LaPerm

Breed Description

The extraordinary appearance of this cat and the story of its emergence are not tied to legends from ancient times. It’s quite simple. In the early 1980s, a stray cat near Dallas, USA, gave birth to kittens, one of which was very unusual. Completely hairless, it looked unlike any other kitten that had previously appeared in the area. Its large ears and long tail seemed even larger due to the complete lack of fur. However, these features were not particularly special. The thing is, its skin had a pattern resembling tiger camouflage. Two months later, another miracle happened: the hairless kitten began to grow curls, and four weeks later, its long, curly fur completely covered it, making it the most beautiful kitten in the neighborhood.

The further fate of this curly-haired kitten resembles the story of the Cornish Rex. The kitten earned the nickname “Curly” and became a beloved celebrity. According to some reports, at one point it was seriously injured, but everything turned out fine, and soon Curly appeared before her owner once more. Moreover, she soon gave birth to a litter of several beautiful kittens. All of them were completely hairless, just like their mother at birth. And although announcements for selling kittens were not posted at that time, word about these extraordinary cats quickly spread through the area.

Her owner realized immediately that the unusual appearance of the kittens with curly whiskers was due to a mutation that differed from Devon Rexes and Cornish Rexes, as subsequent litters also exhibited the same trait.

Eventually, the curly cats from the farm sought companions on their own, without the owner’s help. Their skills in catching rodents were honed over the years, resulting in these permanent cats not only having extraordinary appearance and character but also being excellent hunters. Moreover, they enjoy great health, which is very important for owners.

Today, LaPerms are known not only in the USA. There are many catteries in Australia and England. Feline organizations like TICA, CFA, FIFe, and WCF have already developed breed standards. Additionally, the French LOOF, the British GCCF, and SACC in South Africa have recognized the breed’s distinctiveness. Notably, South Africa served as a starting point for the breed’s emergence in our country in the early 1990s. At Zoonika, you can find the best selection of catteries in Russia where you can choose a LaPerm kitten with the best characteristics. The popularity of curly cats in our country grows every year. Worldwide, this breed ranks among the top 15 most expensive cats. On average, an American Curly can be purchased for around 30,000 to 50,000 rubles, but the price of a purebred show-class kitten can reach 120,000 rubles or even higher.

Appearance

First of all, the eye is drawn to the unique curly fur of these graceful creatures. Slightly longer or, conversely, shorter, it is made up of loose curls and spirals from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.

Males are larger than females, weighing around 4-5 kg, while females usually don’t exceed 3-4 kg with a shoulder height of 20-26 cm. This size makes them easy to take along on long journeys, even by plane.

Their health is quite robust, thanks to their early ability to find mates during the breed’s formation, allowing them to easily live beyond 15 years. If one chooses a kitten from a cattery and raises it in good conditions, it can live up to 17 years or more.

A distinctive feature of American Curl cats (as these curly cats are sometimes called) is their ability to attract human attention with loud purring and a special gaze. Their temperament is similar to that of dogs. LaPerms are perfect for families with children, whether in a private home or a city apartment. One can purchase a kitten from a cattery and be assured that some dog-like traits will be present in it. By the way, not only is the character similar, but the fur is also tactilely reminiscent of poodle fur, although the short-haired version is slightly coarser.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Its shape resembles a modified wedge with rounded contours. The same smooth outlines are present in the undercoat. It is completely covered with curly fur. Short-haired LaPerms appear more elongated from the side compared to medium-haired ones.

Морда

The base is quite wide, with smooth contour lines. When viewed from the side, the transition from the straight nose to the forehead is particularly noticeable. Moreover, the forehead begins to gradually round out only towards the back of the head, while from the bridge of the nose to that point it is completely flat.

Уши

They are proportional to the size of the head. During a frontal examination, they are positioned in such a way that they form side lines of a wedge. Inside, they are covered with long hair resembling the tufts of a lynx. The tips are rounded and always pointed forward. Among the disadvantages, the lack of hair on them, as well as curls directly beneath them, are noted.

Глаза

The eyes are widely set and have an almond shape. The color of the iris is not regulated, but the standard notes that it should harmonize with the coat color. When the cat is excited, the eyes noticeably round out. Strabismus is considered a defect.

Зубы

Powerful jaws with a full set of teeth. The upper canines overlap the lower ones, resulting in a scissor bite. When viewed from the side, the chin is aligned vertically with the tip of the nose. A malocclusion or underbite is considered a flaw, but it is rarely encountered.

Корпус

Not very large, closer to medium size. A bit elongated, with the back part slightly raised. However, cats can have a larger body while maintaining overall balance. Animals with a stocky build are subject to disqualification.

Конечности

Straight, of medium length, with well-developed musculature and a solid bone structure. The hind limbs are somewhat longer than the front ones, which causes the croup to be slightly raised in relation to the withers. The thighs are strong and appear powerful. The paws are round and neat. Too short legs, as well as an incorrect number of toes, are considered flaws that lead to disqualification of such animals.

Хвост

Not very long in proportion to the overall size of the animal. Tapered towards the tip. Thickening, nodules, or bends on the tail are not allowed, and such animals will be disqualified. Depending on the type of coat, it resembles a bristle brush (for short-haired) or is well-furred (for long-haired).

Шерсть

Depending on their type. Long-haired: featuring a mane on the neck, light, wavy, or curly and resilient fur. It gives a tousled appearance. There should be tufts on the ears. The thickness depends on the season, but alopecia is not acceptable. Short-haired: the tail resembles a brush, noticeably stiffer than that of long-haired individuals, with no tight fitting. It can also have curls and waves. For this type, ear tufts are not mandatory.

Окрас

All colors in any combinations and variations are accepted. They are categorized into solid, shaded, and smoke. The most common are solid colors: chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, white, blue, red, cream, and black. Shaded colors are similar but have a lighter tip and a white undercoat. Smoke colors are the same but with a more deeply colored hair.

Character

An extraordinary loyalty to their owner is one of the key characteristics of the LaPerm breed. If you purchase a kitten from a cattery, you can be absolutely certain that no event in the house will go unnoticed by them. They almost constantly need companionship, which is why such kittens are often bought in pairs. In this case, the owner should be prepared for constant requests for attention. Gentle paw touches and the distinctive tone of their purring are a pet’s way of asking to spend time with them.

Just utter the name of the curly cat once, and she will immediately respond and come when called. LaPerms easily coexist with other animals in the same space. Their peaceful nature allows them to get along even with dogs and cats of other breeds. However, the hunting instincts that have developed over years during the breed’s formation will give absolutely no chance to birds or rodents in the house. Constantly being in the line of sight of the Rex American cat, they will sooner or later find themselves in her grasp. In this case, there’s nothing to be done, and the future owner must make a choice one way or another, but there won’t be any friendship – that’s for sure.

Wonderful relationships develop between children and LaPerms. Gifted with natural flexibility and agility, these curious cats make worthy companions for young friends. There’s no need to worry about children, just as there’s no need to worry about four-legged companions – both will feel quite comfortable in each other’s company.

Like their British counterparts, LaPerms learn quickly and can master various ways to open a cabinet door for food in a short time. These curly tricksters also enjoy observing the world from above and often climb to the top shelves of cabinets. Perhaps this tendency can also be considered a downside, as it means fragile interior items will need to be put away to avoid damage.

Unfortunately, there are not many LaPerms in Russia yet, and advertisements for the sale of kittens of this breed are not common. But Zoonika offers the best selection of catteries in Russia where you can buy a purebred “permanent” kitten. These affectionate, curly little ones love physical contact with humans and get along wonderfully with elderly owners. The special structure of their fur can even serve as a stress reliever during petting. The same can be said for their habit of “massaging” their owner’s knees with their paws when they climb onto them. In other words, with the arrival of a LaPerm in your home, tranquility comes along.

Care and Maintenance

Unlike their predecessors, modern LaPerms cannot survive independently outdoors. This is primarily due to the harsh Russian winters and the specific nature of curly cat fur. However, owners need not worry about unique care requirements for LaPerms. Like any other cat, they require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care, as well as grooming.

Regarding nail trimming, this procedure should be performed at least three times a month. Otherwise, the nails may grow too long, causing discomfort for the pet while moving. Furniture in the house may also suffer, as the “permanent resident” will likely sharpen their claws on chairs and sofas. Regular visits to grooming salons can significantly ease nail care, where professional groomers will handle all necessary procedures. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase a scratching post and place it near where the cat usually sharpens its claws. It is important to understand that this is a ritual for the animal, involving the release of negative energy and stretching. Therefore, a scratching post also contributes to the psychological health of the pet.

When discussing dental care, it’s important to note that regular toothpaste is unsuitable and even dangerous. The pet’s teeth should be brushed 2 to 3 times a month without applying too much pressure, as this prevents tartar buildup. However, when the pet is fed dry food, the dry kibble takes over this cleaning function.

Ears should be cleaned as needed but at least once a week. A cotton swab, moistened with a special lotion or warm clean water, can be used. During cleaning, it is important to watch for any unusual odors from the ears or excessive discharge. A bad smell may indicate the onset of an inflammatory process, so if it appears, it’s best to visit a veterinarian immediately.

LaPerms’ eyes should also be wiped with a cotton pad to remove light discharge from the corners of the eyes. If discharge becomes more abundant, a cotton pad can be moistened with brewed black tea, a folk remedy that helps in the early stages of conjunctivitis.

Long-haired LaPerms should be brushed weekly with a brush featuring widely spaced bristles. This procedure prevents the formation of mats. Using a special cat shampoo can also help avoid mats. However, frequent bathing combined with a blow dryer can damage the fur.Before deciding to adopt a kitten from a shelter, it is essential to prepare a space for the pet: set up a bed in a safe, quiet area of the house, choose an appropriately sized litter box, and gather various toys along with several bowls for food and water.When it comes to nutrition, it is wise to determine in advance whether the new resident will be fed natural food or dry kibble. LaPerms are a rare and expensive breed, so super-premium or holistic food is best suited for them. The differences between these types are mostly visible to specialists, and a thorough consultation on food selection can be provided by the shelter owner or a veterinarian. However, the convenience of ready-made food is clear: there’s no need for additional vitamin expenses, it’s easy to control the pet’s weight, portion sizes are indicated on the packaging, and there’s no need to spend time preparing food tailored to t

Training and Education

The remarkably high intelligence of LaPerms allows them to quickly adapt to the routine of a new home. They quickly get used to the litter box and the scratching post. If you feed them at the same time from the start, they won’t beg for food at the table. However, it’s better to feed them at night; otherwise, hunger might “speed up time,” causing the owner to wake up a little earlier to the gentle purring of their curly kitty.

LaPerms can master simple tricks, like fetching a ball or another toy, within their first few months. However, jumping through hoops is a bit more challenging but certainly achievable. To achieve positive results, it’s essential to use only reward-based methods. Never shout at the cat. Physically punishing it is unacceptable. The jumping tendency of LaPerms can be turned to the owner’s advantage: by placing treats on chairs set at a small distance apart, you can teach the command “Jump!” Once it’s performed flawlessly, you can buy a small hoop and hold it out each time the cat jumps. Gentle petting and a tender tone of praise after each successful repetition greatly enhance the pet’s motivation.

Avoid starting training during thunderstorms or construction work, as the noise can distract the “student.” The best time for training is before meals and after naps, and sessions should last no longer than 15-20 minutes daily. With persistence and consistency, positive results will surely be achieved.

Of course, the individual characteristics of each cat can influence how well they learn specific tricks. In some cases, an American Rex cat may become stubborn. However, there’s no need to despair or force the cat. In such situations, it makes sense to attend courses on cat training, where professionals can clearly explain how to interact with the animal more effectively. Nonetheless, it’s far more important to maintain and strengthen the close bond with your pet established from the very first days of acquaintance than to achieve circus tricks.

How to Choose a Kitten

Choosing a pet is a very responsible step that requires preparation in advance. The LaPerm breed is quite rare in Russia and, consequently, expensive. Therefore, it’s best to ignore advertisements for kittens for sale. The ideal place to purchase such a wonderful creature is a kennel. However, there aren’t many LaPerm kennels in our country. It’s worth looking into the best kennels in Russia where you can acquire a purebred kitten. Inquire about any genetic problems with the parents of the litter and ask how many times the mother cat has given birth. If the kennel is in another city, request more videos of the kittens from the owner. Don’t be surprised if they appear hairless; the final formation of their beautiful curls occurs around six months, sometimes even later.

Available kittens are not always in stock, and the question of a deposit may arise. There’s no need to worry about such a transaction. Just request a purchase agreement and pay attention to the responsibilities of both parties.

The actual selection is based on general principles: the kitten should be active, not aggressive or fearful, clean, well-groomed, and curious.

Health and Illnesses

The robust health of La-Perm cats is attributed to the minimal involvement of breeders in the development of the breed. Genetic diseases are absent or not widespread so far. Naturally, problems can arise, just as with any other cat, but there are no predispositions to specific diseases. La-Perm owners should have a special first aid kit for emergencies, which must include cotton, bandages, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, antiseptic solution, adhesive tape, and parasite control products. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor timely vaccinations. Problems most frequently occur in neutered and spayed La-Perms, often influenced by an improperly balanced diet. In some cases, issues with fur may manifest as allergic reactions to smoke, perfumes, cleaning products, or stress. Obesity can negatively impact the cardiovascular system, liver, and kidneys.

Deworming should also be conducted regularly with different medications, approximately 14 days prior to annual vaccinations.

It is recommended to consult a veterinary clinic at the first signs of your pet’s poor health, rather than attempting self-treatment.