The American Wirehair is a unique breed that originated from a natural mutation in the United States of America. It is the closest relative of the American Shorthair, and for a long time, they were judged by the same standard. A distinguishing feature of the breed is its unusual coat – it’s coarse, springy, and curly, feeling like wire wool or karakul lamb fur. Individuals with characteristically crimped whiskers are particularly prized.
If you are looking for a devoted yet independent pet that will calmly handle your absence from home, the American Wirehair could be an ideal choice. This is a well-balanced, playful, and gentle animal that gets along well with children and other pets. Learn more on Tvaryny.
American Wirehair: A Brief Breed Overview
- Origin: United States of America (New York State)
- Year of Origin: 1966
- Lifespan: 14-18 years (average 15 years)
- Size: Medium to large
- Weight: Males: 5-7 kg; Females: 3.5-5 kg
- Coat Type: Coarse, springy, short or medium
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, independent, even-tempered, intelligent
- Other Names: American Wirehair
History of the American Wirehair
The history of the American Wirehair is unique and began quite by chance. In 1966, on a farm in Verona, New York State, an unusual kitten was born in a litter of ordinary American Shorthairs. It had a rare red-and-white coat that was noticeably coarser and curlier than that of its siblings. This kitten, named Adam (Council Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi), became the progenitor of the new breed.
The farm owner, Joan O’Shea, noticed the kitten’s uniqueness and sold him for $50 to a local American Shorthair breeder, Mrs William O’Shea (no relation). Realising the potential of this new mutation, Mrs O’Shea started a breeding programme. Adam was mated with a local cat that also carried the wirehair gene (though didn’t express it). Their kittens inherited their father’s unique coat.
To expand the gene pool and establish the desired traits, American Wirehairs were crossed with American Shorthairs. This helped to preserve the sturdy build and good temperament of their shorthaired ancestors while adding the unique coat texture.
In 1967, the breed was recognised for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), and in 1978, it was granted championship status. Although the American Wirehair gained popularity in the USA and Canada, it remains quite rare outside North America. Its unique coat, a result of a spontaneous dominant mutation, makes it a true gem in the world of cat breeds.
What Does an American Wirehair Look Like: Breed Standard
The American Wirehair is a medium to large-sized animal, strong and muscular, yet agile. Its appearance is very similar to the American Shorthair, apart from its unique coat texture.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| General Appearance | Medium to large cat, strong, muscular, with a well-developed chest. Not overly compact; agile. |
| Head | Large, slightly longer than it is wide. Full cheeks. Muzzle square-shaped, with a strong lower jaw. Nose medium length. Forehead gently curved. |
| Ears | Medium-sized, set wide apart, tips rounded. Should not be too open at the base. |
| Eyes | Large, round, set wide apart and slightly slanted. Eye colour is bright, clear, and corresponds to the coat colour (most often golden, but can be green, blue, copper). |
| Body | Strong, muscular, with a well-developed chest and heavy boning. Back is broad, strong, and straight. |
| Legs | Medium length, strong, with powerful muscles. |
| Paws | Rounded, large, compact. Paw pads match the coat colour. |
| Tail | Medium length, thick at the base, tapering to a rounded tip. Proportional to the body. |
| Coat | The most characteristic feature. Coarse, springy, dense, wavy or curly. Each hair is bent or crimped. Feels like wire or karakul fur to the touch. Most pronounced on the head, back, sides, and thighs. Even whiskers are often curled. Density can vary. |
| Colours | Almost all colours and patterns typical of domestic cats are permitted (solids, tabbies, bicolours, colourpoints, etc.). The most common are tabbies (especially silver with black markings), white, black, red, and cream. |
It is important to note that the degree of “wiriness” and curliness of the coat can vary from cat to cat. Kittens may have a softer coat that becomes coarser with age.
American Wirehair Character: Temperament and Behaviour
The American Wirehair has inherited the best character traits from its shorthaired ancestor. It’s an even-tempered, gentle, and friendly animal, wonderfully suited to family life.
- Calm and Independent: These are not cats that demand constant attention. They are quite self-sufficient and can happily spend time alone while their owners are at work. At the same time, they appreciate human company and will gladly greet you at the door.
- Playful and Active: Despite their calm nature, American Wirehairs remain playful throughout their lives. They enjoy interactive toys, chasing a laser dot, or batting a ball around. Moderate activity helps them maintain good physical condition.
- Intelligent and Bright: These cats learn quickly and adapt easily to new situations. They can be taught simple tricks, especially if positive reinforcement with treats is used.
- Friendly to Everyone: American Wirehairs usually get along well with children of all ages, showing patience. They also coexist peacefully with other cats and dogs, especially if introduced at an early age.
- Quiet Voice: These cats are not particularly “talkative”. They vocalise rarely and quietly, usually only to draw attention to their needs (such as reminding you it’s feeding time).
- Devoted Companion: They become very attached to their owners and love to be nearby, observing household chores or simply napping on a lap. It is an ideal companion cat for people of all ages.
Although they possess a certain independence, they shouldn’t be left without attention for long periods. They need interaction and affection. They are an ideal choice for those seeking a calm, yet interesting and loyal friend.
American Wirehair Health: Common Diseases and Prevention
The American Wirehair is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with few hereditary diseases. This is because the breed is relatively young and has a broader gene pool due to outcrossing with American Shorthairs. The average lifespan is 14-18 years.
However, like any breed, they can be prone to certain health problems:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is the most common heart disease in cats, characterised by a thickening of the heart muscle walls. Although the risk in Wirehairs is lower than in some other breeds, it still exists. Regular veterinary diagnostics are important, especially for breeding animals. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Skin Problems and Allergies: Due to their unique coat, some individuals may be prone to skin irritations, seborrhoea (excessive sebum production), or allergic reactions (to food or environmental factors). Symptoms include itching, redness, rashes, and excessive grooming.
- Gum Disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis are common problems in cats generally. Regular tooth brushing and veterinary check-ups will help prevent these conditions.
- Obesity: American Wirehairs, like their Shorthair relatives, have a good appetite and are prone to weight gain, especially with insufficient physical activity and an improper diet. It’s important to control portion sizes and provide the cat with opportunities to move.
Disease Prevention:
The best way to maintain your American Wirehair’s health is through prevention:
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual (or biannual for older cats) visits to the vet for examinations, vaccinations, and deworming.
- Balanced Diet: High-quality food appropriate for the cat’s age, weight, and activity level.
- Coat and Skin Care: Although the coat doesn’t require frequent brushing, regular skin inspection will help detect problems early.
- Dental Care: Brushing teeth with a special toothpaste and brush several times a week.
- Weight Control: Do not overfeed your cat and ensure it has plenty of opportunities for play and movement.
- Litter Tray Cleanliness: Keep the cat’s litter tray clean to avoid urinary tract issues and behavioural problems.
With proper care and attention to health, your American Wirehair will bring you joy for many years.
How to Care for an American Wirehair’s Coat?
The unique coat of the American Wirehair requires a slightly different grooming approach than that of most other breeds. The main rule is not to overdo the brushing, to avoid damaging the characteristic texture of the hairs.
- Brushing: Unlike long-haired breeds, Wirehairs are not recommended for frequent brushing. A weekly light brushing with a soft natural bristle brush or a special comb with wide teeth will be sufficient to remove dead hairs and distribute skin oils. Excessive or overly vigorous brushing can straighten or break the curly hairs. During moulting periods (usually spring and autumn), you can brush a little more often – 2-3 times a week.
- Bathing: American Wirehairs should only be bathed when necessary, if the cat is genuinely dirty. Frequent bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils, making it more brittle and less “wiry”. Use only cat-specific shampoos. After bathing, gently pat the coat dry with a towel and allow it to air dry. Do not use a hairdryer, as hot air can damage the coat’s structure.
- Coat Greasiness: Some Wirehairs may be prone to a greasier coat, especially during warmer months. In such cases, more frequent bathing or the use of a dry shampoo might be necessary. Consult your vet or a professional groomer for the best care advice.
- Other Procedures: Don’t forget regular claw trimming (every 2-3 weeks), eye cleaning (wiping the corners with a damp cloth as needed), and ear checks (inspecting and cleaning with special lotions if there’s build-up). Oral hygiene – brushing teeth – is also important.
| Procedure | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Once a week (outside moulting), 2-3 times a week (during moulting) | Use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb. Do not brush too vigorously. |
| Bathing | As needed (rarely) | Use special cat shampoo. Do not use a hairdryer. |
| Claw Trimming | Every 2-3 weeks | Use special cat nail clippers. |
| Ear Check/Cleaning | Weekly (check), clean as needed | Use a special lotion and cotton pads. |
| Teeth Cleaning | Several times a week (ideally daily) | Use cat-specific toothpaste and brush. |
Remember, proper grooming will help maintain your pet’s unique coat texture and its overall health.
Training and Socialisation of the American Wirehair
American Wirehairs are intelligent and quick-witted animals, which makes them relatively easy to train and socialise. Although cats are generally more independent than dogs, consistent training from an early age will help shape desirable behaviour.
Socialisation:
Early socialisation is key to raising a well-balanced and friendly cat. Introduce your kitten to different people, sounds, environments, and other animals (if present or planned) in a safe and controlled manner.
- Introducing to People: Invite guests over, allow them to gently stroke the kitten and offer treats. This will help it not to fear strangers in the future.
- Introducing to Children: Teach children how to handle the cat correctly – not to pull its tail, shout, or disturb it while sleeping or eating.
- Introducing to Other Animals: Introduce them gradually, under supervision, on neutral territory.
- Getting Used to Procedures: Accustom your kitten from a young age to having its ears, paws, and teeth checked, and to being brushed. This will make grooming much easier in adulthood.
Training:
You can train an American Wirehair using positive reinforcement methods. Shouting and punishment are ineffective and may only frighten the animal.
- Litter Tray Training: Kittens usually quickly understand where their toilet is. Show the kitten the litter tray after sleeping and eating. Keep the tray clean.
- Scratching Post Training: To prevent your cat from damaging furniture, offer several types of scratching posts (vertical, horizontal) in different locations. Praise and encourage it when it uses the scratching post.
- Teaching Commands: An American Wirehair can be taught simple commands like “come” or “sit” (though this will require patience). Use treats and praise as rewards. Training sessions should be short (5-10 minutes) and regular.
- Correcting Undesirable Behaviour: If the cat does something undesirable (e.g., jumps on the table), redirect its attention to a toy or scratching post. Use a firm “No” or “Off” without shouting.
Remember, the most important things in training are patience, consistency, and love. Establishing a trusting relationship with your American Wirehair is the foundation for successful training and harmonious coexistence.
Feeding Your American Wirehair: Key Recommendations
Proper nutrition is fundamental to the health, longevity, and well-being of your American Wirehair. Like all cats, they are obligate carnivores, so their diet must be based on animal protein.
Types of Feeding
There are two main approaches to feeding:
- Commercial Cat Food: This is the most convenient option that provides a balanced diet. Choose premium, super-premium, or holistic foods appropriate for your cat’s age (kitten, adult, senior), health status (e.g., for neutered cats), and activity level. Pay attention to the ingredients: meat should be listed first, not grains. You can combine dry and wet food (tins, pouches), but do not mix them in the same bowl. Dry food helps to clean teeth, while wet food provides additional hydration.
- Natural Diet (Raw or Home-Cooked): This option requires more time and knowledge. The diet must be carefully balanced by a veterinary nutritionist to avoid deficiencies or excesses of nutrients. The basis is raw or cooked lean meat (chicken, turkey, beef), offal (heart, liver – in small quantities), dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir), cooked vegetables (carrots, courgettes, pumpkin – as a source of fibre), and a small amount of grains. You should never give food from your table (salty, smoked, fried, sweet), bones, freshwater fish, or milk (adult cats are often lactose intolerant).
Basic Feeding Principles:
- Access to Fresh Water: Clean drinking water must be freely available at all times.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed an adult cat twice a day (morning and evening) at the same times. Kittens are fed more frequently (3-5 times a day).
- Portion Size: Follow the food manufacturer’s or vet’s recommendations. Do not overfeed, to avoid obesity.
- Weight Monitoring: Regularly weigh your cat and monitor its condition.
- Individual Approach: Nutritional needs can change depending on age, health status, and activity level.
| Age | Type of Food | Feeds per Day | Approx. Daily Amount (Dry Food)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten (up to 6 months) | Kitten food | 3-4 | According to package instructions (depends on weight and age) |
| Junior (6-12 months) | Kitten/Junior food | 2-3 | According to instructions |
| Adult Cat (1-7 years) | Adult cat food | 2 | 50-80g (depends on weight, activity, type of food) |
| Senior Cat (over 7 years) | Senior cat food | 2 | Amount may be reduced, according to instructions |
Remember that quality nutrition is an investment in your American Wirehair’s health.
Pros and Cons of the American Wirehair Breed
Like any breed, the American Wirehair has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider these before getting such a pet.
Pros of the Breed:
- Unique Appearance: The coarse, curly coat makes these cats distinctive and attractive.
- Friendly and Gentle Nature: They get along wonderfully with all family members, including children and other animals.
- Even Temperament: These are calm yet playful cats that don’t create much noise or fuss.
- Independence: They tolerate being alone well, which suits busy people.
- Good Health: Generally a hardy breed with few hereditary diseases.
- Low-Maintenance Coat: They do not require frequent brushing.
- Intelligent and Quick-Witted: They learn and adapt easily.
Cons of the Breed:
- Rarity and High Price: Finding an American Wirehair kitten can be difficult, especially outside the USA and Canada, and they are usually expensive.
- Prone to Obesity: They have a good appetite and require controlled feeding and sufficient physical activity.
- Potential Skin Problems: Some individuals may be prone to oily seborrhoea or skin allergies due to their unique coat.
- Not Suitable for Allergy Sufferers: Despite their wiry coat, they are not hypoallergenic.
- Requires Specific Coat Care: Although grooming is not complicated, it requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the texture.
Weighing all the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about whether this unique and charming breed is right for you.
Interesting Facts About the American Wirehair
- Unique Mutation: The gene responsible for the wiry coat (Wirehair gene, Wh) is dominant and unique. It is not found in other cat breeds. Even in other curly-coated breeds that look similar, like the Selkirk Rex or Cornish Rex, the genes responsible for the curls are different.
- Descended from a Single Kitten: The entire breed originates from a single kitten named Adam, born on a farm in New York State in 1966.
- Crimped Whiskers: One of the most interesting features of the breed, besides its wiry coat, is its crimped or bent whiskers. This is also a result of the Wh gene.
- Varying Degrees of “Wiriness”: The coat can range from very coarse and curly to barely wavy. Even kittens in the same litter can have different coat textures.
- American Exclusive: The breed remains relatively rare and little-known outside North America.
- Similarity to its Shorthaired Cousin: Except for the coat, the American Wirehair breed standard largely matches that of the American Shorthair.
- Not Hypoallergenic: Despite its unusual coat, this breed is not hypoallergenic and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do American Wirehairs shed a lot?
They shed moderately, like most shorthaired cats. The main moulting seasons are spring and autumn. Regular (but not too frequent) brushing will help control the amount of fur in the home.
Are they suitable for living in a flat?
Yes, they are an excellent choice. They don’t require a lot of space, are calm, and not overly noisy. The main thing is to provide them with enough toys, resting places, and opportunities for activity (such as a cat tree or activity centre).
Do American Wirehairs need frequent bathing?
No, quite the opposite. They should only be bathed in cases of extreme necessity, as frequent washing can damage the unique coat structure and strip the skin of its natural protective layer.
Do they get along with dogs?
Usually, yes, especially if introduced at an early age and the dog also has a friendly nature. It’s important to introduce them gradually and under supervision.
How much does an American Wirehair kitten cost?
Due to the breed’s rarity, the price of kittens can be quite high, particularly in Europe. It can range from $800 to $1200 (USD) or more, depending on the pedigree, quality of the kitten, and the breeder’s reputation.
Can they be let outside?
As with most pedigree cats, free roaming outdoors is not recommended due to risks (injuries, infections, theft, poisoning). If you want to give your cat access to fresh air, it’s better to set up a secure outdoor enclosure (catio) or take them for walks on a harness and lead.
How does the American Wirehair differ from the American Curl?
These are completely different breeds. The main distinguishing feature of the American Wirehair is its unique coarse, curly coat. The American Curl is known for its characteristically backward-curling ears; its coat can be either short or long, but it is soft and silky, without the wiriness.