Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The LaPerm breed originated in the United States in 1982, when a kitten with an unusually curly coat was born to a litter of ordinary domestic cats. Over time, this unique trait proved to be hereditary, prompting breeders to focus on developing a new breed. Named “LaPerm” — meaning “the perm” — after its soft, airy curls, the breed quickly attracted interest beyond Oregon and eventually across the world. It gained official recognition thanks to its distinctive coat, affectionate temperament, and rare genetic trait for natural curliness. Today, LaPerm cats are valued worldwide for their balance of beauty, intelligence, and gentle disposition.
General Appearance
The LaPerm is a medium-sized, well-proportioned, and graceful cat. Its defining feature is its soft, curly or wavy coat, which gives the impression of a natural perm across the body. The head is a modified wedge with gentle contours; the ears are medium-sized and well-set; the eyes are almond-shaped and expressive. The body is firm yet elegant, with long limbs that allow fluid, light movement. The tail is long, flexible, and covered in wavy fur, often resembling a feather plume. Overall, the LaPerm gives the impression of an elegant, balanced cat with a distinctive coat texture and a friendly, open expression.
Important Proportions
The LaPerm should display balanced proportions and harmonious outlines. The body length slightly exceeds the shoulder height, creating an elongated yet compact silhouette. The head forms a modified wedge that tapers smoothly toward the muzzle. Eyes are widely spaced, giving a bright and expressive look. The ears complement the shape of the head, never appearing too small or overly large. The tail is roughly the same length as the body up to the shoulders, with full wavy fur that enhances balance. Legs are medium in length, with oval, compact paws, ensuring a stable yet agile posture.
Temperament and Character
LaPerm cats are affectionate, playful, and people-oriented. They bond quickly with their owners and display curiosity and intelligence without being demanding. These cats enjoy attention and easily adapt to family life, coexisting peacefully with children and other pets. They are intelligent, easily trained, and responsive to interaction, balancing activity with composure. Their gentle, interactive nature makes them excellent companions for both families and individuals.
Head
The LaPerm’s head is a modified wedge of medium length with softly rounded contours. The cheekbones are moderately defined and transition smoothly into the muzzle, which should be neither narrow nor coarse. The forehead is slightly rounded with a gentle curve toward the nose. Males tend to have a stronger jawline, while females appear more refined. The chin is firm but not heavy, forming a balanced vertical alignment with the nose. The overall impression should be one of softness and proportion without sharp angles.
Facial Features
The facial lines of the LaPerm are smooth and harmonious, giving an open and friendly appearance. The muzzle is moderately long, narrowing gently toward the nose. The cheeks are softly filled, with mature males showing slightly broader width. The chin aligns vertically with the nose, supporting the balanced profile. The nose is straight and of medium length, with a slight dip at the bridge. Overall, the facial structure should reflect symmetry and balance, enhancing the breed’s calm and kind expression.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted, contributing to the cat’s alert and expressive look. They are set wide apart, emphasizing harmony in the face. All eye colors are acceptable, provided they harmonize with the coat color, though vivid, saturated shades are preferred. The gaze should be open, friendly, and intelligent. The eye outline must be well-defined, enhancing expressiveness without being overly round or narrow.
Ears
The ears are medium to large, broad at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips. They are set moderately to high, visually lengthening the head and adding refinement to the profile. The inner ear is furnished with hair, and tufts at the tips are desirable. The ears should balance well with the head and eye shape, maintaining a natural outward tilt that enhances the cat’s pleasant expression. Symmetry and proportional placement are essential.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular yet elegant, forming a smooth transition from head to shoulders. It should appear supple and proportional, contributing to the cat’s poised posture. Males may have a more powerful neck, while females appear more delicate. The neck’s outline is accentuated by the wavy coat, creating a soft, flowing impression that complements the breed’s refined look.
Body
The LaPerm’s body is of medium length, well-muscled yet slender, conveying grace and balance. The chest is moderately broad and slightly rounded, with well-curved ribs. The back is level, transitioning smoothly into the hindquarters. Shoulders and hips are proportionate, maintaining symmetry. The body should appear firm and toned, without heaviness, combining strength with elegance.
Tail
The tail is long, flexible, and proportionate to the body, tapering gracefully toward the tip. It is well-covered with wavy or curly fur, giving a light, feathery appearance. Movement of the tail should be fluid and natural, enhancing the cat’s overall grace. Longhaired varieties have a fuller, plume-like tail, while shorthairs show a more defined wave pattern. The tail completes the balanced, elegant silhouette.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, of medium length, with lean but well-developed muscles. The bone structure is moderate, providing both strength and flexibility. The elbows face directly backward, and the paws are oval, compact, and neat, with strong pads and fine toes. The limbs should ensure stable movement and reflect agility and poise.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, creating a gentle rise toward the rump. They are muscular and well-formed, with firm thighs and straight hocks. The paws are oval and compact, matching the forelegs in proportion. The structure of the hindquarters gives the LaPerm agility, spring, and balance in motion.
Gait and Movement
The LaPerm’s gait is smooth, confident, and springy. Movements are elastic and fluid, showing balance and coordination. The cat moves lightly, with well-controlled steps and a sense of rhythm. Its motion should convey energy and poise without stiffness or exaggeration.
Coat
The LaPerm’s defining trait is its curly coat, which may be short or long. The texture is soft, airy, and springy, with varying curl intensity. The hair stands away from the body, forming loose waves or ringlets, most noticeable around the neck, tail, and underbelly. All coat colors and patterns are permitted, including solid, bicolor, tabby, silver, and colorpoint. Emphasis is placed on curl quality and texture, though natural variation among individuals is acceptable.
Size
The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat. Females weigh between 2.5 and 4 kg and are more delicate and refined. Males weigh 4–6 kg and are sturdier, with stronger musculature. Both sexes should appear balanced and proportionate, maintaining the breed’s characteristic elegance and strength.
Faults
Minor faults include deviations from the breed’s balanced proportions, weak chin, coarse head shape, incorrectly set ears, overly round or narrow eyes, dull eye color, and insufficient coat curl. Coats that are too coarse, flat, or overly fine, lacking volume or elasticity, are also considered faults. Poor muscle tone, flat chest, awkward movement, or loss of elegance reduce show value.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include the complete absence of curls or straight hair with no wave, deformities of the body or tail, malocclusion, jaw defects, cross-eye, deafness, or severe ocular anomalies. Aggressive or excessively timid behavior also disqualifies the cat. Genetic disorders, skeletal deformities, or any indication of hybridization with other breeds, as well as absence of official ICCF documentation, result in disqualification from breeding or shows.
Important Notes
Coat quality is paramount for the LaPerm. While curls may vary, they must be visible and resilient. Temporary straightening in kittens is permissible, but adult cats must show defined curls. All colors and patterns are accepted, encouraging diversity within the breed. Only cats with verified ICCF pedigrees confirming origin and conformity may participate in shows or breeding. Breeders should prioritize health, coat quality, and temperament stability to preserve the breed’s distinctiveness and vitality.
Conclusion
The LaPerm is a unique breed that combines a striking curly coat, balanced physique, and affectionate nature. The ICCF standard defines its essential traits: proportional build, expressive eyes, and the signature wavy coat. Known for intelligence, composure, and attachment to humans, LaPerms are outstanding companions. Participation in ICCF exhibitions and breeding programs requires official documentation verifying lineage and conformity. Through strict adherence to these standards, the ICCF ensures the preservation, health, and refinement of the LaPerm breed as a symbol of elegance and individuality.
