Furriq

Cat Breed Guide

LaPerm Cat: Curly Coat Mix Identification

Medium · United States (Oregon, 1982)

A cat with a soft, wavy coat that feels like fine human hair — the LaPerm carries a dominant rex gene that produces loose curls, especially around the neck, belly, and tail. The breed started with a spontaneous mutation on a farm in Oregon in 1982. LaPerms are gentle cats that bond closely with their families.

This LaPerm cat breed guide covers visual identification, temperament, health concerns, and daily care.

Quick Facts

Size
Medium
Weight
6–12 lbs (2.7–5.5 kg)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Origin
United States (Oregon, 1982)

Key Visual Markers

  • Soft, wavy, loose curls covering the body — the coat is the breed's defining feature: full, springy curls with a loose, open wave pattern; the curls are tightest around the neck (ruff), belly, and base of the tail; whiskers are long and curly with a distinctive crimp
  • Modified wedge-shaped head with a gently rounded skull, a short muzzle, and prominent whisker pads — the CFA calls it "a modified wedge with soft curves"; the muzzle is short and well-developed with a visible whisker break and a gentle curve from forehead to nose
  • Medium-large, almond-shaped eyes in gold, green, copper, or blue — wide-set and expressive with a sweet, gentle expression; the eye color complements the coat color in warmth and tone
  • Ears medium to large, cupped at the base with moderate flare and rounded tips — set to follow the wedge lines; curly ear tufts at the tips add to the soft, tousled appearance
  • Medium-sized, muscular body with a well-rounded chest and medium bone — firm and solid without being heavy or massive; the CFA describes it as "medium in size, well-proportioned, and muscular"
  • Full, plumed tail with loose, springy curls — proportionally medium-long and heavily coated; carried in line with the body or slightly elevated, showing the curl pattern clearly along its length

How to Tell If Your Cat Is a LaPerm (or LaPerm Mix)

Think your cat might be a LaPerm or LaPerm mix? Check these visual markers:

  • Soft, loose, springy curls — mixes often keep waves or ringlets in the coat, tightest around the neck ruff, belly, and base of the tail; even the whiskers are long and curly with a distinctive crimp
  • Full, plumed tail with loose curls — medium-long, heavily coated, and carried in line with the body, showing the curl pattern along its length
  • Modified wedge head with soft curves — a gently rounded skull, short well-developed muzzle, and prominent whisker pads with a visible whisker break
  • Medium-large, almond-shaped eyes — gold, green, copper, or blue, wide-set with a sweet, gentle expression
  • Cupped ears with curly tufts — medium to large, flaring at the base with rounded tips; the tousled ear tufts add to the soft, curly look over a muscular but moderate body

LaPerm vs Selkirk Rex: Visual Differences

The Selkirk Rex has a denser, thicker, sheepskin-like coat with tighter curls, a rounder face with fuller cheeks, and a heavier, cobby body (6–16 lbs). LaPerms have looser, softer waves, a modified wedge head, and a more moderate athletic body type (6–12 lbs).

Not sure about visual markers? Upload a photo to Furriq's breed identifier and let AI check 40+ traits in seconds.

Not sure where to start? How to tell what breed your cat is walks through the full visual identification process.

Temperament & Traits

  • Gentle and affectionate — bonds closely with family members and enjoys being held, pet, and part of daily activities
  • People-oriented without being demanding — follows owners around but settles quietly when you're busy
  • Playful with moderate energy — enjoys interactive toys, climbing, and puzzle feeders without being hyperactive
  • Good with children, dogs, and other cats — the calm temperament makes it adaptable to multi-pet households
  • Intelligent and trainable — responds to name, learns tricks, and enjoys training sessions
  • Quiet voice — communicates with soft trills and meows rather than loud persistent vocalization

Health Notes

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats; early detection through annual cardiac screening improves management outcomes
  • Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation seen in some LaPerm lines; ranges from occasional skipping to lameness requiring surgical correction
  • Dental disease — the modified wedge muzzle contributes to some tooth crowding; regular dental care and annual oral exams recommended
  • Skin oil management — the reduced guard hair coverage can lead to oilier skin and occasional breakouts; gentle bathing when needed helps manage buildup without stripping natural oils
  • Obesity — moderate activity level means weight can accumulate without portion-controlled feeding; regular exercise and measured portions are important

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Care & Grooming

  • Coat grooming — the loose curls need only gentle weekly combing; over-brushing flattens the wave, so use a wide-tooth comb and let the coat air-dry naturally if it ever gets wet
  • Diet — feed measured portions of quality food; the LaPerm’s moderate activity level means weight accumulates quietly if portions drift, so weigh the cat monthly
  • Exercise and play — playful but not hyperactive; interactive toys, climbing spots, and short training sessions satisfy this intelligent, trainable breed
  • Skin care — reduced guard-hair coverage can mean oilier skin and occasional breakouts; bathe gently when needed to manage buildup without stripping natural oils
  • Environmental needs — LaPerms bond closely and like being held and included in daily life, but settle quietly when you are busy; they adapt well to calm multi-pet homes
  • Health monitoring — ask breeders about echocardiogram screening for HCM, watch for skipping or lameness that could signal patellar luxation, and keep up with annual dental exams for the breed’s tooth-crowding tendency

Frequently Asked Questions

Are LaPerm cats hypoallergenic?
No — no cat is truly hypoallergenic. Some allergy sufferers report milder reactions to LaPerms because the curly coat sheds less, but they still produce the Fel d 1 allergen.
Are LaPerms good with children and other pets?
Yes — the LaPerm’s calm, gentle temperament makes it adaptable to homes with children, dogs, and other cats. It enjoys being held and included in family activities without being demanding.
Do LaPerms shed a lot?
No — the curly coat sheds less than most breeds, and loose hairs tend to stay caught in the curls rather than landing on furniture. A weekly comb-through removes them.
How long do LaPerm cats live?
LaPerms typically live 12–15 years. Choosing a breeder who screens for HCM and patellar luxation, plus portion control, supports a full lifespan.
Where does the LaPerm come from?
The breed began with a spontaneous mutation on a farm in Oregon in 1982, when a kitten was born with the dominant rex gene responsible for the curls. The soft, wavy coat is now the breed’s signature.
Are LaPerm cats related to Devon Rex or Cornish Rex?
No. LaPerms came from a separate natural mutation on an Oregon farm in 1982, and the curl gene works differently: the LaPerm curl is dominant, so one curly parent is enough. The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex curls come from recessive genes and separate mutations. All three are loosely called rex breeds because their coats curl, but they are not the same gene and not closely related.
Why are some LaPerms born with straight hair or no hair at all?
LaPerm kittens are often born bald, in a soft straight coat, or already curly. Breeders track these as BB (born bald), BS (born straight), and BC (born curly). Most bald and straight kittens go through a heavy moult as they grow and the new coat comes in with the breed’s curls. A straight-coated LaPerm variant can still carry the curl gene and pass it to its kittens.
What colors do LaPerm cats come in?
Any color or pattern that is genetically possible. The CFA breed standard accepts all coat colors and all eye colors, including copper, gold, green, blue, and odd eyes. Tabbies, torties, and red cats are the most common, and colorpoint LaPerms have been bred since 1989.
Do LaPerms have long or short hair?
Both. The breed comes in longhaired and shorthaired varieties, and they are the same breed, not two breeds. The first LaPerm was a shorthair, but the longhaired version is now more common and shows off the full, springy curls the breed is known for.
How much grooming does a LaPerm need?
Very little. A comb-through two or three times a week is enough, and over-brushing can flatten the curls. Use a wide-tooth or rotating-tooth comb, spritz with water or rub with damp hands to set the wave, and let the coat air-dry. Avoid blow-drying, which makes the coat frizzy.
Are LaPerm cats rare?
Yes. The CFA describes the LaPerm as a minority breed, and the GCCF calls it a rare delight. Registrations are small compared with breeds like the Maine Coon or British Shorthair, and most LaPerms come from a small number of dedicated breeders, so kittens can take time to find.

Not sure about your cat's breed? Upload a photo for a quick AI scan.

Similar Breeds

LaPerm is often confused with these breeds. Here's how to tell them apart:

Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex has a denser, thicker, sheepskin-like coat with tighter curls, a rounder face with fuller cheeks, and a heavier, cobby body (6–16 lbs). LaPerms have looser, softer waves, a modified wedge head, and a more moderate athletic body type (6–12 lbs).

LaPerm vs Selkirk Rex: key differences
Devon Rex

Devon Rex has a much shorter, finer coat of tight marcel waves, a heart-shaped pixie face with oversized bat-like ears set low on the head, and a slender arched body. LaPerms have full-length loose curls, a modified wedge head, and a moderate athletic build.

LaPerm vs Devon Rex: key differences
Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex has an extremely short, fine velvet coat of tight waves, a long egg-shaped head with a Roman nose, huge ears, and an arched whippet-like body. LaPerms have full-length loose curls, a modified wedge head, and a moderate athletic build. The Cornish Rex curl comes from a recessive gene; the LaPerm curl is dominant.

Explore Other Breeds

Not sure this is the right breed for you? Check out other popular cat breeds below.

Norwegian Forest Cat

A large, sturdy cat built for cold northern winters — thick water-repellent double coat, triangular head, friendly but independent. Originally working farm cats in Norway, they climb, hunt, and remain deeply loyal to their families without being fussy about it.

Abyssinian

One of the oldest cat breeds, the Abyssinian wears a uniquely ticked coat — each hair striped with alternating bands of color. Slim, muscular, and endlessly curious, these cats stay kittenish well into old age. They bond deeply with their people and hate being left alone.

Russian Blue

A blue-gray short-hair with a shimmering silver sheen and vivid green eyes. Russian Blues are reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their own people — quiet, gentle, and sensitive. The breed’s double coat stands up from the body, giving the cat a plush, velvety feel that cat breeders call "the smile under the hand."

Scottish Fold

A sweet-faced cat with ears folded forward and down, giving the head a round, owl-like silhouette. Calm, adaptable, and teddy-bear soft — Scottish Folds live up to their appearance. The folded ears trace back to a natural dominant mutation first found in a barn cat in Scotland in 1961.

Persian

The quintessential lap cat — famous for its luxurious long coat, large round eyes, and sweet, placid temperament. Persians are the most popular pedigreed cat breed worldwide, prized for their serene, gentle nature and unmistakable flat-faced (brachycephalic) profile.

British Shorthair

A sturdy, round-faced cat with a dense plush coat and a calm, undemanding personality. The British Blue — a solid blue-gray coat with copper eyes — is the breed’s most recognized look, but British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns.

Curious if your cat is a LaPerm mix?

A 30-second photo scan checks 40+ visual markers and shows the closest breed matches. Free, no sign-up, and your photo is never stored.

🐱 Free cat breed scan