A curly-coated charmer born on a farm by chance.
Origin
United States
Weight
6–12 lb (2.7–5.5 kg)
Lifespan
10–15 years
Coat
Curly, soft, low-shedding coat
Energy
Moderate
Where it comes from
United States
Highlighted in the LaPerm's coat color on the map.
Overview
The LaPerm is a rex breed known for its distinctive curly coat, ranging from soft waves to bouncy ringlets, often with a tousled, just-woken-up look. Both longhaired and shorthaired varieties carry the breed's signature curls.
Affectionate, curious, and gentle, the LaPerm is a people-loving companion that enjoys being close to its family. It is a clever, interactive cat, often reaching out with a paw, and it bonds warmly while remaining relaxed and adaptable.
History
The LaPerm began in 1982 on an Oregon farm, when a curly-coated kitten appeared in a litter of barn cats due to a natural mutation. Breeders developed the distinctive coat into a recognized breed with a devoted following.
Temperament
The LaPerm is warm, inquisitive, and people-oriented, bonding closely with its family and often seeking laps and shoulders. It is gentle and interactive, generally good with children and other pets, and enjoys being involved.
Health to watch
The LaPerm is a fairly robust breed with a diverse gene pool and relatively few inherited disorders.
Common issues like dental disease and kidney changes can occur; routine care aids early detection.
The unusual coat can occasionally bring skin sensitivities; gentle grooming keeps the skin comfortable.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every cat is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The curly coat is surprisingly low-maintenance and low-shedding, needing only occasional gentle combing.
This people-loving breed enjoys company and interaction, doing best with regular attention.
Provide play and climbing to satisfy the LaPerm's curious, clever nature.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.