{"id":43627,"date":"2015-03-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-03-24T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=43627"},"modified":"2025-09-01T17:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T14:05:15","slug":"laperm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-laperm","title":{"rendered":"LaPerm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LaPerms<\/strong> are a unique breed of affectionate family cats, distinguished by their unusual curly coats. This fascinating trait doesn’t appear in kittens immediately after birth; sometimes, it even disappears completely during their first adult shedding before growing back in bouncy ringlets. This kind of pet is a great choice for owners in small homes and families with kids who are ready to give their curly-haired friend plenty of attention. You can find out more about the care and keeping of this breed further on Tvaryny<\/a>. Overall, the LaPerm is considered a healthy breed and doesn’t require excessive coat maintenance, except during shedding season. Consistent attention, playtime, and a high-quality diet<\/strong> are the main needs of this friendly and sociable animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LaPerm: Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Characteristic<\/strong><\/td>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/td>United States (Oregon)<\/td><\/tr>
Year of Origin<\/td>1982 (first kitten), TICA Recognition \u2013 1995 (registration status), 2002 (championship status)<\/td><\/tr>
Type<\/td>Rex (curly coat)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/td>Males: 9\u201313 lbs, Females: 7\u201311 lbs<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/td>12\u201315 years, sometimes longer<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/td>Affectionate, curious, playful, people-oriented, intelligent<\/td><\/tr>
Coat<\/td>Short or long, curly or wavy, soft texture<\/td><\/tr>
Color<\/td>All possible colors and patterns are permitted<\/td><\/tr>
Size<\/td>Medium<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Level<\/td>Medium to high<\/td><\/tr>
Need for Attention<\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Shedding<\/td>Seasonal, sometimes complete “undressing” occurs<\/td><\/tr>
Compatibility with Children<\/td>Excellent<\/td><\/tr>
Compatibility with Other Pets<\/td>Good, especially with proper socialization<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Fascinating History of the LaPerm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The story of the LaPerm breed is a captivating tale of a random genetic mutation that gave the world these charming curly-haired cats. It all began in 1982<\/strong> on the farm of Linda and Richard Koehl in Dallas, Oregon. A regular shorthair tabby named Speedy gave birth to a litter that included one completely unique kitten\u2014it was born almost bald<\/strong>, with large ears and a skin pattern that resembled a classic tabby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linda was initially concerned about the kitten’s condition but decided to give it a chance. After about six weeks, the kitten (who turned out to be a female) began to grow a coat that was soft, wavy, and curly. She was named Curly<\/strong> because of her unusual appearance. Curly grew into an affectionate, healthy cat with a unique look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first, Linda Koehl wasn’t particularly interested in breeding cats with this coat, seeing it as just a quirky oddity. However, Curly, like her mother, was a free-roaming hunter on the farm and began having her own litters. Many of her kittens inherited her curly coat. Linda noticed that this trait was consistently passed down, and the dominant gene responsible for the curls (designated as Lp<\/em>) was present in both shorthair and longhair offspring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, curly cats became quite common on the Koehl’s farm. That’s when Linda decided to show them at an exhibition and start a deliberate breeding program. The name “LaPerm” was created by combining the French article “La” (meaning “the”) and the word “perm,” referencing the cat’s characteristic curly coat. This also pays homage to the Chinook Native American tribe, who lived in the region where the breed originated and used French words in their language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breed gained recognition from leading feline organizations: TICA (The International Cat Association) granted the LaPerm registration status in 1995, and full championship status in February 2002. The CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) recognized the breed in 2008. Today, LaPerms are known and loved in many countries worldwide, though they still remain a relatively rare breed. For more info on other rare Rex breeds, check out the Cymric<\/a> and the Nebelung<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a LaPerm Looks Like: Detailed Appearance Description<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat with an elegant yet muscular build that hints at its farm origins. The most defining feature is its coat<\/strong>\u2014unique in both texture and appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n