Compare
American Shorthair vs American Wirehair
Two quiet, independent American shorthairs; the Wirehair has a crimped wiry coat, is very rare and plays a little more.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are medium-sized, even-tempered, quiet American cats with modest grooming needs and a good deal of independence. The American Shorthair is common, easy to find, scores top marks with children and comes in over 80 colours and patterns. The American Wirehair is very rare, scores a little higher for play, sheds less and has a springy, crimped coat that includes the whiskers. The one thing that decides it is the coat and how hard you are willing to search.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You want a cat that is easy to find.
- You have young children, as it scores top marks with them.
- You want a wide choice of colours and a smooth, hard coat.
- You will ask your vet about its heart condition watch-list.
Choose the American Wirehair if
- You want an unusual crimped, wiry coat.
- You want a slightly more playful cat with lighter shedding.
- You will accept a very rare breed and a long wait.
- You do not dislike a coarse texture.
Where they are alike
Both are calm, independent cats that suit apartments and cope with a workday alone. Both have quiet voices and get on well with other pets.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | American Wirehair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Vernon, New York, United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | — |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Springy, coarse, crimped coat that includes the whiskers and ear fur |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1978 |
| How common | Common | Very rare |
| Affection | 3 | 3 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 4 |
| Trainability | 3 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The wiry coat still carries the same cat allergens, and people who react to cats may react to a Wirehair. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A household that wants a quiet, even-tempered cat with an unusual coat and low grooming demands. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone who wants a cat that is easy to find, or who dislikes a coarse, crimped coat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
| — |
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026