American Wirehair cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the American Wirehair

The American Wirehair began in 1966, when a litter of kittens was born on a farm in Vernon, New York, to ordinary barn cats. One kitten had a coat unlike the others, springy and crimped. Breeders realised it was a new mutation, caused by a different gene than the one behind the Rex coats of other breeds, and started a breeding programme from that kitten.

The cat is built much like an American Shorthair, medium in size, rounded and well boned. What sets it apart is the coat. Each hair is bent, crimped or hooked, so the fur looks tight and springy, and even the whiskers and ear fur are curled. The gene is dominant, so only one parent needs to carry it. Eyes are green or gold, with blue or odd eyes possible in some white cats.

The CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1967 and for championship in 1978. It remains one of the rarest American breeds, and numbers are small.

Temperament and living with one

The American Wirehair is typically calm, gentle and playful, and it shares the even temperament of the American Shorthair. It likes to be near its people without making demands. Most are content to play for short bursts, then rest.

The breed is usually good with children and other pets, and it adapts well to home life. It is quiet, and many owners describe a laid-back cat that is happy to share the sofa. Wirehairs enjoy climbing and toy play, but they are not as restless as some of the active shorthaired breeds.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat looks coarse but needs little care. Brush gently once a week, or less, because heavy brushing can break the crimped hairs and flatten the texture. Some cats have oily or sensitive skin, so ask a vet or breeder before bathing and use cat shampoo only if needed.

Offer a complete diet in measured portions and provide a scratching post, a cat tree and daily play. Check the ears, teeth and nails regularly, as with any cat.

Health

No breed-specific condition is well documented for the American Wirehair, and the breed is generally regarded as healthy. The gene pool is small, which is a general concern, so ask any breeder about the health of the parents and whether outcrossing to American Shorthairs is used. Skin problems such as dryness or irritation can occur in a coarse-coated cat, and a vet can advise on care. Because there is little published health data, regular checkups and a lean body weight matter all the more.

Is it right for you?

Choose an American Wirehair if you want a quiet, sturdy cat with a distinctive coat and are willing to wait for a kitten. It suits families and single owners alike. If the look appeals but you want a different coat, compare the American Shorthair, the Selkirk Rex or the Cornish Rex.