Height
25 x 35 cm
Adult Weight
3.5-7 kg
Life Span
12–18 years
Origin
United States
Personality and Temperament
Beneath the rugged exterior of the American Wirehair cat lies a soft heart and a sweet personality. These friendly, adaptable felines are not only robust but also have a distinctive appearance that their families cherish. While technically a short-haired breed, the structure of their coat gives them a look similar to medium-haired cats.
The American Wirehair’s coat is unique, with most of the hairs having a crimped texture and hooked ends, giving it a springy feel. While it may contain some straight hairs, the overall texture sets it apart. This breed sheds moderately, much like other short-haired cats.
American Wirehairs come in a wide array of colors and patterns. To maintain genetic diversity, breeders often cross them with American Shorthairs, ensuring a healthy and varied gene pool.
Care
Nutration:
Like all cats, American Wirehairs are obligate carnivores and need a meat-based diet to thrive. For optimal health, it’s best to feed them a high-quality cat food, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which will help keep their unique coat in top condition.
Grooming:
When grooming your American Wirehair, take extra care, as their coat can be delicate. The hairs that make up their unique texture are prone to brittleness and can break easily. Only brush them when necessary—such as during shedding seasons like spring—when excess hair needs to be removed. Like all cats, the American Wirehair also benefits from regular dental care and nail trimming to maintain overall health and hygiene.
Exercise:
The American Wirehair is athletic but not overly hyperactive. They enjoy running, jumping, and climbing, though they’re just as content lounging on the couch with their families when it’s time to relax. Being highly social, American Wirehairs love interactive play. While they’ll happily bat at catnip mice or chase solo toys, they truly thrive when their families are involved in their playtime. A laser pointer is a favorite chase, and wand toys with ribbons satisfy their natural hunting instincts. To protect your furniture and drapes, provide your American Wirehair with a tall cat tree that includes a built-in scratching post. Not only will it keep them entertained, but it’ll also save your home from claw damage!
Health:
American Wirehair cats are generally a healthy breed with no known genetic issues. They tend to be robust and resilient, making them low-maintenance in terms of health concerns. Regular vet check-ups will help ensure they stay in top shape throughout their lives.
History
The American Wirehair breed traces its origins back to a single male kitten born in upstate New York in 1966. This unique kitten, born to a pair of shorthaired barn cats, had a distinctive, wiry coat that set him apart from the rest.
A cat breeder named Joan O’Shea bought the unusual kitten for $50, naming him Counsel Rock Adam of Hi-Fi. She began breeding him with American Shorthair females, including one cat suspected of carrying the wirehair gene.
This red tabby and white cat passed his distinctive DNA onto his descendants, leading to the development of a new breed—the American Wirehair. Thanks to his genetic contribution, a brand-new breed with its signature coat texture was born.
