
Affectionate, gentle, and curly-coated. LaPerms are unique cats with soft, curly coats that can range from wavy to ringlets.
Personality and care at a glance
Height
15-20 cm6-8"
Weight
2.5-5.5 kg5.5-12 lbs
Lifespan
10-15 yrs
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Moderately trainable - learns with consistent effort
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Rarely meows
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
Strongly bonds with family
How well LaPerm matches your lifestyle
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well LaPerm matches your lifestyle.
Activity requirements for LaPerm
LaPerms need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
Moderate - enjoys interactive play
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
Playdates with other cats or interactive games with family.
Coat care and maintenance for LaPerm
LaPerms need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Training approach for LaPerm
The LaPerm is reasonably trainable with consistent effort. They learn well but may need more repetition than eager learners.
Be patient and consistent. Use high-value rewards and keep training sessions short but frequent. Consistency in commands and expectations is key.
Use the same commands and expectations every time. Consistency helps them understand what you want.
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus and prevent frustration for both of you.
Use especially enticing treats for training to maintain motivation and attention.
Some commands may take longer to learn. Stay patient and celebrate small victories.
Feeding guidelines for LaPerm
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (kitten, adult, senior).
Active cats need more calories; less active cats need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Common health conditions to watch for in LaPerm
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Estimated expenses for LaPerm
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for LaPerm's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
1 references for LaPerm
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research