Rex cat Medium size 3-5 kg

Laperm Longhair

An affectionate curly-coated cat that seeks out laps and shoulders - the loose curls need regular but gentle grooming.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-5 kg, 20-25 cm at the shoulder
Moderate
Activity
Playful in bursts, then settles
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Tolerates some time on its own
Moderate
Handling
Cooperative with a little patience
Moderate
Coat care
Curly coat; gentle regular grooming
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate kids
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

The Laperm Longhair typically weighs 3-5 kg, stands 20-25 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want an affectionate cat that follows you and rides on shoulders,
you like an unusual soft curly coat and enjoy gentle grooming,
you have kids or other pets and want an adaptable, social cat,
you prefer a people-oriented cat over an aloof, independent one.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a low-interaction cat that keeps to itself,
no one is home most days and a second pet is not an option,
you dislike any brushing and want a truly no-groom coat,
you cannot budget for heart screening or unexpected vet care.

A typical day with a Laperm Longhair

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Greets you, wants a lap and some attention
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Active play and climbing, then a nap
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Sleeps in a warm spot near where you are
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Wand-toy or fetch play, curious exploring
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Curls up on a shoulder or lap for cuddles
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Settles near or on the bed

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Tolerance of handling High
Playfulness Moderate
Vocality Low
Hunting drive Moderate
Independence Low
Common owner mistakes
Assuming a rex coat is maintenance-free and skipping grooming · Leaving a social cat alone too long with no companion or enrichment · Free-feeding an indoor cat until it becomes overweight

Family and environment

Kids Good
Social and tolerant with considerate children.
Other cats Good
Gets along; appreciates a companion when you are out.
Dogs Good
Usually fine with calm, cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Indoor life suits it well with play and vertical space.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate lap cat; the coat needs light regular care.
First cat Great fit
Easygoing and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Busy household Conditional
A social cat; long empty days call for a companion.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Indoor cats gain weight easily; watch portions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Kidney disease Chronic kidney decline, more common with age
Dental disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The same breed with a shorter curly coat
Laperm Shorthair
A friendly, curious curly-coated cat that stays close to its people - low-shedding and easygoing with modest grooming.
View profile →
Another affectionate curly-coated rex cat
Devon Rex
A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Curly-coated cat with a similar plush look
Selkirk Rex Longhair
A patient, curly-coated cat with an easygoing nature - the plush coat needs gentle regular grooming.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Laperm cost in the US?
The Laperm is a rare breed, so kittens are usually waitlisted and may involve travel to a reputable breeder. Pet-quality kittens commonly run about $800-$2,000. Over a 12-16 year life, food, litter, and routine vet care typically add $10,000-$18,000 or more, and a chronic issue can add thousands on top.
Is the Laperm hypoallergenic?
Not truly. The curly coat sheds less than many cats and some allergy sufferers tolerate it better, but no cat is genuinely hypoallergenic since the main allergen comes from saliva and skin, not just loose hair. Spend time with the breed before committing if allergies are a concern.
How much grooming does the curly coat need?
Less than a straight longhair, but not none. The longhair Laperm benefits from gentle combing once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent tangles, and over-brushing can loosen the curl, so a light hand is best. Occasional baths help too.
Are Laperms affectionate?
Very. They are known for being people-oriented cats that follow their owners around, ride on shoulders, and seek out laps. That warmth is the appeal, but it also means they do best in homes where they get company and interaction rather than long stretches alone.