Longhaired guide

LaPerm: Complete Breed Guide

The LaPerm is a cat breed covered in this guide for UK owners, with practical notes on everyday care, common health themes and pet insurance points a policy detail to check. When comparing cover for a LaPerm, read the policy wording for vet fee limits, dental wording and ongoing condition cover, because those details can make a real difference if treatment is needed.

Last updated: 10 May 2026

Insurance points to check Reader photo gallery

Breed groupLonghaired

SizeMedium

EnergyModerate to active

CoatCurly or wavy coat ranging from loose ringlets to soft waves

What is a LaPerm like?

LaPerms are affectionate, curious and sociable cats who enjoy human interaction and often seek out company throughout the day.

The breed originated in Oregon in the 1980s after a naturally curly-coated kitten appeared in a barn cat litter.

LaPerm temperament

LaPerms are friendly, interactive and generally very people-oriented. They usually adapt well to family life and can live happily with respectful children and other pets.

LaPerm care needs

Their curly coat benefits from gentle weekly grooming to prevent tangles and maintain definition.
Over-grooming should be avoided because it can reduce the natural curl pattern.
Regular play and interaction help maintain mental stimulation and physical fitness.
Dental care should be maintained consistently from kittenhood.
Weight should be monitored as activity levels change with age.
Responsible breeder selection remains important because the breed has a relatively small population.

LaPerm size and lifespan

LaPerms are medium-sized cats with a balanced, athletic build. Males commonly weigh between 4kg and 5.5kg, while females are usually between 3kg and 4.5kg. Life expectancy is generally around 12 to 15 years.

LaPerm exercise and activity

LaPerms are moderately active and enjoy interactive games, climbing and exploring their environment. Puzzle feeders, climbing structures and rotating toys help keep them engaged.

Coat and grooming

The LaPerm coat can vary significantly between individuals, from loose curls to more pronounced ringlets. Weekly brushing with a gentle comb is normally enough.

Temperament and training

LaPerms are intelligent and responsive cats who generally enjoy interaction and positive reinforcement training.

Is a LaPerm right for me?

A LaPerm can be a lovely choice if you want an affectionate, unusual-looking and interactive companion with a manageable grooming routine.

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For more context before comparing cat cover, read our guide to pet insurance policy types and the jargon buster on pre-existing conditions.

Things worth knowing

General health themes for this breed — not a prediction about your cat

Dental diseasePeriodontal disease and tooth resorption can occur over time.
Skin sensitivitySome LaPerms may have sensitive skin beneath the curly coat.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, HCMHCM can occur in LaPerms and cardiac health can be discussed with breeders.
ObesityIndoor individuals may gain weight if exercise and portion control are not managed.
Hair ingestion and digestive upsetCats with curly or longer coats may ingest more hair during grooming.
Stress-related grooming behaviourEmotionally sensitive cats may overgroom during periods of stress.

Insurance tip: check how each policy treats hereditary conditions, ongoing conditions, dental treatment and pre-existing conditions.

LaPerm insurance points to check

This section is not financial advice. It is a plain-English checklist of policy details LaPerm owners can use to understand policy wording before purchase.

Vet fee limit

Cardiac investigations, skin treatment and dental care can become expensive over time.

Policy wording shows whether the limit resets annually or applies across the policy lifetime.
Cardiac investigations, skin treatment and dental care can become expensive over time.
Higher annual limits often provide more flexibility for chronic conditions.

Skin and coat condition wording

Dermatology wording is a policy detail to check for curly-coated breeds.

Policy wording shows whether allergy-related skin conditions and dermatitis are covered.
Look for exclusions around recurring skin problems.
Ask whether specialist dermatology referrals are included.

Cardiac cover

HCM investigations can become ongoing costs.

Policy wording shows whether echocardiograms and cardiology referrals are covered.
Ask whether hereditary heart disease is excluded.
Lifetime cover may be more useful for long-term management.

Dental cover

Dental illness is a practical policy check.

Policy wording shows whether dental illness is included or whether only accidents are covered.
Look for annual dental examination requirements.
Ask whether extractions and periodontal treatment are covered.

Reader photo gallery

LaPerm reader gallery

This gallery is for real LaPerm cats owned by our readers; send us a photo and your cat's name and we will add it to the page.

View the full LaPerm gallery Email photos

Related cat guides

Continue researching similar breeds and cat insurance topics.

LaPerm FAQs

Common questions about LaPerms and pet insurance.

Are LaPerms expensive to insure?

LaPerms are usually mid-range for insurance premiums, although hereditary cardiac conditions and specialist skin treatment can affect pricing.

What health issues are LaPerms known for?

Health themes discussed in LaPerms include dental disease, skin sensitivity, HCM, obesity and occasional digestive issues related to grooming and hair ingestion.

How does lifetime cover apply for a LaPerm?

Lifetime cover is a policy detail some owners compare because it can continue covering eligible ongoing conditions at renewal, within the policy limits. This may be useful for chronic skin or cardiac conditions.

Can I insure a LaPerm with a pre-existing condition?

Most insurers will still offer cover, but pre-existing conditions and related issues are usually excluded. Exact wording varies between providers.