Unraveling the Charms of the American Wirehair Cat

The rarest breed in the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the American Wirehair Cat is a medium-to-large cat with a sweet expression, muscular body and the distinguishing springy, wiry coat. People often mistake them for American Shorthair cats. This isn’t surprising; after all, American Wirehair breeding programs use American Shorthairs to increase genetic diversity and prevent the breed from becoming too in-bred. The standard for the Wirehair is based on the standard for the American Shorthair. All of the major registries recognize the American Wirehair Cat.

History of the American Wirehair Cat

The American Wirehair first appeared in upstate New York in the mid-sixties when a spontaneous mutation in a litter of farm cats produced one kitten with the signature crimped fur similar to the coat of a terrier dog. That kitten, a red and white cat, was then carefully bred to retain the original mutation. Two of the resulting kittens had the distinctive coat. 

The spontaneous mutation that produces the wirehair coat has only appeared naturally in the US. The trait is dominant and semi-penetrating which means that in a litter of cats from a Wirehair to Wirehair breeding, 90% of the resulting kittens will have the wired coat. If you breed a Wirehair to an American Shorthair, half the litter will be wired. 

The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognized the American Wirehair in 1967 and qualified the breed for championship status in 1978. It was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1979.

The American Wirehair Breed Standard

The American Wirehair Cat is a furry cat with a strong, powerful body with well-defined hindquarters and broad chest. They are heavily boned and well muscled medium sized cats. These cats have broad heads, wide-set eyes and ears and well-developed muzzles. Their defined muzzle makes their face appear squarish, but the cat should have a thick and rounded appearance. 

The body type of the American Wirehair cat is influenced by the American Shorthair cat. The coat, however, is quite different. The Wirehair coat is a hard, crimped coat. 

All colors allowable in the American Shorthair are allowed in American Wirehairs. Although coat comprises 45% of the scoring points in the American Wirehair  breed standard, the highest percentage of any CFA standard breed, color is not a major factor or principal objective of American Wirehair cat breeding progams.

Body Structure 

An American Wirehair Cat is a medium to large cat. Males are larger than females. Their torso is well-rounded and in proportion. The back should be level and shoulders and hips should be the same width. Their legs are medium length, well-muscled and proportionate, ending with firm, full rounded paws. The tail should be in proportion to the body, tapering to a rounded tip, not blunt or pointed.

Head

A Wirehair’s head should be in proportion to the body. The bone structure is round with prominent cheekbones, a well-developed muzzle and firm chin. There is a slight whisker break.

The nose should have a gentle concave curve. These cats should have medium, slightly rounded ears, widely set but not overly open at the base. Their eyes are large, rounded, bright and clear, set well apart with a slight uptilt. The color should complement the color of the coat. 

Coat and Colors

There is no other breed of cat that has a coat even similar to this breed. The breed is a medium haired cat with a crimped coat with bent, wavy fur on her body and ears. Some even have curly whiskers. 

The coat is springy, dense, and resilient, but also coarse and hard to the touch. The perfect coat has the crimped fur in all three types of hairs: awn, down, and guard hairs. The texture of the coat ranges from semi-smooth to rough depending on the cat’s parents. The breed standard says the coat should be the rougher, the better. The best coats appear in cats where both parents have a hard, wired, coat. 

American Wirehair Cats come in all the colors of the American Shorthair, including tabby patterns with and without white. Pointed colors and the foreign breed colors of chocolate, sable, lavender, and lilac, are not accepted. 

What is the difference between the American Shorthair and American Wirehair?

The characteristics of the American Shorthair and American Wirehair are almost the same. The only significant features that differs between the two breeds is the wiry coat type and the higher cheekbones that give the Wirehair’s face a more square appearance than their American Shorthair cousins. Other than that, their breed standards are nearly identical. 

Traits and Personality of the American Wirehair Cat

The Personality of the American Wirehair

American Wirehair Cats are calm, go-with-the-flow cats. They are a loving and affectionate breed. These kitties have an independent streak that makes them a great fit for owners with busy lifestyles. Your Wirehair won’t be lonely or anxious if he stays home alone while you go to work.

Wirehairs are more active than the American Shorthair, but they are not loud. American Wirehair cats make great apartment cats. This super-smart cat breed is easy to train and loves to learn. They do well with interactive play and will keep you entertained for hours. Wirehaired kittens are more outgoing than the straight-haired kittens in their litters.

Are American Wirehaired Cats Hypoallergenic?

Some people have the impression that these cats are related to the Cornish Rex and are hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to cats, sadly these felines are not the answer for you. American Wirehair cats’ coats might be unique but they are not hypoallergenic. 

Health and Lifespan of the American Wirehair

Do American Wirehair Cats Have Any Health issues

American wirehair’s greatest health risks include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia. skin allergies, and obesity. There are no known genetic faults within the breed. Even with close line breeding and limited breeding stock, no documented problems concerning health have occurred to date. 

How Long Do American Wirehair Cats Live?

This sturdy breed lives on average 10 to 16 years.

Care and Maintenance of American Wirehair Cats

Grooming your American wirehair cat is surprisingly easy, considering their heavy, textured coat. You actually want to avoid brushing or combing the cat except in times of excessive shedding. The brushing that an American Shorthair cat requires would damage the coat of an American Wirehair. She will need the regular nail, ear, and dental care that all cats need.

Like a Sphynx cat,  you should bathe your American Wirehair cat regularly and clean their coat and skin thoroughly.  Use a shampoo that doesn’t have conditioner built in and don’t add a conditioner after the bath. Your Wirehair won’t need blow drying. Just wrap him in warm towels before returning him to his play.

The American Wirehair cat tends have sensitive skin that has allergic reactions to factors like pollen, household cleaners, or air freshening products. 

Do American Wirehair Cats Make Good Pets?

If you want a friendly cat that wants to be in the middle of whatever you are doing, an American Wirehair might be for you. The Wirehair interacts freely with children, dogs, cats and most other animals. These clever cats sometimes master the skill of opening cabinet doors and full-size doors. They will pay attention to all family members and expect everyone to pet them and tell them how wonderful they are. They will usually respond with purring and rub their heads against you as a reward for your efforts. 

Wherever you are in the house, your wirehaired companion will be present, supervising or observing. It is rare to see a shy or temperamental American Wirehair kitten, they usually crave attention and handling. 

Are American Wirehair Cats Friendly?

American Wirehair cats are easy going cats that  get along with everyone but are also independent and not too needy. They get along with everyone; dogs, cats, kids, and seniors included. Mild-mannered and friendly, these cats are sweet, gentle, and friendly family pets. 

Are American Wirehair Cats Cuddly?

Wirehairs are great pets and will follow you around all day but they generally dislike being held and cuddled. They prefer to be a “four on the floor” cat and happier to sit beside you than be picked up and held.

How much do American Wirehair Cats Cost?

Like most pedigreed cats, American Wirehairs are expensive. Depending on the quality of the cat, the cost would be around 1,200-2,000 minimum. They are very rare so there is a premium.

Related: Interested in other breeds? Click here for our growing breed glossary

Summary

The American Wirehair Cat is a unique and special breed that has captured the hearts of cat lovers. With its distinctive wiry coat, playful personality, and loving nature, these cats make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. Whether you’re looking for a new furry companion or simply admire these beautiful cats from afar, one thing is for sure – the American Wirehair Cat will always leave a lasting impression. So if you’re considering adding a furry friend to your home, don’t overlook this charming and lovable breed. You won’t be disappointed!