frisson

LaPerm Information

---

The LaPerm is one of the four main Rex breeds, along with the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Selkirk Rex, having in common curly coats from unrelated naturally occurring mutations.

                                            HISTORY

---

LaPerms first appeared in Oregon,USA amongst a colony of farm cats in 1982 but were not developed as a breed for nearly ten years. By this time there was a large population of curly cats from this dominant gene, which had developed a recognisable type all of it's own. The LaPerm was recognised by TICA for NBC status 1995.

1997-98 LaPerms were exported to New Zealand, South Africa,  Japan and Germany.

1999-2004 they spread to Russia, Netherlands, Sweden, France, UK and Australia. CFA recognised the breed in Miscellaneous class in 2000.

The LaPerm gained Championship status in TICA in 2002 and with CFA finally in February 2008. QFA and GCCFSA accepted the LaPerm in March 2008, ACF and CCCA the following June.

The only permitted outcross is the Domestic cat (either short or longhair) as per the standard set by the country of origin, and agreed to by ACF and CCCA.

                                                .....................................................

PLEASE NOTE!

The UK permits outcrossing to other pedigree breeds, no Domestics, which has resulted in a much different looking cat with an obvious  lack of consistency, also risking the introduction of congenital   diseases known to be common in those breeds but not present in LaPerms otherwise at this time. Responsible breeders will DNA test their cats to ensure the good health, not only of their own cattery, but of the breed as a whole.

We believe that using only the Domestic cat as an outcross is the way to preserve the unique look and temperament of the LaPerm. Although there are other breeds in our cats' ancestries due to outcrossing done before our time under different registry rules, we are breeding to the TICA standard  adopted in it's entirety by ACF.

                                         DESCRIPTION

The LaPerm comes in any colour, pattern or eye shade. The coat is light, airy and textured, never heavy or wiry, does not matt, and there is very little shedding. They do not need brushing or grooming and I only bathe mine for shows, to better bring out the curl.

Lucy 5 mths

This is a small to medium sized cat, with a modified wedge shaped head, long neck and slim foreign-type body.

         
                         head shape - Frizzante                                                                       profile - Cumin

The largeish ears follow the angles of the head, with the muzzle prominent not pointed, and the long legs have rounded paws, with hindlegs slightly longer than the forelegs.

tummy curls - young Arkie                                                      plumed tail - young Sierra

The coat is shorter over the shoulders with the longest curls on the belly, and the neck ruff on longhaired LaPerms. The ruff may be more apparent in colder months and the mature cat.

 tummy curls - young Gambi

The long tail forms a full plume in the longhair and a bottlebrush in the shorthair cat, and both have long curly whiskers and eyebrows. This is unusual in Rex breeds as the Devon, Cornish and Selkirk Rex all have brittle whiskers that break off short. The LaPerm's whiskers are flexible, very long and individual - they can be Dali-esque, crimped, or every-which-way. Occasionally an eyebrow will need to be trimmed to prevent it curling into the eye.

                                         Zed     -   curly whiskers and eyebrows  -     Arkie

They can be born curly (BC), or born bald (BB) as was the first LaPerm, which is noted on their pedigree to track this occurrence. The coat can go through changes before full development by two years old or second winter (see COAT CHANGES page). It may come and go with hormone fluctuations too, making it difficult for a breeding female to look her best, but desexing will stabilise this.

                                              Jared with the brothers Cumin, Zed and Cori

But the best thing about a LaPerm is it's personality. It is an alert, intelligent and active cat, who is also very cuddly and loving, and who will want to bond closely with it's owners. They are not vocal but will follow you around to see what you're doing, and are likely to come up on your lap for kisses or to pat your face affectionately. They get on well with other breeds or animals, and are a gentle companion for children.

               Sam and Lucy                                                         Saskia and Zahtar

                     Sierra and Sumac                                                     Scarlett (Chermoula) and Maddie

                            Koda (Tamarind) and friend