LaPerm Cat

Country of Origin:	United States
Colors:	Tabbies, reds and torties are well represented reflecting their origins, chocolate.
Average Size:	weight:  8lbs (3.6 kg)   Length: small
Life Span:	12 – 15 years
Coat:	Rex
Personality:	Very gentle and affectionate
Characteristics:	Energy:  High     Talkative:  High          Kid Friendly:  Yes      Allergic: No

LaPerm cats are a result of a spontaneous mutation and the first one was born in 1982 in a normal litter of kittens. The breed founders were Linda and Richard Koehl from Oregon. When the kitten was born, they got rather concerned about its appearance but as the cat started developing healthily, in adulthood got pregnant and gave birth to 5 kittens with the same appearance she had. Since this time, a new breed LaPerm started to develop.

These rex cats were short-coated and long-coated. They appeared in a variety of colors including colorpoints and chocolate, mainly due to input of Siamese cats that breeders started to use. Today LaPerm cats are a very well established championship breed worldwide.

As mentioned earlier, this cat breed originated in the US and is today present in many countries worldwide. This cat breed is not related to any other cat breed which means that it is genetically unique. A dominant gene is causing their curly fur. These cats have a very athletic and elegant body, they are very active and affectionate. They are at the same time considered to be hypoallergenic cats, which means that they cause a lower level of allergies in humans. The most significant feature of LaPerm cats is their fur made of soft waves and curls.

LaPerm cats have a very striking appearance due to their unusual coat. Their body is of medium size, muscular, with a long neck and legs. Their head features gently rounded contours, and rather broad noses. Their flared ears follow the line of the face and their almond shaped eyes are of medium to large size and very expressive.

With this cat breed, the same as with other rexes, all colors and patterns are acceptable. However, the most popular colors are chocolate, lilac and colorpoints. Also, tabby points are very attractive. Their coat has a unique textured feel. It is soft and inviting, and the fur is rather loose and bouncy. According to the season, the coat will vary, which means that it will be longer and thicker during the winter seasons.