LaPerm: the other "do-it-yourself" curly cat (and which to choose between Devon, Selkirk, and LaPerm)

The Third Curly Cat

There are three main breeds of curly cats:

• Devon Rex.
• Selkirk Rex.
• LaPerm.

LaPerm is the least known but one of the most fascinating.

Characteristics

• Naturally curly coat.
• "Canine feline" personality.
• Interesting history.

Let’s explore this breed and how to choose among the three.

The History of LaPerm

Origin: Oregon, USA, 1982.

History

• Stray cat "Curly" born from ordinary cats.
• Spontaneous genetic mutation.
• Breeder Linda Koehl developed it.

Name: "LaPerm" as "permanent" in French (a reference to curly hair).

Recognition

• 1995: TICA.

Physical Characteristics

Size: medium.

Weight:

• Males: 3.5-5 kg.
• Females: 2.5-3.5 kg.

Body:

• Athletic, agile.
• Slight build.

Head:

• Moderate triangular.
• Large ears.

Coat:

• Curly, but more "loose" than the Selkirk.
• Two variants:
  • Shorthair.
  • Longhair.

Texture:

• Soft curls.
• Fringes on ears and tail.

Colors:

• All.

Life expectancy: 13-16 years.

Unique Characteristics

"Bald" kittens:

• Can be born hairless.
• Hair grows in the first weeks.
• A fascinating "transformation".

Soft hair:

• Texture different from Selkirk (more "sheep wool").
• More similar to "soft curly hair".

The Character

Typical Aspects

Social:

• "Canine feline".
• Follows owner.

Affectionate:

• Deep bonding.

Intelligent:

• Learns tricks.

Energetic:

• More than the Selkirk.
• Less than the Devon.

Moderate vocalization.

Curious:

• Explores.

Comparison of the 3 Curly Breeds

Which One to Choose?

Choose Devon Rex if:

• You are looking for a hyperactive cat.
• You want an extreme "canine feline".
• Your family is very present.
• You appreciate large ears.

Choose Selkirk Rex if:

• You are looking for a calm cat.
• Suitable for families with children.
• "Sheep wool" as texture.
• Quiet apartment life.

Choose LaPerm if:

• You are looking for a middle ground.
• You appreciate the "Cinderella" story (a stray cat that became a breed).
• Social character but not hyperactive.
• Naturally curly hair.

Grooming the LaPerm Coat

Surprisingly easy:

• Weekly brushing.
• Occasional bathing.

Minimal maintenance:

• Coat does not mat.
• Curls are "self-organizing".

Needs

Space

Suitable for:

• Apartment.
• House.

Exercise

Moderate:

30-45 min/day.

Health

Generally robust.

Predispositions:

• Few specific known.

Life expectancy: 13-16 years.

Cost

Purchase:

• Breeder: 1,500-2,500 €.
• Rare breed in Italy.
• Often imported.

Year 1:

• Vaccinations, neutering, kit: 500-700 €.

Annual:

• Food: 300-500 €.
• Veterinary: 200-400 €.
• Total: 500-1,000 €.

Total life cost: 9,000-17,000 €.

Relationship with Others

With other cats:

• Social.

With dogs:

• Good.

With children:

• Excellent.

The Breed in Italy

Availability:

• Very rare.
• Few breeders.
• Often imported.

Alternatives:

• Selkirk Rex.
• Devon Rex (more common).

Myths to Dispel

Myth 1: "LaPerm is like Selkirk".
False: body and coat are different.

Myth 2: "Curly hair = same for all Rex".
False: visible differences.

Myth 3: "Doesn’t exist in Italy".
True, almost: rare but it exists.

The Truth

The LaPerm is a fascinating breed:

• ✅ "Cinderella" story.
• ✅ Balanced character.
• ✅ Unique appearance.
• ✅ Generally robust health.

• ❌ Rare in Italy.
• ❌ Import cost.

Investment: 1,500-2,500 € + care.

Benefit: 13-16 years of companionship.

Which of the Three Rex?

The final question:

I’m looking for an hyperactive, "elf-like", extremely affectionate cat:
→ Devon Rex.

I’m looking for a calm, "sheep wool", suitable for peaceful families cat:
→ Selkirk Rex.

I’m looking for a balanced cat, moderate "canine feline", with soft curls:
→ LaPerm.

And remember: all three have unique curly hair but they are very different cats.

Choose based on character, not just on appearance. The cat is for 15 years, not just for a photo.