairless and grow curly fur later.

This is normal. The curls develop fully by 6-12 months.

Are LaPerms Good with Kids?

Excellent! LaPerms are patient, gentle, and tolerant. They handle children well as long as kids are taught to be respectful.

Teach children to:

Pet gently
Avoid pulling the tail or ears
Use toys, not hands, for play

LaPerms will become their cuddly best friends.

Are LaPerms Good with Other Pets?

Yes! LaPerms get along with:

Other cats (they love feline companions)
Dogs (especially calm, cat-friendly breeds)
Even small pets like rabbits (with supervision)

They are social and adaptable, rarely causing drama.

Common Mistakes

Over-Bathing

LaPerms do not need frequent baths. Over-bathing strips their coats of natural oils and creates frizz.

Expecting an Independent Cat

LaPerms are lap cats. They demand attention and physical contact. If you want a low-maintenance, independent cat, choose a different breed.

Not Providing Companionship

LaPerms are people-oriented and suffer from loneliness. If you work long hours, provide companionship through other pets or pet sitters.

Using the Wrong Brush

Slicker brushes or fine-toothed combs can damage LaPerms’ curls. Use wide-toothed combs or soft brushes designed for curly coats.

Finding a LaPerm

LaPerms are rare, especially outside the United States. Finding one requires patience.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. LaPerms occasionally end up in shelters when owners underestimate their affection needs.

Where to look:

Breed-specific rescue organizations
Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “LaPerm”)
Local shelters (rare but possible)

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $800-$1,500 for a purebred LaPerm from a reputable breeder. Waitlists are common.

What to ask:

Can I meet the parents?
How are kittens socialized?
What health guarantees do you offer?
Are parents health screened?

Red flags:

Breeders with constant availability
No health testing or records
Unwilling to let you visit
Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Normal

Because LaPerms are rare, expect to wait 6-12 months for a kitten.

LaPerm vs. Other Curly Breeds

LaPerms are often confused with:

Devon Rex: Devon Rex have shorter, less curly coats and larger ears. LaPerms are curlier.
Cornish Rex: Cornish Rex have wavy, not curly, coats. LaPerms have true ringlets.
Selkirk Rex: Selkirk Rex are larger and have denser, plush curls. LaPerms are smaller with softer, silkier curls.

LaPerms have the softest, most silk-like texture of all curly breeds.

What To Do Next

If you want a curly-coated, affectionate lap cat with a gentle personality, LaPerms are perfect
If you want an independent, low-maintenance cat, choose a different breed
If you have kids or other pets, LaPerms adapt beautifully
If you work long hours and live alone, consider getting two cats or a companion pet
If you have mild cat allergies, spend time with a LaPerm to test your reaction before committing