Furriq

Cat Breed Guide

LaPerm

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.