LaPerm Cat Personality, Shedding, and Care: The Curly-Coated Lap Cat Explained

Curly-coated LaPerm cat sitting calmly against a dark background, main breed guide thumbnail

Did you know some cats have curly, "permed" coats—the way a Poodle or Bichon does among dogs? Meet the LaPerm, a breed whose very name comes from the word "perm."

With a soft, wavy coat and an affectionate streak that has it burrowing into every available lap, the LaPerm is a beloved rare breed among cat enthusiasts worldwide. And despite the curls, it's genetically unrelated to other curly cats like the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex—it has its own distinct origin story. This guide covers where the LaPerm came from, what its "velcro cat" personality is really like, how to care for that special coat, and the health facts worth knowing before you bring one home.

Before you adopt a LaPerm, an honest reality check:

  • "Hypoallergenic" doesn't mean allergy-free. LaPerms shed little and are often called hypoallergenic, but they still produce Fel d 1—the protein in cat saliva and skin oils that triggers most cat allergies. They're lower-allergen, not allergen-free, so spend time around one before committing if allergies are a concern.
  • They demand constant closeness (a true velcro cat). LaPerms love climbing into laps and perching on shoulders, and they'll ask for affection even when you're busy. Left alone for long stretches, many struggle with separation anxiety.
  • Low shedding, but matting is the real work. Loose hairs get trapped in the curls and can felt into tight mats, which can lead to skin problems. Plan on gentle brushing down to the undercoat two to three times a week.

A Happy Accident on an Oregon Farm

The LaPerm's story began in 1982 on a cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon. A barn cat belonging to Linda Koehl gave birth to a litter, and one kitten arrived completely bald. As that kitten grew, something remarkable happened: a soft, curly coat began to come in. Koehl named her "Curly."

When Curly went on to have kittens of her own with the same curly coats, it became clear this was a natural mutation driven by a dominant gene. That dominant inheritance—unlike the recessive genes behind breeds such as the Cornish Rex—allowed breeders to cross LaPerms with a variety of cats, building a healthy, diverse gene pool as the breed developed into what we know today.

The Lap Cat That Won't Leave Your Side

The LaPerm prioritizes connection with people over any leftover hunting instinct, making it a wonderfully people-oriented companion.

  • An exceptional lap cat. Sit down and a LaPerm is often in your lap within seconds, purring away. Breed groups describe them as cats that seek out kisses and gaze into their owner's eyes, and many happily greet unfamiliar visitors too.
  • Playful and agile. As descendants of barn cats, LaPerms kept a lively prey drive and respond enthusiastically to toys. Many love heights and will climb right up onto your shoulder.
  • Quietly chatty. Their voices aren't loud, but LaPerms tend to "talk" to their people in soft tones when they're content or want something.

Health and Coat Care Guide

Thanks to that diverse gene pool, the LaPerm is generally a hardy breed with a typical lifespan often cited around 12 to 15 years, and no widely recognized breed-specific genetic disease. That said, the unusual coat calls for real skin care, and like any cat, LaPerms benefit from staying ahead of common feline health issues.

Category What to Know What Owners Can Do
Matting Shed hair gets caught in the curls and can felt into tight mats, blocking airflow to the skin and setting the stage for irritation and skin infections. Brush gently down to the undercoat two to three times a week with a round-tipped pin brush. Brush daily during seasonal shedding periods.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Not specific to the LaPerm, but the most common heart disease in cats overall. It can progress silently and, in serious cases, lead to sudden decline. Ask your vet about periodic heart checks, including echocardiography, as your cat matures. Early detection helps with management.
Dental disease Very common across all cats—plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation build up over time and can cause pain and tooth loss. Build a home brushing routine with a cat-specific toothbrush once adult teeth are in, and see your vet for a dental check if you notice bad breath or reluctance to eat.

The Bottom Line: A Great Choice If You Want a Bond

Born from a chance mutation on an Oregon farm, the LaPerm offers far more than an eye-catching coat. Its devoted, affectionate nature makes it the kind of cat that genuinely warms up a home. If you have a little patience for coat care and enough time to return all that affection, few cats will bond with you as deeply.

Because it's a rare breed, take the time to find a reputable breeder and a healthy kitten, and go in ready for the long-term commitment of a cat that truly wants to be part of your daily life.

Related Reads

Sources

  • Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) — LaPerm breed profile, origin, and standard
  • The International Cat Association (TICA) and the LaPerm Society of America — breed history, dominant-gene origin, and temperament
  • Cornell Feline Health Center — general feline heart, dental, and allergen (Fel d 1) health information

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