LaPerm
Discover the LaPerm cat, a unique American breed with a dominant gene for curly fur, an athletic build, and a reputation for being hypoallergenic.
The LaPerm is a medium-sized, athletic cat with a distinctive curly coat caused by a dominant gene, and it is widely reputed to be hypoallergenic with low shedding. While the breed is genetically unique and not related to other rex varieties, its history traces back to a spontaneous mutation on an Oregon farm in the early 1980s.
The coat is the defining feature
The breed's most significant characteristic is a coat of soft waves, curls, and ringlets that resembles a shaggy perm, with the tightest curls located on the throat and the base of the ears. Unlike the silky texture of some other breeds, the LaPerm coat has a textured feel with a slight drag similar to mohair, and it stands away from the body without a thick undercoat. The coat length and fullness can vary with the season and the cat's maturity, but the ruff and neck typically display the longest, most defined curls. Longhairs possess a curly, plumed tail, while shorthairs often have bottlebrush-like tails, and both varieties feature long, curled whiskers and ear tufts known as "ear muffs".
Genetics and physical build
LaPerms are a moderate breed with no extreme features, characterized by a muscular foreign-type body, relatively long legs, and a neck. The head is a modified wedge with rounded contours, a slightly broader muzzle, and a straight nose profile with a break between the eyes leading to a slightly flat forehead. They have flared ears and medium to large almond-shaped eyes. The curly coat is the result of a dominant gene, making the breed genetically distinct from other rex cats, and all colors and patterns are acceptable, including tabbies, reds, tortoiseshells, and less common shades like lilac, chocolate, and colorpoint.
History and origin
The breed originated in the early 1980s from a spontaneous mutation among farm cats owned by Linda and Richard Koehl in The Dalles, Oregon. Their cat Speedy gave birth to a curly-coated kitten named Curly, who became the foundation cat for the entire breed. Over the next decade, a largely free-breeding colony developed on the property before the Koehls initiated a formal breeding program with members of the cat fancy. The name "LaPerm" follows the Chinookan tradition of adopting French words with a definite article, referencing the cat's shaggy perm-like appearance.
Recognition and breeding policies
Registries have different policies regarding the breed's development, with some allowing controlled outcrossing to maintain genetic diversity while others require strict pedigrees. The LaPerm Society of America was formed in 1997 and affiliated with the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 2000, while The International Cat Association (TICA) granted championship status in 2003. The UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) granted full championship recognition in 2012, though it maintains the strictest registration rules, requiring three generations of LaPerm-to-LaPerm breeding for full register entry. In the US, the CFA previously used Ocicats for outcrossing but now restricts outcrosses to non-pedigree domestic cats, with a ban on outcrosses after 2025.
Temperament and hypoallergenic reputation
LaPerms are generally known for an affectionate, active, and outgoing personality, making them popular companions for households seeking an engaging cat. They are reputed to be hypoallergenic, provoking a significantly lower level of allergic response in humans compared to normal cats, though individual reactions can vary. This low-shedding trait, combined with their unique coat, contributes to their reputation as a breed suitable for people with mild sensitivities, provided the specific cat does not trigger an immune response.
Global spread and current status
Since the late 1990s, breeding programs have expanded to numerous countries including Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Scandinavia. The breed has achieved recognition in major registries worldwide, with the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) granting full recognition in 2015. The first LaPerm champion in FIFe was identified as Champion S*Bla Katten KombiSmart, while the first in the UK was Ballego Happy-Gladys. Today, active breeding clubs exist in the UK and other regions, ensuring the breed continues to develop while maintaining its unique genetic characteristics and curly coat.