LaPerm Care & Longevity Guide — The Curly-Coated Lap Cat

If your cat has ever surprised you with a quirky habit or an unexpected look, you'll appreciate the story of the LaPerm. This medium-sized breed (3–5 kg) is truly distinctive, sporting a coat of soft, springy curls that can range from tight ringlets to loose waves. We find their origin story especially charming: the breed began in 1982 on a cherry farm in Oregon, when a barn cat produced a single bald kitten that later grew a full coat of curls. That spontaneous genetic mutation became the foundation of an entirely new breed, and we're here to help you understand what makes them so wonderful.

The LaPerm Coat — Born Bald, Then Curly

LaPerm kittens truly have one of the most fascinating ways their coat develops compared to other cat breeds. Many arrive completely bald or with very sparse, straight hair. But don't worry — over the first few weeks to months of life, that coat grows in, and it comes in beautifully curly! Some LaPerms even go through multiple cycles of losing and regrowing their coat during their first year, with each regrowth typically producing tighter, more defined curls. It's quite a transformation to witness!

The LaPerm's distinctive coat comes from a dominant rex gene — similar to the Selkirk Rex but creating a unique curl pattern. We've noticed LaPerm curls tend to be looser and more textured than the Selkirk Rex's plush waves, often compared to a human perm (which, fun fact, is where the breed gets its name!). You'll find their coats in both longhair and shorthair varieties, and in virtually every color and pattern imaginable.

Grooming the Curls

Keeping those beautiful curls looking their best is part of the fun of having a LaPerm. Here's what we know works for maintaining their unique coat:

• Brushing: Once or twice a week with a wide-toothed comb. Gentle detangling only — aggressive brushing will pull out curls and leave the coat frizzy.
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks helps maintain curl definition. Use a gentle cat shampoo and scrunch (do not rub) the coat when drying.
• Drying: Air-dry is best. If you must use a dryer, use a diffuser on low heat to preserve curl shape.
• Matting: Less prone to matting than straight-coated longhairs, but mats can form behind the ears and under the armpits. Check these areas weekly.
• Spritz for curls: A light mist of water can refresh and redefine curls between baths. Some owners spray lightly and scrunch daily.

Health Profile — A Relatively Healthy Breed

One of the LaPerm's most wonderful qualities is their overall health. Because the breed originated from a hardy farm cat population with wide genetic diversity, LaPerms don't typically face many of the hereditary conditions that can affect more heavily inbred breeds. In fact, no breed-specific genetic diseases have been identified in LaPerms to date.

Of course, every cat is unique, and we know you want to keep your LaPerm feeling their best. While they're generally healthy, all cats can be susceptible to certain conditions. Here are the areas we encourage you to keep an eye on, alongside your vet:

Dental Health — The Most Common Feline Health Issue

Dental disease affects an estimated 50–90% of cats over age four, and LaPerms are no exception. We know how distressing it can be to see your beloved cat in discomfort, and conditions like Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and gingivitis can cause pain, difficulty eating, and systemic health problems as bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums. That's why we believe prevention is so much more effective than waiting for treatment:

• Dental checkups: Annual professional dental exams, with cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
• At-home care: Brushing your cat's teeth 2–3 times per week with cat-specific toothpaste is the gold standard. Many LaPerm owners find that the breed's gentle, tolerant temperament makes tooth brushing easier than with more resistant breeds.
• Dental diets: Kibble formulated to mechanically clean teeth as the cat chews can help reduce tartar buildup.
• Water additives: Enzymatic water additives can reduce bacterial load in the mouth.

Taking these steps can make a huge difference in your LaPerm's long-term comfort and health. We're here to help you find what works best for your family member.

Temperament and Daily Life

If you're looking for a true companion, the LaPerm is, above all, a lap cat. These wonderful felines actively seek human connection and are happiest when they're physically close to you — whether it's sitting on your lap, draping across a shoulder, or curling up against your chest. They're not clingy in a demanding way; instead, they're calm, warm, and quietly affectionate. We know how much joy this brings to their owners, as they'll often follow you from room to room and settle wherever you settle.

Their energy level is wonderfully moderate — playful but not overwhelming. LaPerms enjoy play sessions but are not typically hyperactive or destructive. They are curious and love to investigate new objects or situations, but they don't have the intense prey drive of breeds like the Bengal or Abyssinian. Two play sessions of 10–15 minutes daily are typically sufficient, combined with access to cat trees and window perches, to keep them happy and engaged.

• With children: Excellent. Gentle and patient, rarely aggressive.
• With other pets: Good. Sociable and non-dominant.
• Vocalization: Quiet to moderate. They communicate with soft chirps and trills rather than loud meows.
• Indoor/outdoor: Well-suited to indoor life. Their trusting nature and curly coat make outdoor-only living risky (both for safety and coat maintenance).

We care deeply about your cat's well-being, and we know that understanding their personality helps you create the best home environment. The LaPerm's gentle nature truly makes them a delightful family member.

Nutrition for the LaPerm

As a medium-sized cat (3–5 kg) with moderate energy, the LaPerm doesn't have extreme nutritional requirements. Daily caloric needs typically range from 180–280 calories for an adult, depending on weight, activity level, and sterilization status. We know that supporting their unique coat and overall health through diet is important to you, so here are the key dietary priorities:

• Protein: At least 36–40% on a dry matter basis. High-quality animal protein supports coat regrowth and muscle maintenance.
• Omega fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 support curl quality, coat sheen, and skin hydration. Look for foods containing fish oil or salmon.
• Dental-friendly options: Consider a mix of wet food (for hydration) and dental-formula kibble (for mechanical tooth cleaning). The combination approach supports both urinary health and dental health.
• Biotin: Supports hair follicle health and coat density. Particularly important for LaPerms given their unique coat structure.
• Hydration: Wet food should make up at least 50% of the diet to support urinary tract health. Cat water fountains encourage additional drinking.