LaPerm is distinctive curly-coated cat from spontaneous Oregon mutation (1982). Unlike other rex breeds, LaPerm has soft, bouncy ringlet curls available in three lengths. Combined with hypoallergenic properties, exceptional for allergy-prone households. Intelligent, active, affectionate companions thriving on interaction and enrichment. Moderately vocal; minimal shedding (1–2/5). Active nature and moderate energy suit families and active households. Friendly with children, cats, dogs; versatile in multi-pet homes. Adaptable to apartment living. Rare in Australia; available through handful of ANCATS-registered breeders.
Breed Type
Pedigree
Weight (M)
3–5 kg
Weight (F)
2.5–4 kg
Lifespan
10–15 years
AU Price
$800 - $2,000
Annual Cost
$1,620/yr
Indoor/Outdoor
Low-Moderate — active but cautious
LaPerm Overview
LaPerm Personality & Temperament
Understanding the LaPerm temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
LaPerm cats are active, intelligent, affectionate. Curious, playful, moderately vocal. Social cats bonding with families; involved in daily activities. Friendly with children, non-aggressive towards other cats and dogs. Somewhat less 'velcro' than Selkirk Rex but more engaged than aloof breeds. Intelligence makes them trainable; some learn lead walking or fetch. Moderate affection; enjoy interaction but respect independence.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the LaPerm scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a LaPerm Right for You?
✅
Apartment Living
4/5
✅
First-Time Owner
4/5
⚠️
Indoor Only
Supervised outdoor OK
❌
Outdoor Risk
Low-Moderate — active but cautious
Separation Anxiety: Low-Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
LaPerm Size & Appearance
LaPerm Health & Lifespan
10–15 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Hip joint abnormality
Est. treatment: $500–$1,500Knee dislocation
Est. treatment: $600–$1,500Heart thickening; screening recommended
Est. treatment: $600–$1,200Allergic dermatitis
Est. treatment: $150–$400Curly ears trap moisture
Est. treatment: $100–$300Pet Insurance for LaPerm
Avg Annual Insurance (Australia): $480
Est. Monthly: $15–$25/month AUD
Recommended Australian Cat Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow (bowwowmeow.com.au)
• PD Insurance (pdinsurance.com.au)
• Petinsurance.com.au (PetSure)
• Budget Direct Pet Insurance
• Petcover
• Woolworths Pet Insurance
• HCF Pet Insurance
TIP: Insure before 6 months to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Compare insurance policies for your LaPerm
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →LaPerm Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| PURCHASE PRICE | $800 - $2,000 |
| Food | $1,300 |
| Vet/Health | $370 |
| Grooming | $80 |
| Insurance | $480 |
| TOTAL/year | $1,620 |
| LIFETIME COST (15 yrs) | $24,300 |
| Desexing | $200–$500 |
| Vaccinations (kitten) | $150–$250 |
| First vet check | $80–$150 |
$24,300
Estimated lifetime cost (10–15 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
LaPerm Grooming Guide
Grooming Frequency
2–3× per week
Brushing
2–3× per week
Professional Groom Cost
$50–$80
Coat Type
curly — Soft, silky, bouncy curls; ringlet texture
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆/5
Care Essentials
• Litter box
1 per cat + 1 extra; scoop daily
• Hairless breeds
weekly bath + sun protection
LaPerm Exercise & Enrichment
Energy Level
★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Low-Moderate
• Interactive toys
wand, feather, laser pointer
Outdoor Risk Assessment
Low-Moderate — active but cautious
Note
Australian outdoor cats face serious threats — snakes, foxes,
Training Your LaPerm
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
Vocality: ★★★☆☆/5
Cats can learn: sit, high-five, fetch, recall, harness walking
Method: Clicker training + high-value treats (chicken, tuna)
Sessions: 3–5 minutes max; always end on a success
Socialisation Tips:
• Handle paws, ears, mouth from 3–7 weeks
• Introduce to carrier, car, vet smells early
• Positive exposure to children and gentle dogs
• Feliway diffuser helps in multi-pet households
LaPerm Feeding Guide
Avg Annual Food Cost (Australia): $1,300
High-quality protein (25–30%) for active nature. Premium feed $80–$120/month AUD. Omega fatty acids support coat and skin health.
General Feeding Tips:
• Mix wet food + dry kibble for hydration and dental health
• Cats are obligate carnivores — high-protein diet essential
• No grapes, onion, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, raw dough
• Fresh water always available (consider cat fountain)
• Avoid all-dry diets — linked to urinary tract issues
• Measure portions to prevent obesity (40% of cats are overweight)
Finding a Reputable LaPerm Breeder
REGISTRIES / FINDING AN ETHICAL BREEDER:
• ANCATS
• CCCA
• RightPaw
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Registered with ANCATS, CCCA, or ACF
• Health-tests parents (HCM, PKD, FIV/FeLV as appropriate)
• Allows kitten visit — you meet the mother
• Kittens raised underfoot in family home (not caged)
• Provides vaccination certificate, microchip, desexing agreement
• Screens buyers with questions
RED FLAGS — AVOID:
• Kittens always available without waitlist
• Multiple breeds always available
• Refuses home visit
• No health certificates or registry papers
• Selling via Facebook/Gumtree without ANCATS/CCCA/ACF credentials
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ACF, GCCF, TICA, or a state feline body
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (queen)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a kitten mill)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Cat Registries:
ACF (acf.asn.au) · GCCF of NSW · Feline Control Council of QLD · CATS Victoria · TICA (tica.org)
Adopting a LaPerm in Australia
RESCUE & ADOPTION:
• LaPerm rescue (extremely rare)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA
ADOPTION COST: $150–$350 AUD (includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
BENEFITS:
• Often past the demanding kitten stage
• Lower upfront cost
• Temperament known by carers
• Gives a cat a second chance
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest cat adoption platform
Note: Many Australians find wonderful pets via RSPCA and council shelters.
❤️ Thousands of cats need homes. Rescue cats come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
LaPerm — Frequently Asked Questions
Are LaPerm cats hypoallergenic?
Yes, strong hypoallergenic tendencies. Minimal shedding reduces airborne allergens.
Grooming needs?
2–3× weekly brushing maintains texture, prevents matting. Less intensive than Selkirk Rex.
Cost?
Kittens $1,500–$3,000 from ANCATS breeders. Rarity increases price.
Health issues?
Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, HCM, sensitive skin, ear infections.
Shedding?
Minimal (1–2/5); ideal for allergy-prone households.
Good with children?
Yes, playful, affectionate, tolerant.
Outdoors?
Yes, supervised access; coat attracts dirt when wet.
Climate?
All climates; three coat options provide flexibility.
Trainable?
Yes, moderately trainable; respond to clicker training.
Other pets?
Yes, friendly towards cats and dogs.