LaPerm
LaPerm History
- This unique-looking curly breed first surfaced in a litter at an Oregon cherry farm owned by Linda and Richard Koehl in 1982. The owners had adopted some farm cats to control mice and rodents.
- A brown tabby shorthair named Speedy gave birth to a litter of kittens that included one bald female and five fur-coated kittens. Within eight weeks, her baldness gave way to a soft, curly coat with a tabby pattern. She earned the nickname, Curly and later gave birth to five male kittens, all born bald.
- The Koehls and other breeders worked with a feline geneticist named Solvieg Pfleuger to create the LaPerm Society of America in 1997.
- The Cat Fanciers Association granted championship status to the LaPerm breed in 2008.
LaPerm Behavior Concerns
- This bold breed is loving and loyal and active.
- If you want a lap cat, the LaPerm is not the right cat for you. If you want an active cat who likes to hunt for toy mice, than the LaPerm is a perfect choice.
- LaPerms are smart and enjoy learning basic obedience commands and tricks. One of their favorite games is fetch.
- This breed welcomes the companionship of other cats and dogs in the household. Also very patient and playful around children.
- Some LaPerms proudly pose on shoulders and enjoy being toted from room to room.
- When you comb or stroke this breed's coat, be prepared to be treated to loud purrs of contentment.
Look of LaPerms
- First bald, then beautiful - that's how LaPerms transform. They display curls, soft waves and ringlets all over, with tight curls on the base of the ears, throat and stomach.
- LaPerms feature triangular-shaped heads, long necks, almond-shaped eyes, big-cupped ears, and muscular body. The tails resemble bottlebrushes.
- The light, bouncy coat comes in short and longhaired lengths as well as a variety of colors and coat patterns.
Grooming LaPerm Cats
- The LaPerm's coat does not mat easily.
- Use a revolving toothed comb twice a week to keep this breed's coat fluffy without straightening out the curls.
- Occasionally dampening the coat with wet fingers will keep the curls tight and shapely.
- Clip its claws once a month.
- If the need for a bath arises, never blow dry the coat or you will straighten out the curls.
Suggested Nutritional Needs for LaPerm
- This breed has no special nutritional needs, but benefits by being fed high-quality commercial diets.
Fun Facts of LaPerms
- This breed's name translates to mean "wavy" or "rippled."
- LaPerm breed's Oregon origins are near a sacred territory belonging to the Wishram Indians, a Chinook tribe. In respect, LaPerm breeders give Native American names to their kittens.
- Interest in this rare, unique-looking breed has gone beyond the United States to Canada, Sweden, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
