LaPerm
Origin
United States
Height
10"-14"
Adult Weight
5-10 pounds
Life Span
12-15 years
TEMPERAMENT
Gentle, active, curious, affectionate
OTHER NAMES
Dalles LaPerm
Group
Medium-sized shorthair and longhair
Price
$800-$1,500
Personality and Temperament
Care
- NUTRITION
- GROOMING
- EXERCISE
- HEALTH
Characteristics
History
The Breed Standard
Body
LaPerm cats are of medium size, typically weighing in at 5 to 8 pounds. Males tend to be a bit larger than females. The overall impression is that of a fine-boned but not delicate cat, with ample strength and graceful toys.
Head
The head is a modified wedge shape that displays slight rounding and gentle contours. The whisker pads should be full and rounded, with long whiskers. The whiskers are often curly.
Eyes
The eyes are of medium size, with an alert, expressive appearance and a slight slant. They should be almond shaped when the cat is relaxed, and it should appear rounder when the cat is alert. Eye color has no relation to coat color.
Ears
LaPerm cats have medium to large sized ears with full furnishings. The long-haired variety should have earmuffs and lynx tips.
Legs & Paws
The legs are long and slim, giving the impression that the cat is walking tall. The hind legs may be longer than the front legs. The paws should be rounded.
Tail
A LaPerm cat's tail is unique and should complement its coat. Shorthaired varieties should have tails that look almost like bottle brushes, while long-haired individuals should develop a plume.
Coat
The coat is the LaPerm cat's distinguishing feature. It may be long or short, and it may change over time. Kittens are often born hairless or nearly bald, however some are born with full haircoats. In shorthaired varieties, the coat displays a soft, wavy look and feel. Long-haired LaPerm cats often develop ringlets, along with a longer mane around the chest area. Discover more long-haired cat breeds: American longhair, British longhair and Oriental longhair
Color
LaPerm cats can be found in every color and pattern imaginable.