Compared to older cat breeds, the LaPerm is a relative newcomer to the list of recognized cat breeds. Sporting a curly coat, a broad nose and a bottle brush tail, the LaPerm is truly unique. Showing in patterns and colors, the LaPerm is widely recognized.
Brief History of the LaPerm Cat
The LaPerm breed is said to have originated with a litter of kittens reportedly born on a cherry farm owned by Linda and Richard Koehl in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1982. The kittens were born of barn cats and one of the kittens was virtually hairless at birth. This variant eventually grew a curly coat of soft fur with a pattern similar to the Tabby. Her kittens had the same traits and so a breed was born.
The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.
Health
Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.
Any vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning if necessary. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of a women's jackets ge, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.
Behavioral Traits
The LaPerm is known as a very affectionate cat who enjoys being around favored people. This is a very active cat with a sense of curiosity and playfulness. The LaPerm can be quite a gentile cat who loves the comfort and security of a warm lap.
LaPerm Cat Registries and Clubs
LaPerm Society of America
LaPerm Cat Club (UK)
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association, Inc TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation Inc
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International
LaPerm Kittens
Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.
Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people. Kittens, regardless of the breed, have much to learn the mother so early separation should be avoided.
Every cat and kitten is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your cat or kitten. This information is meant as a good faith guideline on
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