The American Wirehair is a distinctive breed originating from upstate New York, characterised by its unique wiry coat that feels like steel wool or lamb’s wool. These cats are medium to large in size, with a muscular build and a sweet expression.
Known for their relaxed and loving personality, American Wirehairs are playful yet laid-back, making them excellent companions for families with children and other pets.
The American Wirehair breed began with a spontaneous mutation in a litter of farm cats in 1966 in upstate New York. A red and white kitten named Adam was born with a wiry coat, which was found to be a dominant genetic trait. Breeders worked to develop this unique coat characteristic, creating a new breed that was recognised by cat associations in the following years.
American Wirehairs have a gentle, affectionate nature combined with a playful spirit. They are moderately active cats that enjoy interactive play but are equally content lounging with their owners. These cats are known for being quiet-voiced but enthusiastic purrers. While they form strong bonds with their families, they also value their independence and are not overly demanding of attention.
Size: Medium to large
Weight: Males: 5.4-6.8 kg (12-15 lbs), Females: 3.6-5.4 kg (8-12 lbs)
Coat: Short to medium length, wiry and dense
Colours: Come in all colours and patterns
Eyes: Large and round, usually gold but can be blue or odd-eyed in white cats
Distinctive Features: Springy, wiry coat that can range from spiked to curly, with crimped, hooked, or bent individual hairs
American Wirehairs are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a form of heart disease)
Hip dysplasia
Gingivitis and other dental issues
Potential skin sensitivity, especially in lighter-coloured cats
Regular veterinary check-ups and good dental hygiene can help prevent or manage these issues.
Skin Allergies: Watch for signs like itchy skin, inflammation, hair loss, over-grooming, or rashes.
Low Shedding: American Wirehairs are a low-shedding breed, which means less fur around the house
American Wirehairs make excellent family pets due to their gentle and tolerant nature. They get along well with children and other pets, making them suitable for multi-pet households. Their moderate activity level means they can adapt to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes.
American Wirehairs can adapt well to indoor living, especially given their rarity and value. Indoor living protects them from outdoor hazards and helps maintain their unique coat. However, they do enjoy exploring and playing, so providing a stimulating indoor environment with cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys is essential. Some owners may choose to offer supervised outdoor time in a secure enclosure or on a leash.
The American Wirehair is a unique breed with distinctive grooming needs, primarily due to its signature wiry coat. Here’s an overview of their specific grooming requirements:
Minimal Brushing: Unlike most cats, American Wirehairs should not be brushed or combed regularly to avoid damaging their unique coat.
Seasonal Grooming: Only brush the cat when the coat is shedding heavily, typically during seasonal changes.
Bathing: Regular bathing is recommended to remove loose hair, maintain skin oil balance, and prevent allergies or infections.
Sensitive Skin: American Wirehairs can have sensitive skin that’s prone to allergies and infections.
Oil Balance: Regular bathing helps maintain the cat’s skin oil balance.
Special Attention: Their ears tend to accumulate more wax, possibly due to coarse hairs growing inside.
Regular Cleaning: Gently clean the inside of the ears with cotton swabs or balls to prevent wax buildup.
Nail Trimming: Regular nail trims are necessary, as with most cat breed.
Dental Care: Routine teeth brushing helps maintain good oral hygiene.
Remember, the American Wirehair’s coat is delicate and unique. Always be gentle when handling their fur, and avoid over-grooming to preserve the distinctive wiry texture that makes this breed so special.
American Wirehairs require a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein. Key considerations include:
Portion control to prevent obesity
A mix of wet and dry food for dental health and hydration
Feeding schedule of 2-3 small meals per day
Fresh water always available
Consult with a veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on age, weight, and activity level.
The breed originated from a spontaneous mutation in a litter of farm cats.
Their wiry coat is unique among cat breeds and is caused by a dominant gene.
Despite their coarse coat, they require minimal grooming.
American Wirehairs are considered one of the rarest cat breeds.
They have a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper care.
No, they are not hypoallergenic, but their unique coat may produce fewer allergens than some other breeds.
They have low to moderate shedding, less than many other breeds.
Yes, they are known to be very tolerant and good with children.
Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat healthy.
They have quiet voices and are not known for being overly vocal.
American Shorthair: similar build and temperament
Exotic Shorthair: similar facial features
Devon Rex: unique coat texture, though different from the Wirehair
Russian Blue: similar quiet demeanour
British Shorthair: similar sturdy build
The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
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