LaPerm
Curly-coated American cats that act like affectionate clowns.
LaPerms have a unique tousled curly or wavy coat that ranges from short to long. They are people-loving, gentle, and active — often raising a paw to ask for attention. Their coat is hypoallergenic-friendly for many sensitive owners.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 6–10 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Stroke or comb gently weekly |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Distinctive curly coat
- Often allergy-tolerable
- Affectionate and gentle
- Low shedding
✗ Things to know
- Rare breed
- Coat varies — not all kittens curl
- Coat continues developing for years
Ideal owner
A LaPerm may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A LaPerm may not suit you if you:
Health considerations
LaPerms are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a LaPerm right for you?
The best way to find out if a LaPerm suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a LaPerm a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — LaPerms are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: affectionate, gentle, and quietly playful.
Are LaPerms good for apartments?
Yes — LaPerms adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are LaPerms good with children?
LaPerms are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are LaPerms hypoallergenic?
LaPerms are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Lower shedding is often tolerable for mild allergy sufferers.
Does a LaPerm suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: LaPerm on Wikipedia