Lapermcats have an exquisite appearance that differs from that of other breeds. They have a wavy coat that can vary in density and length, but always has a characteristic curly texture. The curls on the coat either resemble long curls or tightly twisted rings, and the coat itself has different colors and patterns.
History of the breed
The Laperm is a relatively young breed of cat that attracts pet lovers with its unique appearance and fascinating origin story.
The pedigree of this breed dates back to 1982 in the United States, Oregon, when an ordinary cat gave birth to an unusual kitten without fur, but with dark spots on the body. Subsequently, the fur did appear, but it was not at all similar to the fur of the parents and other kittens, which had a classic straight structure. Whereas in the unique kitten it was soft, wavy, with curls. The kitten was named Curly, from the English word curly.
The owner of the special kitten Linda Coel became interested in this case and decided to cross Curly with other breeds of cats, namely Siamese and Mensk. She found that the gene responsible for the twisted coat remained the main gene in this combination. Therefore, almost all of the kittens that resulted from such crosses had curly coats.
An interesting detail is that most laperm kittens are born just like the first representative of the breed, without hair. And only then it gradually appears and forms a wavy cover – from non-dense curls to dense curls.
In 1997, the Laperm breed was standardized by felinological federations, and in 2002 – recognized by the International Cat Federation. In 2020, the Laperm was granted the status of a closed breed, which restricts its further crossbreeding with other cat breeds.
The name of the breed “Laperm” originated from the combination of the French article “la” and the word “perm” (perm ), indicating a special coat with curls, which is characteristic of these cats and cats.
Characteristics of the breed
If a person needs a playful, intelligent and affectionate cat, then the Laperm cat will definitely become an ideal favorite. It quickly becomes attached to the owner, likes to spend time near and has a friendly character. Also, these cats get along well with children and other pets. The only problem may be the owner’s allergy to cat hair. Despite the misconception that Lapermen are hypoallergenic, their saliva, skin and sebaceous glands contain proteins that can cause an allergic reaction in humans.
The Laperm cat is small, with graceful proportions and a muscular, well-balanced body. Its average weight is about 3 kilograms. It has a wedge-shaped head, medium-sized ears and paws, and a long tail that tapers toward the tip.
The coat of these cats is the most important feature of the breed, because it is soft and wavy, as if after a specially made perm. Coat can be short or semi-long, monotone color or spotted. The eye color of these cats comes in different shades: from golden and copper to blue and green. It usually contrasts with the coat color and makes the cat even more expressive.
On average, the Laperm lives 12-15 years, but with good nutrition and proper care can live longer, remaining active and playful for a long period.
Character and habits
Cats of the Laperm breed always become the center of attention in the house, because they bring joy and fun to it. These animals are known for their inquisitive, intelligent and docile nature, which makes them ideal pets for everyday life. Their intelligence makes them instantly learn tricks such as opening drawers, peeking into cabinets and opening doors.
These cats are very active in games, but have no aggression at all. They are kind, affectionate and loyal creatures that easily establish an emotional bond with their owners and quickly become attached to them. Thanks to their sensitivity, Laperma cats are perfectly at home in families with children, find a common language with all members of the family and respond favorably to guests in the house.
One of the most important advantages of this breed is its ability to quickly adapt to new conditions. In fact, this cat easily accepts a change of environment, including moving, which makes it an ideal favorite for owners with an active lifestyle.
Laperma Health
The Laperm is usually characterized by excellent health and very rarely has hereditary diseases. This is due to its descent from a domestic cat and a careful approach to breeding.
To keep his health at a sufficient level, the owner needs to adhere to some general rules:
- provide the pet with a high-quality and balanced diet;
- provide regular preventive check-ups with a veterinarian;
- control its physical activity and weight;
- carry out parasite prophylaxis;
- guarantee psychological comfort in a calm environment with protection, attention and love;
- create conditions for quality care of hair, ears, teeth.
Subject to proper care, Laperm cats are able to live a long and full life without causing any problems to their owners. This is a good reason why this particular breed is valued by cat lovers.
Laperm grooming
The unique wavy coat of Laperm cats and cats of the Laperm breed needs systematic care. Although these pets do not shed as intensely as some other pets, their coats can become tangled. Therefore, they needregular combing at least once a week.
Bathing is an essential part of Laperma care. It is important to use mild shampoos for sensitive coats that do not irritate the skin. These cats do not have an excessive amount of skin fat, so bathing them should be once a month or even less frequently, depending on the need. When drying the coat, you should not use a hair dryer as the hot air can straighten the curls.
Hygiene treatments should be a regular part of caring for these pets. They include:
- eye care. The eyes should be examined once a week and any discharge in the corners of the eyes should be removed with a soft, damp cloth.
- Ear care. Check them once a week for wax, dirt and signs of infection such as redness and odor. Clean the ears as needed, using a special ear lotion and cotton pads.
- dental care. Several times a week, it is important to brush and clean the teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent tartar and plaque buildup.
- Claw care. Claws should be trimmed with a special claw trimmer every 2-3 weeks to prevent their ingrowth and damage to the owner’s furniture. It is also advisable to provide your pet with a scratching post for sharpening claws.
If you care about the attractive appearance of your unique pet, but you do not have enough time to care for it yourself, we invite you to our grooming salon V.O.G DOG SALON. Our professional grooming masters will take care of the comfortable stay and excellent appearance of your Laperma.
