LaPerm Shorthair

The LaPerm Shorthair is the short-coated form of the LaPerm, a naturally occurring curly-coated breed that originated on a farm near The Dalles, Oregon, in 1982. A barn cat named Speedy produced an unusual female kitten named Curly, which was nearly hairless at birth and later developed a soft curly coat. Curly and her descendants became the foundation of the breed developed by Linda Koehl.

This is a medium-sized, moderately built and muscular cat with a semi-foreign body, medium boning, relatively long legs, and a modified wedge-shaped head with gently rounded contours. The expressive eyes are almond-shaped at rest and appear rounder when alert, while the medium-to-large ears continue the lines of the head.

The Shorthair has a short to approximately medium-length coat that is light, airy, springy, and wavy or curly rather than dense or woolly. The coat stands away from the body and usually has a somewhat crisper texture than the longhaired form. A ruff is not required, and the tail has the distinctive bottlebrush appearance associated with the LaPerm Shorthair.

LaPerm Shorthairs are generally affectionate, intelligent, inquisitive, active, and strongly interested in people. Many follow their families through the home, seek physical contact, use their paws to attract attention, and readily settle close to familiar people when playtime is over.

Their farm-cat background is reflected in an alert and playful temperament. Retrieving games, wand toys, food puzzles, climbing furniture, and short reward-based training sessions provide useful outlets for curiosity and energy. Many retain an enthusiastic interest in play throughout adulthood.

Well-socialized LaPerm Shorthairs commonly live successfully with respectful children, compatible cats, and cat-friendly dogs. They generally value involvement in household life and regular companionship, although individual social preferences and confidence still vary.

The short springy coat is relatively easy to maintain. Gentle brushing or combing about once a week is sufficient for many cats, with additional grooming during seasonal shedding or whenever loose hair begins to accumulate. Excessive brushing can separate the natural curls and waves, so grooming should remain light and functional.

Some coats may occasionally become oily and benefit from bathing, but this should be based on the individual cat's skin and coat condition rather than a fixed schedule. Use cat-appropriate products, rinse thoroughly, and avoid aggressive brushing or excessive heat while the coat dries.

Routine care should also include dental hygiene, nail trimming, clean litter facilities, daily interactive play, scratching and climbing opportunities, and measured portions of a complete life-stage-appropriate diet. Persistent hair loss, redness, itching, scaling, or sudden changes in coat quality should receive veterinary assessment.

Published LaPerm-specific clinical health data remain limited, and no single inherited disorder is firmly established as a defining breed-wide condition. CFA describes the breed as having a genetically diverse background and reports that no specific health problem has yet been identified as characteristic of LaPerms. Limited evidence should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every individual or family line will be free from inherited or acquired disease.

The curly coat is a hereditary breed-defining trait and is inherited dominantly within LaPerm breeding programmes, but coat phenotype is not a health clearance. Genetic testing should be selected according to documented ancestry, family history, and disorders known within the particular breeding line rather than assuming that every available feline DNA test is relevant to every LaPerm.

Prospective owners should request veterinary records and family information covering longevity, causes of death, cardiac and kidney health, eye health, mobility, reproductive outcomes, and recurrent illnesses. Breeders should combine pedigree management, clinical examination, genetic diversity, and evidence-based testing where appropriate rather than treating a broad commercial DNA panel as complete health clearance. This information is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.