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
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
Health
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.
Since American wirehairs are highly social, it stands to reason that they like interactive play. Although they will happily pounce on catnip mice and other toys meant for solo play, they thrive when their families engage in games. A laser dot is fun to chase and wands with ribbons satisfy the instinctual need to capture prey.
Spare your drapes and furniture by treating your cat to a tall tower with a built-in scratching post.
American wirehair cats are generally healthy. The breed suffers from no known genetic problems.
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.
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
The Breed Standard
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
FAQ
How much does a American Wirehair cat cost?
American Wirehair cats cost between $800 - $1,200.
How big do American Wirehair cats get?
American Wirehair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown American Wirehair cat might weigh between 8-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10"-14" inches tall.
How long do American Wirehair cats live?
The Average lifespan for American Wirehair is 12-18 years.
Do American Wirehair cats shed?
American Wirehair are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.
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