LaPerm

History of the LaPerm Cat: A Bald Kitten Grows a Soft, Curly Coat

The LaPerm cats humble beginnings were on an Oregon farm in the early 1980’s. A bald kitten born in a litter seemed to have no resemblance to its litter mates or its parents. Within a few weeks, a soft and curly coat began to grow in. That kitten was eventually bred and, in subsequent generations, more bald kittens were born and the curly coat repeated. 

Photo: bigstock.com/NynkevanHolten

Appearance of the LaPerm

LaPerm cats comes in various colours and coat patterns, and they might have a soft wavy coat or tight ringlets. This breed has two different coat lengths, long and short, and come in a variety of colours and patterns. Interestingly, LaPerm kittens can be born with straight hair, short hair, or no hair at all. Although they often have curly and seemingly unruly fur, LaPerms are surprisingly easy to groom. They benefit from the occasional brush one to three times a week.

Photo: bigstock.com/NynkevanHolten

Characteristics of the LaPerm

The LaPerm is an easygoing and friendly cat that enjoys spending time with those around them. They are curious and inquisitive, but do love to curl up on the couch or your lap for some rest and relaxation. They frequently use their paws to open or knock things over. LaPerms are the perfect breed for anyone looking for a relaxed yet intelligent cat.

LaPerm cat Stina submited by Jessica Ulfsdotter

Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats, true to their name, are known for their relaxed and “ragdoll-like” behaviour when picked up. This breed has a laid-back demeanor with a great disposition. With their  people-oriented personality and affectionate nature, Ragdolls are a family favourite and keep Ragdoll aficionados coming back for more.

The Ragdoll is a fairly new breed that was developed by Ann Baker in the early 1960s. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes Josephine, Baker’s pure white longhaired cat, as the esteemed matriarch of the breed.

After Baker bred Josephine with other male cats she owned or found, she noticed that the offspring of Josephine had unique temperament traits that were very endearing. One of the most popular traits of the offspring was the relaxed nature of the cats when picked up, similar to the heaviness of a doll—this is where the “Ragdoll” nickname came from.

Photo: bigstock.com/Rawlik

Baker set up her own registry—the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA)—and strict breeding standards were enforced.

In 1975, a group led by Denny Dayton broke rank with IRCA to gain mainstream attention for the Ragdoll. Dayton’s mission was a success; this group eventually developed the Ragdoll standard currently accepted by major cat registries.

Ragdoll Cat Description

The Ragdoll Look & Personality

Breeders are insistent on the description of the Ragdoll to be a blue- eyed and “pointed” breed. This means the body is lighter in colour than the points—the face, legs, tail, and ears.

But don’t let their regal looks fool you into thinking this is a stuffy breed. Most cats of the Ragdoll breed are very relaxed and docile and enjoy being around people.

“They love their people and they get along well with other dogs and cats,” says Sue Shorey, president of the Ragdoll Fanciers Club International (RFCI). In fact, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), many Ragdolls are very devoted to their owners and will even run to greet their people at the door.

Ragdoll Kittens

The point design that Ragdolls are known for isn’t evident at birth. Kittens are born pure white and start developing their colour within the first few weeks of life. Within two to three years, Ragdoll kitties will fully develop their colours.

Photo: bigstock.com/Esin Deniz

What to Know Before Owning a Ragdoll Cat

Social Needs

Ragdoll cats are well-known for their loving and friendly nature. It’s important to understand their social requirements to ensure a happy and fulfilling life. They truly enjoy interacting and being part of the family, often shadowing their owners around the house in search of attention and affection.

These cats can feel lonely easily and might get stressed or anxious if left alone for too long. If you have a busy schedule, it’s a good idea to think about adopting two Ragdolls or providing a lot of toys and enrichment to keep them busy while you’re away.

Ragdoll Size, Grooming & Intelligence

The Ragdoll is a cat of medium to large build. On average, male Ragdolls range from 15 to 20 pounds; females usually range around 10 to 15 pounds.

Grooming requirements for Ragdolls are fairly minimal, as they do not possess a double coat. But rest assured, even without a double coat, their fur is soft and plush, with a silky touch. Despite their low-shedding coat, some people with allergies may still react to them. Spend time with one before bringing one home if allergies are a concern.

It’s also important to note that although this breed has a tendency to go limp when picked up, not every Ragdoll has this trait—especially playful kittens. But no matter if they have this trait or not, they always bring a smile to their owners’ faces with their even disposition.

Their intelligence also continues to amaze owners. According to Shorey, Ragdolls can learn their names when called, can be taught how to fetch, and learn what they are allowed to do (and not to do). “They don’t have that destructive trait to them,” Shorey says.

Ragdoll Cat Health

The Ragdoll did receive somewhat of a black eye from reports that said the breed was more prone to feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease where areas of the heart muscle enlarge and thicken.

HCM is the most common heart disease in felines and an alarming trait of the disease is that a cat could seem healthy but will become seriously ill very quickly, or even die suddenly.

However, DNA tests have been developed in the past few years that can recognize the mutation, and it has helped Ragdoll breeders to take it out of the breed, so today HCM is not prevalent nor is the breed prone to any other specific health problems. It might be best for a Ragdoll cat to remain indoors, however. Because of their non-violent and relaxed nature, they could become victims to other outside cats or unpredictable elements.

Bottom line? The Ragdoll is a great companion for a cat lover. They beg to give affection and attention to their owners—and they certainly love to get the same in return. Chill and docile, the Ragdoll is the perfect addition to a family wanting to maintain a relaxed vibe throughout the household.

>>If you like the Ragdoll, you might also like the Ragamuffin