Felis catus
LaPerm Shorthair
Featured photolaperm-shorthair.jpgThe LaPerm Shorthair is the shorthaired division of the LaPerm, a curly-coated breed originating from a spontaneous dominant mutation on an Oregon cherry farm in 1982. CFA granted championship status in 2008; TICA in 2003. The standard describes a medium-sized cat with short, wavy or curly coat in all colours and patterns.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States (Dallas, Oregon)
- Origin period
- 1982 natural mutation (Linda Koehl); CFA championship 2008; shorthair class established
- Coat type
- Curly
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Recognition
- CFA 2008 · TICA 2003
Origin
The LaPerm Shorthair arises from the same 1982 Oregon mutation as the LaPerm Longhair. When two LaPerm cats are mated, or when a LaPerm is mated with a domestic shorthair, both coat lengths can appear in the litter depending on the longhair gene status of the parents. CFA and TICA established separate championship classes for the two coat lengths to allow each variety to be evaluated on its own merits.
Standard
The CFA LaPerm Shorthair standard describes a curly coat that is shorter and typically tighter in curl than the longhair variety. The body standard is identical to the longhair: a medium-sized, moderately foreign cat with a triangular head, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. The shorthair coat should be springy and full, with curly or wavy whiskers. All colours and patterns are accepted.
Rex Mutation and Coat Texture
The LaPerm's curly coat results from a dominant mutation (Lp gene) that affects the cortex of the hair shaft, producing loose, springy curls or waves. The shorthair division has shorter curls than the longhair division but the same mutation. Homozygous LaPerm/LaPerm individuals have a tighter, denser curl pattern than heterozygous LaPerm/+ individuals. Both CFA and TICA accept the shorthair division, with the longhair remaining more common in shows.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
Is the LaPerm Shorthair a different breed from the LaPerm?
In CFA and TICA competition, the shorthaired and longhaired LaPerm are shown in separate championship classes. They share the same origin mutation (the Lp locus) and the same breed standard except for coat length. Genetically, they are the same breed in two coat-length varieties.
How does the LaPerm Shorthair's curl differ from the LaPerm Longhair?
Both divisions share the same dominant Lp mutation. The longhair division has longer, looser ringlets and a fuller coat; the shorthair division has shorter, tighter waves or curls and a less dramatic overall coat appearance. Both coats are soft and springy. CFA and TICA accept both coat lengths in championship.
Is the LaPerm Shorthair's curl as dramatic as the LaPerm Longhair?
The shorthair division's curls are tighter and less spectacular than the longhair's flowing ringlets due to the shorter coat length. Both divisions carry the same dominant Lp mutation; the visual effect simply differs because of coat length. In show competition, the longhair division typically attracts more attention because the curls are more prominent and the coat is fuller.
