LaPerm Cat (comprehensive page)

Occurrence

There are numerous reported and unreported incidences of curly haired cats around the world. They are less usual than straight haired coats so stand out. This sometimes generates interest but not always and I am sure that there are thousands of feral cats in the world with curly hair minding their own business without humankind’s interference. Here are some examples from Sarah Hartwell’s website:

• 1930 – Prussian Rex – East Prussia
• 1930 – Karakul Cat – USA
• 1946 – German Rex – Germany
• 1991 – (recognized) – Russian Rex – Russia
• 1950 – Italian Rex – Italy
• 1953 – Ohio Rex – USA
• 1959 – California Rex (Marcel Cat) – USA
• 1959 – Oregon Rex – USA
• 1969 – Dutch Rex – Netherlands
• 1979 – German Rex – Near Essen – Germany
• 1972 – Victoria Rex – London – England
• 1981 and 200 – Canary Islands Rex – Canary Islands……there are more.

Update: Tennessee Rex Satin Effect by Franklin Whittenburg

Above: Quincunx Harrison Weird Red Tabby & White LH LaPerm kitten copyright protected image

Coat Types

As mentioned, the coat can be short or long haired. All colors are accepted (by CFA). This means any color/pattern can be found on a LaPerm. This is the widest possible range, of course. Sometimes males have curlier coats than females, apparently. As you can see from the pictures, the coat is not dense but “springy, light and airy” (CFA standard). The coat will naturally have a messy roughed up look (something that is fashionable for humans in 2008). A shorthaired LaPerm coat results in a plumeless tail.

All coat colors that are genetically possible are accepted by TICA and the CFA. Sources (coat):

• Wikipedia (genes)
• Jerrie Wolfe of Arohanui LaPerm Cats
• CFA (coats)

Above: LaPerm Cat – Silver – Photo ©Helmi Flick