Did You Know?
Unlike other cats and pets, American Wirehair cats require less grooming. In fact, their coats are best left alone!
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing up to 12 pounds and females weighing 8 to 12 pounds.
Coat
This cat breed’s coat are scrimped with a thick, springy, and coarse texture.
Color
The American Wirehair cat’s coat comes in any color and pattern.
Life Span
The American Wire Hair Cat’s average life expectancy is 14 to 18 years
The American Wirehair cat is a sweet and affectionate cat the bonds with people of all age. These medium-sized cats have a sweet expression. They are known for their springy and wiry coat that comes in any color or pattern.
Physical Characteristics
This adorable cat breed has a round head and high cheekbones. Their ears are neither big nor small and are rounded at the tips. The American Wirehair cat’s sweet looks are highlighted by his big, round bright eyes that slightly tilt upwards.
This breed is medium in size with muscular legs. American Wirehair cats have round paws with heavy paw pads. They also have a well-rounded tail that tapers from the base to their rounded tip.
The American Wirehair’s wiry and springy coat is unique compared to all other cat breeds. Their wiring is most apparent in the whiskers. The breed’s coarse and wiry coat texture may come in different colors or patterns. Some people think the American Wirehair coat is hypoallergenic, but that is incorrect since allergies are caused by cat dander — not the cat’s coat or fur.
An ideal American Wirehair cat has a wiry coat at birth. If the kitten’s coat looks like ringlets, then his fur may be a bit too long and may wave, curl, or straighten as he grows older. To get the ideal wiring, both cat parents should have a hard coat.
Personality and Temperament
American Wirehair cats are very affectionate. They are friendly and get along well with people of all ages. They are playful and tolerant and can make awesome playmates to young children. Just make sure to teach your kids how to treat him gently and with respect.
Generally, American Wirehair cats make awesome companions. And they love attention too! When an American Wirehair wants attention, he may give you some gentle love bites to ask for it. Some of these cats love being lap cats, too!
Male American Wirehair cats usually have a laidback personality, while the females are more interested in watching their humans around the house. American Wirehair cats pretty playful and would enjoy “hunting” toys. They are fairly intelligent and trainable. They’re also eager to learn things, so it will be easy to train him to use a scratching post instead of the furniture.
If properly socialized, they make good companions for dogs and other pets as well. They aren’t very vocal, too, and patience is one of their best assets.
Health and Care
American Wirehair cats are generally healthy, but they may suffer from common cat diseases. Like the American Shorthair cats, American Wirehair cats may suffer from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy — a condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle. To check if your cat is free from the disease, an echocardiogram has to be done.
American Wirehairs require less grooming. In fact, less is better as brushing can damage their coat, so unless your American Wirehair is shedding heavily, it is best to leave it alone. Bathing the American Wirehair regularly also helps to remove dead hair and grease.
Nail trimming and teeth brushing are also important for American Wirehair cats. They need to have their tail trimmed weekly. You will also need to brush his teeth regularly with a good pet toothpaste. American Wirehairs will also need to have their ears cleaned occasionally. You can do so using cotton balls and ear cleaning solution for pets.
History and Background
An American original, the American Wirehair came into the world as a random mutation in a litter of domestic shorthair farm cats in upstate New York farm in 1966. The only kitten who survived from that litter was a red tabby and white male. It was a spontaneous mutation — something that is uncommon but not rare among cats. These so-called mutations happen when two ordinary cats mate and produce a kitten that doesn’t look his or her parents or littermates.
Because of his odd and unique coat, his owners took and showed him to local cat breeder Joan O’Shea, who bought him for $50. The kitten was named Council Rock Adam of Hi-Fi and when he was ready to father his very own litter, O’Shea bred him with American Shorthair cats.
In 1978, this breed achieved its full recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association. But up to now, the American Wirehair breed is still considered a type of the American Shorthair in The International Cat Association. This breed is also recognized by the Canadian Cat Association, American Cat Fanciers Association, and the World Cat Federation.
The kitty descendants of the original mutation, Council Rock Farms Adams of Hi-Fi, are now all over the United States. The odd yet interesting thing is the particular mutation that brought the American Wirehair to life has not been reported in other countries so far.
