All Laperms can trace their ancestry to an Oregon farm cat born completely bald in 1982. Born hairless, on Linda Koehl's farm, the tabby female soon grew into a curly coat. Curly, was used as the foundation female in a new breeding project that began the inception of a new breed, the LaPerm. This is a very new breed receiving its official registration in 1995. In order to build a strong gene pool, the breed has been given loose guidelines, however it is preferred to use the domestic cat as the primary out-cross.

The LaPerm is known for its pleasant personality. They are loving cats, that enjoy the comforting laps of loved one's, yet this lap cat is not a sedentary purring machine. Unlike some lazy lap loving felines, LaPerms can be found playing fetch and learning other tricks. They will often spend time involved in a hunt of cornered houseflies or playing with household toys. La Perms will always prefer to be close to their human counterparts and without exception will relish ruling their rust on their warm human thrones.

The most striking feature of the LaPerm is its Rex like coat of tight curls. The curls, a result of a natural mutation, can come in many varying degrees. This cat is accepted in many different colors and hair lengths as the breed standards are loose now to encourage building a strong gene pool. As kittens, this twisted cloak of fur is not always as spectacular as adult cats. Kittens can be born in three varying ways. Cats born bald, especially if they have curly whiskers, will be most likely to inherit the beautiful curls that set this breed apart. Young, born with straight hair will either keep this traditional coat throughout life or will shed this straight hair at a later time, growing back the standard curly hair. Both, cats born bald or loosing their hair may never grow in, or grow in only in parts. Other kittens are born with the natural curls. These cats may also go through a molt, loosing their hair, but it generally grows in thicker retaining the curl. The curl of the coat can differ dramatically within the breed. Shorthaired LaPerm's often have permanent waves throughout the coat, not having enough hair to form the ringlets that the longer haired Perm's display. The full range of colors is acceptable to this breed, as no standard has been set in this area. Despite their well-manicured look, the LaPerms are very easy to take care of. The curly coat is resistant to matting and experiences very little shedding. Maintenance consists of periodic baths, drip-drying as a hair dryer may cause your friend to frizz. Under these distinct coats is a medium sized cat with rounded head and snout. Ears, set wide on the head are also rounded, complimenting large almond shaped eyes and full whisker pads. The LaPerm, with its handsome locks, is a beautiful breed.

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