Is the LaPerm coat texture similar across kittens and adults, or does it change a lot?

It changes quite dramatically. LaPerm kittens are often born bald or with a very short, wavy coat that can feel soft and almost fuzzy, but as they grow, the texture transforms completely into the breed's signature curly, springy, and resilient adult coat. By the time they're about a year old, the waves tighten and the texture becomes more coarse and bouncy, so you're really raising a cat with two very different coats over its first year.

From my experience raising LaPerms, the texture shifts noticeably from kitten to adult. Kittens often have a softer, looser wave that feels like fine cashmere, while adults develop a more distinct, springy crimp that's denser and slightly coarser to the touch. This change typically settles around 18 months, but you might see subtle variations in curl tightness across their body.

Kittens can surprise you with a soft, almost fluffy wave that feels delicate, but the adult coat is a whole different beast. The texture becomes coarser, with tighter curls that are more resilient and less prone to matting if you stay on top of grooming. Keep in mind, this shift takes time and isn't fully settled until around two years old, so don't expect a consistent feel until then.