Cat Breed - LaPerm Shorthair
About the LaPerm Shorthair
Introduction: LaPerm Shorthair - A Comprehensive Guide
Brief Overview:
The LaPerm Shorthair is a rare and unique breed known for its soft, wavy coat, affectionate personality, and playful nature. As the short-haired version of the LaPerm, this breed features the same distinctive curls, high intelligence, and people-loving nature, but with a lower-maintenance coat. If you’re looking for a social, interactive, and low-shedding cat with a striking appearance, the LaPerm Shorthair might be the perfect choice.
Breed History
Origins:
The LaPerm breed originated in the United States in 1982 when a kitten named Curly was born on a farm in Oregon with an unusual wavy coat. Her owner, Linda Koehl, noticed that Curly’s fur was different from her littermates, and as she grew, her curls remained.
Over time, Curly’s kittens also developed the same soft, rippling waves, leading to the discovery of a natural genetic mutation responsible for the curly coat. Breeders later developed both a long-haired and short-haired variety, with the LaPerm Shorthair offering a sleek, curly coat that is even lower maintenance than the long-haired version.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognize the LaPerm Shorthair as a distinct breed, admired for its curly fur and affectionate personality.
Physical Characteristics
The LaPerm Shorthair is a medium-sized, well-proportioned cat with a wavy coat, expressive eyes, and a friendly expression.
Body:
Medium-sized, muscular, and athletic, yet elegant in build.
Weighs 6 to 12 pounds, with males being larger.
Slightly elongated body, giving them a graceful appearance.
Coat:
Short, curly, or wavy, with a springy, textured feel.
Soft and light, with tight ringlets or gentle waves.
Lacks an undercoat, making it low-shedding and easy to groom.
Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including:
Solid colors (black, white, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac).
Tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and pointed patterns.
Head & Face:
Wedge-shaped head with soft contours.
Prominent cheekbones, giving them a refined look.
Medium-to-large ears, often with a slight curl at the tips.
Eyes:
Large, almond-shaped, and expressive, reflecting their curious nature.
Eye color varies, including gold, green, blue, and copper.
Tail:
Medium-length and slightly tapered, with a light curl in the fur.
Personality and Temperament
General Disposition:
LaPerm Shorthairs are affectionate, intelligent, and playful, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike.
Highly Social and Loving: They form deep bonds with their owners and love attention.
Playful but Not Hyperactive: They enjoy interactive toys and games but also love to curl up with their humans.
Curious and Outgoing: They love exploring, climbing, and investigating their surroundings.
Gentle and Soft-Spoken: Unlike vocal breeds, LaPerms have a soft, chirping voice when they communicate.
Great with Families and Other Pets: Their friendly, adaptable nature makes them great for multi-pet households.
LaPerm Shorthairs thrive on companionship and do best in homes where they receive plenty of interaction and playtime.
Health and Lifespan
LaPerm Shorthairs are naturally healthy, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Their naturally occurring gene mutation has made them one of the hardiest and healthiest cat breeds.
Common Health Concerns:
No major genetic disorders, as they are a naturally developed breed.
Allergy-Friendly: Due to their unique coat, some allergy sufferers report fewer reactions to LaPerms.
Obesity can be a concern, so portion control and daily exercise are essential.
Grooming Needs:
Minimal grooming required – brushing once a week keeps their coat soft and wavy.
Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming to maintain overall health.
Dental care is important, as they can be prone to tartar buildup.
Diet and Nutrition:
High-protein diet to support their muscular build.
Balanced wet and dry food combination for hydration and dental health.
Plenty of fresh water available at all times.
Exercise and Playtime:
Daily interactive play sessions with wand toys, balls, and climbing activities.
Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys to challenge their intelligence.
Plenty of climbing structures and scratching posts to satisfy their instincts.
Breed Standards
Both CFA and TICA include the LaPerm Shorthair under the broader LaPerm breed, with shared traits and standards.
Specific Standards for LaPerm Shorthair Cats:
Body: Medium-sized, elegant, and muscular.
Coat: Short, soft, and curly or wavy with no undercoat.
Head: Modified wedge with prominent whisker pads.
Eyes: Almond-shaped, expressive, and wide-set.
Ears: Medium to large with possible curly furnishings.
Legs and Paws: Long and slim with oval paws.
Tail: Bottle-brush shaped in short-haired version, covered in springy curls.
For detailed breed standards, visit the CFA website and TICA website.
Interesting Facts
A Naturally Occurring Curl: The LaPerm Shorthair’s curls are caused by a dominant gene, making them different from other curly breeds like the Devon or Cornish Rex.
Born Bald or Straight: Kittens may be born hairless or with straight coats, which later develop curls.
A Very Low-Shedding Breed: LaPerm Shorthairs shed very little, making them great for allergy-sensitive owners.
Curly Whiskers and Eyebrows: Even their whiskers and eyebrows are crimped, adding to their quirky charm.
Still a Rare Breed: Though gaining popularity, the LaPerm Shorthair remains one of the rarer cat breeds worldwide.
