LaPerm

— Affectionate. Curious. Gentle.

Named for its naturally curly, "permed" appearance, the LaPerm emerged from a spontaneous genetic mutation on an Oregon farm in 1982. Affectionate, curious, and gentle, LaPerms are known for a soft, low-shedding coat and a genuinely people-oriented temperament that makes them eager companions.

United States (Oregon)Origin

Shorthair/Longhair (Curly)Breed Group

10 - 15 YearsLife Expectancy

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Families and multi-pet households

Allergy-sensitive households

Owners wanting an affectionate cat

Owners wanting a highly independent cat

About the LaPerm

Last updated: August 12, 2026

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Key Facts

Known for a naturally curly, springy coat resembling a "perm" hairstyle

Discovered as a spontaneous genetic mutation on an Oregon farm in 1982

Low-shedding coat sometimes considered a better fit for mild allergy sufferers

Comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties, unusual for a single breed standard

Is LaPerm Right for You?

Families and multi-pet households

Allergy-sensitive households

Owners wanting an affectionate cat

Owners wanting a highly independent cat

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The LaPerm has a curly, soft, low-shedding coat (short or long) coat in wide variety, no restricted breed standard color, with very low shedding year-round.

LaPerm

Personality

AffectionateForms close bonds with family, often described as people-oriented and eager for closeness.

CuriousInvestigates their environment actively, enjoying exploration and interactive play.

GentleGenerally mild-mannered and tolerant, making them well suited to families and multi-pet households.

SocialEnjoys engaging with family members and often greets visitors with genuine friendliness.

Care & Needs

GroomingTheir curly coat requires gentle handling — brushing too vigorously can straighten the curl, so specific technique matters.

ExerciseBenefits from interactive play to match their moderate-to-high energy level.

DietStandard portion control helps maintain healthy weight for this moderately active breed.

EnrichmentNeeds interactive toys and climbing opportunities given their curious, engaged nature.

Did You Know?

The LaPerm's name references the curly, "permed" appearance of its coat, and unlike many curly-coated breeds developed through deliberate crossbreeding, the LaPerm mutation arose entirely spontaneously on a working farm.

LaPerms have been serving humans in many important roles including: Farm Cats and Show Cats .

Health & Common Issues

Generally Robust HealthThe breed is broadly considered hardy with relatively few major hereditary conditions documented, being a naturally occurring mutation rather than extensively engineered breed.

Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyA heart condition documented in many purebred cats generally, making cardiac screening a reasonable preventive measure.

Training & Exercise

Use gentle, specific grooming technique — brushing too vigorously can straighten their distinctive curl rather than maintain it.
Provide interactive toys and climbing structures, tapping into their curious, playful engagement with their environment.
Introduce new pets and family members confidently, since LaPerms generally adapt well to multi-pet households.
Offer consistent companionship, since their social, affectionate temperament means they benefit from regular interaction.

History & Origin

1982 A curly-coated kitten was born on a cherry farm in Oregon, becoming the foundation of the breed after initially being mistaken for a health issue.

1980s-1990s Breeder Linda Koehl developed a deliberate breeding program to establish the LaPerm as a recognized, stable breed.

1996 Achieved championship status with The International Cat Association (TICA).

Today A distinctive, relatively rare breed valued for its unique curly coat and genuinely affectionate temperament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are LaPerm cats hypoallergenic?

No cat breed is fully hypoallergenic, but LaPerms shed very little and produce less loose dander than many breeds, which is why they're sometimes recommended for mildly allergic owners.

How do you groom a LaPerm's curly coat?

Gently — over-brushing can actually straighten their distinctive curl, so specific, careful grooming technique matters more for this breed than for straight-coated cats.

Are LaPerm cats good with children?

Yes, generally — their affectionate, gentle, social temperament makes them well suited to families, including households with children and other pets.