Common Reasons for Surrender
The biggest reason LaPerm cats are surrendered to rescues is due to the health of their humans. Their owner has a stroke or is involved in an accident and can no longer physically care for their cat. To find a LaPerm cat in a shelter would be extremely rare.
Pros
LaPerm cats are the epitome of a lap cat and will be perfectly happy lying in your lap, watching TV with you. They love people and most get along well with dogs. A very curious breed, LaPerm cats love to explore their environment and love to play, most notably with a red laser.
Cons
You must keep your LaPerm’s nails trimmed at all times, or you may find destroyed furniture or anything that works as a scratching post. LaPerms like to sharpen their claws. Those who have had a LaPerm say that perhaps the biggest con is they’re like potato chips—most people can’t have just one.
Diet
Choose a high quality cat food, such as Purina, for your LaPerm. You may want to combine their dry food with a small amount of wet food each day for variety. LaPerms like to snatch food, so keep an eye on your plate if you’re sitting on the couch and having a snack. Treats like Pounce and Temptations are acceptable treats in moderation.
Exercise
Your LaPerm will get plenty of exercise on his own, even moreso if he has other feline or dog friends. Many LaPerms like to play chase with other animals and with a laser toy.
Possible Health Issues
LaPerm cats are generally a very healthy breed. Be aware, however, that the first time your cat sheds, you may see a patch of missing fur. Don’t be alarmed, as is sometimes common with new LaPerm owners, as it’s just a part of the shedding process.
Housing
All cats, including LaPerm cats, should be housed inside and made a member of the family. Indoor cats in general have a considerably longer lifespan—between 12 and 15 years—than outdoor cats with an average lifespan of only three years. The LaPerm cat’s small size makes her ideal for apartment living.
Grooming
Your LaPerm cat will require minimal grooming. Brush your cat occasionally and trim her nails as needed.
Entertainment
Keep your LaPerm entertained by pointing a laser at the wall or on the floor, which he’ll enthusiastically run after. LaPerms also enjoy batting balls with bells inside or any ball that makes a sound, and tossing around bottle caps. Perhaps just as much as he loves playing, the LaPerm enjoys snuggling up on the couch and watching television with his humans.
We want to thank The LaPerm Society of America for help with this profile.