LaPerm Shorthair

The shorthair LaPerm carries the same curl mutation as its longhaired relative, but the coat is shorter and lighter, looking springy and softly wavy or curled, with the tightest curls usually on the neck, belly and tail. This makes it simpler to care for, since an occasional stroke with a hand or a soft brush is usually enough. Adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 5 kilograms, on a supple, muscular frame. The breed comes from Oregon in the United States. In temperament LaPerms are typically attached to their people, curious, and happiest when close to their owner. Life expectancy is typically around 10 to 15 years.

LaPerm Shorthair: how old in human years?

2.5–5 kgWeight
10–15 yrsLife expectancy

Neva Masquerade

FIFe category: Category II — Semi-longhair
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: LPS
Country of origin: United States

Energy level

4/5
Playfulness

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

2/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3–5 kg

Females 2.5–4 kg

Life expectancy

10–15 yrs

Coat

curly (short)

Temperament & Family Life

LaPerm Shorthair: average score for sociability and trainability is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Activity & Living Space

LaPerm Shorthair: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 4/5
Playfulness 4/5
Hunting instinct 3/5
Apartment friendly 4/5

Personality & Communication

LaPerm Shorthair: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 5/5
Independence 2/5
Vocality 3/5

Grooming & Shedding

LaPerm Shorthair: grooming and shedding demands are low.

Shedding 2/5
Grooming need 2/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the LaPerm Shorthair

The breed began on an American farm, with a kitten born bald that later grew a coat of curls. A LaPerm Shorthair has curiosity and get-up-and-go to spare, but at heart it is a lap cat: it settles on your knees, pushes its head under your hand and follows you round the house so as not to miss anything.

There is energy enough for play and for climbing: it will chase a wand toy, explore the shelves and scramble to the top of the cat tree, so make sure the tree is sturdy. It is not an independent sort, and long days alone don't suit it; if you are out all day, a second cat is worth considering. A flat works well, provided there is somewhere to climb and something to investigate.

It gets on well with children and friendly dogs, and greets visitors with caution rather than hostility, soon winding round their legs. It uses its voice in moderation: a hello, a reminder about dinner, and the rest said in purrs.

Grooming and coat

A LaPerm Shorthair looks as if it has just come back from the hairdresser: short, springy hairs twist into waves and ringlets that bounce back under your hand. It sheds little and doesn't tangle, so a weekly pass with a wide-toothed comb is all it needs.

With curls, less is more: a fine brush and too much zeal pull them straight and turn them into fuzz. If the curls look limp, run damp hands over the coat and let it dry on its own. A young LaPerm's coat can change more than once before it settles, so don't be surprised if your kitten looks unlike its parents for a while.

How to do it:

Brushing and hairballs

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 57 g of dry food a day, from €3,28 a month For a neutered, normally active 3,6 kg cat. Calculate for your cat