Why the American Wirehair Will Steal Your Heart!
The American Wirehair is a rare cat breed from upstate New York. What makes it special? Its wiry coat and crinkly whiskers—all thanks to a natural mutation. This unique trait was first noticed in a barn cat back in the 1960s, and since then, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) has recognized it as one of the rarest domestic cats.
Even with its unusual fur, this cat is all about love and affection—at least with its family. It takes some time to warm up to strangers, but once it does, it’s a loyal companion.
The American Wirehair loves to play, but it also enjoys just hanging out and relaxing. It’s an adaptable breed, making it a good fit for different homes. Grooming is easy—just a gentle brush now and then to keep its coat looking great.
In 2017, the CFA ranked it among the rarest breeds. Even though it’s not common, more people are starting to appreciate this one-of-a-kind cat. With its interesting history and distinctive look, the American Wirehair truly stands out.
Here I’ll explain American Wirehair in detail as you read my title Why the American Wirehair Will Steal Your Heart!
History of Wirehair
The American Wirehair was first found in upstate New York in 1966, when a barn kitten named Hi-Fi was born with an unusual wiry coat due to a dominant mutation.
This trait was different from the curly-coated Rex breeds like the Devon Rex, as it causes a distinct appearance in cats, affecting not just their fur but also their whiskers.
The owner, Joan O’Shea, recognized its uniqueness and purchased the kitten and a normal-coated littermate for $50 from the local breeder. With help from cat fancier Vernon Adams, a breeding program was developed to establish the Wirehair population.
By 1967, the CFA had officially recognized the breed, and by 1978, it was eligible for championship competition. The American Wirehair remained relatively rare, as only a random pair of cats were used initially to grow the population.
Though it was later exported to Britain, Canada, Australia, and other countries, it never became as popular as the American Shorthair. However, its different look, especially in Red-and-white coats, makes it a fascinating breed in the feline world. Today, the breed is still accepted by major Council and fancier organizations, but it remains one of the rarest cats in America.
Characteristics
The American Wirehair is unlike any other cat. Its wiry, coarse coat feels spiky and springy because of a natural mutation. Unlike Rex breeds like the Cornish Rex, its fur is dense with hooked and crimped hairs, giving it a unique texture. This breed comes in many colors—blue, white, lilac, golden, and amber—with no strict pattern rules. It has a medium build, small ears, a round muzzle, and curly whiskers that add to its charm.
In cat competitions, judges focus on the coat’s hardness and texture. Luckily, this fur is naturally resistant to dirt, so grooming is easy. Just avoid too much brushing, and if your cat spends time outside, a little sunblock helps protect its skin. With over 100 color variations, every American Wirehair is truly unique.
A Loving and Playful Companion
Beyond its one-of-a-kind look, this cat is friendly and affectionate. It’s usually calm but loves to play, making it a great pet for families and children. At first, it may be shy around strangers, but once it feels at home, it shows off its silly, kitten-like energy.
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), this breed is tolerant and adaptable, fitting well into different households. It enjoys exploring, but it’s also quiet and reserved, taking its time to adjust to new places. If you want a cat that is both relaxed and playful, the American Wirehair is a perfect choice.
Personality of American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is a very loving and pleasant companion, making it a great family member. This cat is known for its easy-going nature and doesn’t demand constant attention, but she does enjoy interactive play.
Unlike some overly dependent breeds, the Wirehair can entertain herself with a toy and is perfectly happy playing alone if needed. However, she will also happily engage in playtime with her parent or other people in the family.
Although this cat is placid, she still has bursts of energy and enjoys every single play session. The American Wirehair may not require hourly playtime, but she does appreciate engaging activities to keep her mood balanced.
Whether playing alone or interacting with her human companions, she remains a good-natured, adaptable pet that can bring joy to any home.
Behaviour
The American Wirehair has a temperament that is somewhat balanced, making it a great pet for various households. Unlike the American Shorthair, which is more independent, Wirehairs prefer a mix of quiet relaxation and playful moments. They are active enough to enjoy play, but also content to stay indoors and lounge in their owners’ laps.
This breed is equally affectionate and independent, meaning it enjoys human interaction but doesn’t constantly demand attention. Many owners’ have described them as gentle, with a relative level of energy that keeps them engaged but not overly hyper.
Wirehairs have a cute, almost humorous personality, as they often fall asleep in odd positions or react to voices with amusing expressions. Though they are not as vocal as some breeds, they do respond to their owners’ with soft meows. Their behavior is essentially identical to their Shorthair relatives, but they have a slightly more quiet and relaxed nature.
While they enjoy activity, American Wirehairs are just as happy curling up and staying cozy, making them an ideal pet for both active and laid-back homes.
Temprament
The American Wirehair is a great choice for families looking for a cat that’s both playful and relaxed. This breed loves spending time with kids and other cats but also enjoys its alone time.
Wirehairs are affectionate and curious, often exploring their surroundings with interest. While they’re not very talkative, they do communicate with soft chirps and purrs, making them known as excellent purrers.
Even though they enjoy playtime, American Wirehairs are also laid-back and love to curl up on a lap for hours. They adjust well to different homes and are happy both indoors and in safe outdoor spaces.
Their balanced nature means they’re not too needy but also not distant, making them a perfect companion for those who want a cat that’s both interactive and independent.
Care of American Wirehair
American Shorthair cats are a great addition to any family because they are easygoing and affectionate. These cats have an interesting personality that makes them enjoyable to be around. They are active and love interaction, so it’s important to engage them in play.
If you don’t provide enough stimulation, they may get bored, which can lead to unwanted behavior. Unlike the Wirehair, their coat is short and dense, making grooming simple. A weekly brushing is enough to keep their fur smooth and healthy, reducing shedding and hairballs.
Though they are low-maintenance, they have specific needs that must be met for thriving health. Providing a lot of fresh water, a balanced diet, and regular vet checkups is essential. Since these cats enjoy exploring, interactive toys and scratching posts help keep them entertained.
Their appearance may not be as complicated as some long-haired breeds, but regular care keeps them in top condition. Having one of these cats means a lifetime of companionship and fun, making them perfect pets for those who appreciate a relaxed yet playful feline friend.
Exercise
The American Wirehair is a lively and playful cat that loves to stay active. It enjoys running, climbing, and exploring, so having cat trees and toys around helps keep it entertained.
While it’s not the most vocal breed, it makes up for it with gentle purrs and a love for spending time with its family. These cats adapt well to different homes and get along with kids, other cats, and even dogs if introduced properly.
Even though they enjoy playing and climbing, Wirehairs also love to relax. They’re just as happy curling up on a lap as they are chasing a toy. Giving them interactive toys and scratching posts keeps them engaged without being too demanding.
They may follow you around at times, but they also appreciate their alone time. This perfect mix of playfulness and independence makes the American Wirehair a great pet for anyone who wants a cat that’s both fun and easygoing.
Molting
The American Wirehair has a coarse, wiry coat that’s easy to care for. Unlike long-haired breeds, it doesn’t shed much, so you won’t have to worry about fur covering your clothes and furniture.
Even with its unique texture, this cat doesn’t need frequent brushing—too much grooming can actually harm its wiry fur. This makes the American Wirehair a great choice for owners who want a distinct-looking cat without the extra maintenance.
Grooming
The American Wirehair has a unique, wiry coat that needs gentle grooming. A light brushing once a week with a soft brush or grooming rake helps remove loose hair without damaging its texture. Unlike smooth-coated cats, its wiry fur can break easily, so it’s important to be careful and gentle while grooming.
Luckily, this breed doesn’t need a lot of upkeep—just an occasional brush to keep its coat looking healthy and neat. A light touch is all it takes to maintain the American Wirehair’s distinctive look without harming its fur.
Nutrition and Diet
The American Wirehair needs a nutritious, high-protein diet to stay healthy and active. As obligate carnivores, they require real meat like chicken or fish as the main ingredient. Kittens should eat specialized kitten food to support their fast growth, while adult Wirehairs need a protein-rich diet to maintain strong muscles and energy.
When choosing food, look for natural ingredients and avoid fillers that can lead to weight gain. Since Wirehairs are usually healthy cats, controlling portion sizes helps prevent obesity. A balanced diet keeps them playful, strong, and full of life at every stage.
Appearance
The American Wirehair is a medium-sized cat with a one-of-a-kind coat. Its wiry, springy, and rough fur comes from a natural mutation, making it stand out from other breeds.
Unlike the Himalayan or American Shorthair, its coat is coarse and textured, though some cats may have softer fur. The pattern and texture vary, with some Wirehairs having more defined markings than others.
This breed has a rounded head, well-proportioned body, and ears that range from small to large. While Wirehairs come in many colors, chocolate, lavender, and color-point patterns are not accepted in the breed standard.
Despite these exceptions, the American Wirehair remains a rare and fascinating cat, loved for both its distinct look and affectionate personality.
Health Considerations
The American Wirehair is generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, it has some genetic risks to watch for. One of the most common concerns is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeats, trouble breathing, and heart failure. Regular vet check-ups can help catch it early.
Another potential issue is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to vision loss over time. Some Wirehairs may also develop joint problems, especially as they age. Their skin can be sensitive, sometimes producing extra oil, which might require a bit more grooming.
Choosing a kitten from a responsible breeder who screens for these conditions can help reduce health risks. With routine vet visits and proper care, the American Wirehair can live a long, healthy life.
Finding and Purchasing
The American Wirehair is a rare breed, so finding one can be challenging. Both CFA and TICA list it as uncommon, with only a few breeders actively raising them. Because of this, getting a Wirehair kitten often involves long wait times, as there are no large breeding programs for this cat.
Due to its rarity, the American Wirehair can be expensive, with prices starting around $1,200 or more. Costs vary by breeder, but since only a few litters are available each year, these cats tend to be pricey. To ensure you’re getting a healthy, ethically bred kitten, it’s best to buy from CFA or TICA-registered breeders.
Pros and Cons of having American Shorthair
Pros
- Affectionate and playful
- Quiet
- Generally healthy
Cons
- Rare (few breeders)
- Needs a lot of attention
- Skin can become oily
You can also read out this post: Majestic British Shorthair: The Perfect Feline!
