The Pet Atlas

Breed Cats Distinctive Feature

LaPerm

Loose curls with a soft, textured coat feel

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Vocality
Low
Health sensitivity
Low
Grooming
Medium
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Low

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat type
Curly
Coat length
Medium

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a friendly, soft-coated cat with a relaxed, people-oriented style

Not ideal

  • Want a perfectly sleek coat or dislike any texture/coat variation

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Often curious and people-aware—many are playful, with a “go see what that is” mindset.

Handling & social style

Usually does best with calm, consistent contact; some prefer lighter coat-touch rather than vigorous scruffing-style petting.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Curl-texture coat where the practical difference is keeping curls from becoming tangles/mats without overworking the coat.

Environment & space

Standard indoor setup; the coat is the defining maintenance factor, not space needs.

Daily routine

Comb on a steady schedule and focus on early tangles in mat-prone zones; avoid aggressive brushing that turns curls into frizz.

Health sensitivities

Mostly line variability—ask about coat consistency, skin comfort, and what the breeder has observed across relatives.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Began from naturally occurring cats with a loose curly coat, then was standardized to preserve that textured, tousled look. The curls are the point more than a specific body type.