How To Identify a LaPerm Cat

The LaPerm is considered one of the newest cat breeds in the world. In fact, some cat organizations don’t yet accept it as a distinct breed. The LaPerm cat has been closely linked with the Chinook Native American tribe. The first LaPerm cat was born in Oregon in 1982. She was the offspring of a mixed-breed tabby housecat, and had a genetic mutation causing the curly coat for which this breed is known.  These cats are known for their curly fur, but are not related to the Rex breeds, which also have distinctively curly hair. Here’s how to identify a LaPerm cat:

1. Facial features. The LaPerm cat will have a head that is triangular, though a bit rounded. The forehead is relatively flat. The eyes of a LaPerm cat are large and shaped like almonds. Set far apart, they have a slight slant to them. The ears are medium-large in size, flared, and are often seen with tufts of hair, similar to the ears of a Lynx. This hair in their ears may be curly or straight.
2. Fur texture. The best way to identify a LaPerm cat may be through its fur texture, though other breeds, like the Rex, share this trait. A LaPerm’s fur is curly or wavy, and comes in both short-haired and long-haired varieties. The fur forms curls, whirls, and waves over the cat’s body. The coat texture is soft, and more like velvet than like silk. The whiskers are also curly. The hair on the tail has been called a “bottle brush tail,” and it sticks straight out.
3. Body shape. The body of the LaPerm cat has been compared to that of a Siamese, with long and slender legs, and hind legs longer than the front legs. The LaPerm cat is a muscular breed, with an athletic and lean body and medium-sized frame.
4. Pedigree. This new breed is still quite rare. Take a look at the pedigree to definitively identify a LaPerm cat. The LaPerm’s distinctive feature, its curly coat, is also seen in other breeds, making it difficult to identify a LaPerm cat using physical characteristics alone.

The LaPerm cats loves human contact, and is definitely a lap cat. They are also good hunters. This affectionate breed is playful and enjoys being around humans. This rare breed is becoming more and more popular as additional breeders join the LaPerm breeding program and people discover the LaPerm’s unique charms.