LaPerm

The LaPerm is a Rex Breed cat that is known for its curly hair, with most tight curls being found on the undercoat of its belly, throat and base of ears. The LaPerm originated in the United States but can be found in several other countries today. Although it is a rex cat breed, it is not related to any other rex cat varieties. The LaPerm cat has a dominant gene which causes their curly coat; the most significant feature about them is the coat made up of soft waves, curls, and ringlets which resembles that of a perm.

Appearance and Description

Over the years the LaPerm has stayed fairly true to its original type with no extremes. Because of its unusual coat however it has a rather unique and striking appearance that many breed standards have described as a foreign type body, medium in size, with long legs and a long neck. They have a rather broad nose, flared ears, and almond shaped eyes.

All colors and patterns are found acceptable among LaPerm cat breeds, although the tabbies, reds, and torties are represented the most considering their origin. The most popular colors however for this particular breed are lilac, chocolate, and colorpoints. The coat of a LaPerm has quite a unique texture and feel. Though it may look soft and silky, it is far from that. It feels much like mohair with a completely different texture of several different hair types. The longer hairs are softer than the shorter ones and it has a rather loose and bouncy feel when patted. The coat varies according to the season and the maturity of the cat but generally is wavy and curly.

History

The first LaPerm was born in 1982; a spontaneous mutation in a normal litter of kittens. Linda and Richard Koehl were the breed founders and had obtained some regular farm cats for pest control. One was a brown tabby shorthair that gave birth to the kittens. One such kitten was rather unique in appearance; a bald female with tabby markings on her skin. As she grew and developed she began to grow a soft curly coat. They named her Curly and assumed she was the same type of cat as the rest so they worked her on the farm catching rodents. After an injury, she became a house cat for a while to recover completely from her injuries with a pick up truck. It was during this time that the Koehls really began noticing a difference in her and to appreciate her affectionate personality.

After Curly became pregnant and gave birth to a litter of male kittens, the Koehls realized that every one of the kittens had the same curly coat as its mother. The Koehls did not spay or neuter any of the male kittens and the also began to reproduce. Their breeding activity led to many more curly coated kittens.

They soon found themselves with a grooming colony of strange rex cats that included both long and short coats of curious curly and waves. There were several different colors and patterns. Many people began to notice the unusual cats and asked what they were, but she was uncertain herself so she began to take them to cat shows to ask for some feedback. Many of the judges and cat fanciers realized immediately that the LaPerm was a new and special cat breed and several other US cat fancies supported her in her efforts to breed more.

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