LaPerm Care Guide — The Curly-Coated Lap Cat

The LaPerm is one of the most distinctive-looking cats you will ever encounter — a medium-sized breed (3–5 kg) with a coat of soft, springy curls that can range from tight ringlets to loose waves. What makes the LaPerm especially fascinating is its origin story: 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.

The LaPerm Coat — Born Bald, Then Curly

LaPerm kittens have one of the most unusual developmental patterns of any cat breed. Many are born completely bald or with very sparse, straight hair. Over the first few weeks to months of life, the coat grows in — and it comes in curly. Some LaPerms go through multiple cycles of losing and regrowing their coat during their first year, with each regrowth typically producing tighter, more defined curls.

The LaPerm coat gene is a dominant rex gene — similar to the Selkirk Rex but producing a different curl pattern. LaPerm curls tend to be looser and more textured than the Selkirk Rex's plush waves, often compared to a human perm (which is, in fact, where the breed gets its name). The coat comes in both longhair and shorthair varieties, and in virtually every color and pattern.

Grooming the Curls

• 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 strongest attributes is its overall health. Because the breed originated from a robust farm cat population with wide genetic diversity, LaPerms are not burdened with many of the hereditary conditions that plague more heavily inbred breeds. No breed-specific genetic diseases have been identified in LaPerms to date.

That said, LaPerms are still cats, and all cats are susceptible to certain conditions. The areas to focus on:

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. Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and gingivitis can cause pain, difficulty eating, and systemic health problems as bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums. Prevention is far more effective than 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.

Temperament and Daily Life

The LaPerm is, above all, a lap cat. These cats actively seek human contact and are happiest when physically touching their person — sitting on a lap, draping across a shoulder, or curling up against a chest. They are not clingy in a demanding way; rather, they are calm, warm, and quietly affectionate. They follow their humans from room to room and settle wherever you settle.

Their energy level is moderate. LaPerms enjoy play sessions but are not hyperactive or destructive. They are curious and will investigate new objects or situations, but they do not 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.

• 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).

Nutrition for the LaPerm

As a medium-sized cat (3–5 kg) with moderate energy, the LaPerm does not have extreme nutritional requirements. Daily caloric needs typically range from 180–280 calories for an adult, depending on weight, activity level, and sterilization status. The key dietary priorities are coat health and dental support:

• 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.