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American Wirehair
Origin
United States
Height
10"-14"
Adult Weight
8-15 pounds
Life Span
12-18 years
TEMPERAMENT
Gentle, sociable, sensible, affectionate
OTHER NAMES
Wirehair
Group
Medium-sized short to medium hair
Price
$800 - $1,200
Personality and Temperament
A soft heart and a sweet personality hide behind the rough exterior of the American wirehair cat. These friendly felines are versatile and robust, with a unique appearance that their families appreciate. American wirehair cats are technically a shorthaired cat breed; however, the structure of their hairs gives them the appearance of a medium haired breed.
The American wirehair cat’s coat might contain some straight hairs, but most of the hairs that make up this unique cat’s coat have a crimped texture with a hooked end. It’s coat has a unique springy feel and sheds moderately, about the same as other shorthair cat breeds.
American wirehair cats come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Breeders out cross them to American shorthairs to ensure genetic diversity.
Care
Just like all other cats, American wirehairs are obligate carnivores. They need a meat-based diet to thrive. We recommend feeding your cat a high-quality brand with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy coat.
Take special care when grooming your American wirehair cat. The hairs that formed this breed’s coat tended to be brittle and they break easily. Only brush your cat when absolutely necessary – for example, you can provide your pet with help removing excess hair during the springtime shedding season.
Like all other cats, the American wirehair benefits from good dental hygiene and regular nail trimming.
The American wirehair cat is fairly athletic, but isn’t hyperactive. These kitties enjoy running, jumping, and climbing when they aren’t lounging on the couch with their families.
American wirehair cats are generally healthy. The breed suffers from no known genetic problems.
Characteristics
Affection Level
90%
Activity Level
60%
Pet-Friendly
80%
Kid-Friendly
90%
Sociability
90%
Intelligence
90%
Playfulness
70%
Independence
50%
Vocality
40%
Grooming
20%
History
The American wire hair cat breed traces its history back to a single male kitten born in upstate New York in 1966. The kitten was one-of-a-kind, born to a pair of shorthaired barn cats.
A cat breeder named Joan O’Shea purchased the unusual kitten for $50, naming him Counsel Rock Adam of Hi-Fi and ultimately crossing him with American shorthair females including one other cat that was suspected to carry a wire hair gene.
The original red tabby and white cat passed his DNA on to subsequent generations and a brand-new breed was born.
The Cat Fanciers Association gave the American wire hair official recognition in 1978, classifying the breed as a type of American shorthair. The World Cat Federation, the American Cat Fanciers Association and the Canadian Cat Association also recognize the breed.
The Breed Standard
Body
American wire hair cats are medium to large sized with level backs. The hips and shoulders should be of the same width. The torso should be rounded and proportionate.
Head
The American wire hair has a rounded head shape with prominent cheekbones. The chin and muzzle are well-developed and there is a slight whisker break.
Eyes
American wirehair cats may have eyes in any color that complements their coat. The eyes should be large, rounded, and set well apart from one another.
Ears
The ears are medium size, wide set, and slightly rounded at the tips.
Legs & Paws
The legs should be of medium length and moderate bone. They should be proportionate to the body with ample musculature. The paws should be firm, rounded and full, with heavy pads.
Tail
The American wirehair cat has a tapered tail with a rounded tip that is proportionate to the body.
Coat
The American wire hair cat's coat has a hard, rough feel and a springy texture. Most hairs should be hooked or bent, including the hair inside the ears.
Color
American wirehair cats may exhibit nearly any color or pattern. These cats may be disqualified if they are chocolates, lavender, or a Himalayan pattern, or if they exhibit any of these color combinations with white. Nose leather and paw pad colors should complement the coat color.