WANTED:
Affection thief.
Lap invader.
Serial heart-stealer.

Officially, one of the rarest whiskered wonders you’ll find on South African soil.

KNOWN ALIASES:
LaPerm Cat
Dalles LaPerm

LAST SEEN:
Curled up on a human, purring loudly.

In a country where we’ve got boerboels on every corner and moggies ruling every couch, you’d think we’ve seen it all. Meet the LaPerm, the curly-coated cutie that’s basically the “limited edition” of the cat world. Spotting one here is about as likely as finding parking at the mall month-end.

With her tousled curls, affectionate personality, and low-shedding coat, the LaPerm cat is fast becoming one of the most talked-about rare breeds amongst cat lovers who want style and substance. Here’s everything you need to know about this heart-stealing feline, as well as the type of cat insurance they need. Because if you’re lucky enough to share your home (and lap) with a LaPerm, make sure you protect that love properly with wholehearted cover from dotsure.co.za.

RELATED: THE WEIRD & WONDERFUL LYKOI

Key Facts About the LaPerm

LaPerm Breed Overview
Origin United States
Other Names Dalles LaPerm
Personality Active, friendly, curious, affectionate, playful
Weight Around 3 to almost 5 kilograms
Length 30 to 45 centimetres
Coat Length Short or long curly hair
Coat Colour All colours
Coat Patterns All coat patterns, including solid, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell
Eye Colour Variety of colours, including copper, gold, yellow, aqua, blue, green
Hypoallergenic No
Life Expectancy 12 to 15 years

What Makes the LaPerm Cat so Special (AKA the most wanted)?

The LaPerm is instantly recognisable thanks to her curly, wavy coat, which looks like she’s just walked out of a salon but without the maintenance drama. Her curls are the result of a natural dominant genetic mutation, not selective overengineering, making her a healthy, naturally developed breed.

She’s also known for being:

  • Exceptionally affectionate

  • Playful and intelligent

  • Low-shedding and low-maintenance

  • A certified lap enthusiast.

In short: she’s beauty, brains, and personality all rolled into one curly package.

Are LaPerms Rare and How Much do they Usually Cost?

Yes, LaPerms are a rare breed, especially outside the United States. While recognised by major cat associations worldwide, they’re still considered an uncommon breed in South Africa, which only adds to their “most wanted” status. Because they’re rare, LaPerm kittens can cost $1 000+ from reputable breeders. That’s over R16 000 in local currency. In South Africa, availability is limited, and imports may increase costs.

History of the LaPerm: Origins and Early Development

The LaPerm’s story doesn’t begin in a lab or elite breeding programme. It begins in a cherry orchard in Oregon in 1982.

A barn cat named Speedy gave birth to a litter, and one kitten stood out. She was born completely bald. A few weeks later, she grew a soft, curly coat. Naturally, she was named Curly. Over the next decade, more curly-coated kittens appeared, all through natural mutation, not intervention.

In 1992 these curly cats were shown at a Cat Fanciers’ Association show. They needed a name. Inspired by their permanent-wave look, they were registered as LaPerm and the rest is cat fancy history.

The LaPerm Look, Personality and Temperament

LaPerms are medium-sized cats with long legs and an athletic build. Their coats can be:

  • Short or long

  • Gently wavy or tightly curled

  • Any colour or pattern imaginable.

Some kittens are born bald. Others lose their fur and regrow it months later. It’s all part of the LaPerm magic.

LaPerms are people cats. They don’t just like being near you, they like being on you.

Expect:

  • Face boops

  • Lap lounging

  • Loud purring

  • Playful clown behaviour.

And if you still need to ask if LaPerm cats are cuddly, you haven’t been paying attention. If affection were a crime, the LaPerm would already be doing time.

Coat, Shedding, and Grooming

Do LaPerm Cats Shed a Lot? Nope. Despite the volume, the LaPerm is low-shedding and considered allergy-friendly compared to many breeds (though not hypoallergenic).
Coat Types and Texture: Short-haired LaPerms: soft waves Long-haired LaPerms: defined curls and ringlets Full coat maturity: 2–3 years The look? Effortlessly messy-chic. Who wouldn’t love that?!
Recommended Grooming Routine: Light combing with a metal comb Occasional bath and towel-dry Scrunch curls with water to refresh Low effort. High reward.

Looking After Your LaPerm: Health, Care & Costs

The LaPerm is considered a healthy natural breed with no known breed-specific genetic conditions.

That said, like all cats, they can develop:

  • Diabetes

  • Kidney disease

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Dental issues.

LaPerms thrive on attention and interaction. They’re not fans of being ignored, and they’ll gently remind you they exist (often with a paw to the face).

Daily care includes:

  • Quality food

  • Playtime

  • Affection (lots of it).

When it comes to exercise and enrichment,they love:

  • Fetch

  • Wand toys

  • Puzzle feeders

  • Interactive games.

Ongoing care and budgeting for pet wellness should include:

  • Food

  • Grooming

  • Vet care

  • Emergency health cover.

Regular check-ups, dental care, and early intervention are key. This is where cat insurance from dotsure.co.za can help soften the financial sting when unexpected vet visits pop up, but more on that in bit.

Diet and Nutrition: Feeding Guidelines for LaPerm Cats

Like all cats, LaPerms need:

  • High protein

  • Low carbohydrates

  • Age-appropriate food.

Most adults do well on two meals a day.

Nutritional needs by life stage:

  • Kittens: frequent, smaller meals

  • Adults: balanced maintenance diet

  • Seniors: vet-guided nutrition.

Treats are fine, just don’t let them become a lifestyle.

Factors that influence lifespan:

  • Diet

  • Exercise

  • Preventative healthcare

  • Genetics.

With proper care, LaPerms typically live 12–15 years, often longer when well looked after.

America’s Most Wanted Cat Deserves Mzansi’s Most Wanted Pet Insurance

With all that personality, affection, and curl-powered charm, your LaPerm is worth protecting properly with wholehearted cover from dotsure.co.za.

Whether it’s routine vet visits or the unexpected plot twists life loves to throw in, you can insure your LaPerm cat today with confidence. Enjoy superfast claims, real peace of mind, and even a multiple pet discount of 15% if your LaPerm isn’t your only heart-stealer at home. Contact us today and keep your most wanted feline covered from whiskers to tail.

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