rare cat breeds

The LaPerm originated in 1982 with the birth of a kitten named Curly on Linda and Richard Koehl's cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon. She appeared rather odd with her sparse coat but as she grew her fur became thicker and curly and she became a favourite on the farm. She was part of a colony of working farm cats; over the next ten years she and her offspring spread the new dominant Rex gene through the whole colony.

Over the years visitors to the farm had asked about the cats and told Linda that she had something unusual. Eventually she took some cats to a show and quickly won the support of breeders and judges alike who worked with her to develop the breed and establish a Standard of Points. The first LaPerm in the UK arrived in May 2002 carrying a litter of kittens. The breed gained recognition with the GCCF and the LaPerm Cat Club was formed. Other GCCF clubs representing the LaPerm are the Rex Cat Association, The Rex Cat Club, the Scottish Rex Cat Club and the Colourpoint, Rex-coated and AOV Cat Club.

The LaPerm is a visually distinct cat with its elegant muscular body and inviting curly fur. The breed is recognized in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties. The longhaired LaPerms look dramatic with their long curly coats which fall in waves or ringlets all over their bodies. They also often have long curly ear muffs and lynx tipping. The coats are loose and bouncy and should not be thick and heavy. It feels very different from other Rex breeds and is described as being textured with a feel which is more like mohair than silk. Little grooming is required and the coats are 'low maintenance'. Their bodies are muscular with long legs and necks and tapering tails which can be plumed and curly in the longhairs and stand out like bottlebrushes in the shorthairs. They have wedge shaped heads with gentle rounded contours and almond shaped eyes.

The LaPerm is recognized in all possible colours and patterns. Outcrossing to approved breeds is used to enlarge the gene pool and maintain genetic diversity. Unlike the Cornish and Devon Rex cats, the LaPerm's curls are caused by a dominant gene. Some, but not all, people with mild cat allergies are able to live with LaPerms.

LaPerms are very outgoing and friendly cats which bond strongly with their owners. They are very cuddly and loving and are never happier than when they find a cozy lap to snuggle in. They enjoy company and fare best in busy households as they are also very playful and energetic retaining many kittenish qualities throughout their lives.