American Wirehair Cat Breed: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

Despite being a medium-sized cat, the American Wirehair is highly strong. She has thick boning and a lot of muscle. You can tell she’ll be hefty to lift because of her rounded, thick look.

The Wirehair cat has great strength. She has an expansive chest, a toned neck, powerful jaws, and a well-proportioned muzzle. Her legs are powerful and thick. This cat should have well-developed parts throughout. She resembles her predecessors, who were cats used to deter vermin from entering the home and barn.

About The Breed

If the American Wirehair was well socialized as a kitten, he ought to be excited to meet and engage with your visitors. Babies and young children need to be closely monitored, so they don’t hurt the six to 11-pound cat, but families with older children who will treat him with respect can decide to keep him. Additionally, he may get along nicely with any household dogs that are comfortable with cats.

Contrary to popular belief, the American Wirehair kitten coat’s roughness makes it non-hypoallergenic. Instead of a particular type of coat, dander, or the dead skin cells that all cats shed, is what causes allergies (and people, for that matter).

American Wirehair Cat Breed History

In 1966, a kitten with wiry-looking fur like that of a Wirehaired Terrier was discovered in a litter. It’s possible that the cats who gave birth to this kitten were American Shorthairs or farm cats that looked a lot like Americans.

This kitten was sold to a breeder who made the decision to attempt to reproduce this naturally occurring coat abnormality. These matings produced kittens, which other breeders adopted, and an organized breeding program was launched with the goal of creating the American Wirehair breed.

In the United States, the American Wirehair is rising in popularity. The show standard for this breed is quite similar to that of the American Shorthair. The coat’s individual hairs are all curled and crimped, nevertheless.

American Wirehair Cat Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed NameAmerican Wirehair
OriginUnited States of America
Height 9 – 11 inches
Weight8 – 12 pounds
Life Expectancy10 – 16 years
TemperamentRelaxed, loving and  sweet personality
ColorsRelaxed, loving, and  sweet personality
What To Know
• The American Wirehair cat boasts a one-of-a-kind coat that’s crimped and distinctive. It’s like having a mini-style icon right at home!
• Good news for busy folks! These cats aren’t high-maintenance. A quick weekly brush is usually all they need, and they don’t shed as much as other felines.
• American Wirehair kittens are not just pets; they’re pals. Known for their friendly vibes, they get along with everyone kids, adults, and even other pets. Your ultimate companionship package!
• Keep an eye on those ears! Regular check-ups and a tidy environment help keep them happy and healthy. Prevention is the name of the game.
• These cats are more than just chill. They’re playful too! Interactive toys are their jam. Keep them entertained, and you’ve got a happy, content furball on your hands!

Characteristics 

The American Wirehair cat is a one-of-a-type tom cat buddy! With a special wiry coat that feels unique and helps save you matting, those cats are smooth to love. Their medium to big size and robust, muscular build provide them with a strong appearance.

Their spherical faces, entire with expressive eyes and lovely cheekbones, lead them to be utterly charming.

But it is now not just about seems – American Wirehairs are recognized for his or her friendly and amiable nature. They’re perfect for households searching out a lovely and occasional renovation cat associate.

  • Energy- ⭐⭐⭐
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  • Shedding level- ⭐
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  • Affectionate- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Canine friendly- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Intelligence-⭐⭐⭐

Personality

The American Wirehair cat makes an excellent companion. She is calm and laid-back. The caring cat known as the Wirehair will cling to every member of her household.

Although the Wirehair enjoys playing, she doesn’t require care 24 hours a day. She will bring a toy to her parent if she is in the mood to play. The Wirehair is a terrific friend for lone individuals and plays well by herself as well.

Pros And Cons Of The American Wirehair Cat Breed 

Pros

  • Unique appearance with a distinctive wiry coat.
  • Low maintenance grooming due to resistance to matting.
  • Sturdy medium to large build with a strong physique.
  • Charming facial features, including round faces and expressive eyes.
  • Known for a friendly and amiable nature.

Cons

  • Potential to trigger allergies.
  • Limited variety in coat colors.
  • Genetic health concerns may be present.
  • Not entirely hypoallergenic despite the unique coat.
  • Requires regular but moderate exercise.

Appearance

The American Wirehair cat is like a fluffy magic trick. Their fur is all crinkly, like a lovable little cloud you could contact. Picture a smooth, cuddly friend with big, twinkling eyes it truly is the Wirehair look.

These kitties are available in masses of colors, so you can pick out your preferred ones. And bet what? They’re not just quiet faces; they’re wonderful and playful too.

Imagine having a bushy friend who is continually up for a sport. Grooming? Easy peasy. These cats maintain it easy, making them the perfect pals for a comfortable, low-key domestic.

Coat Color And Grooming

American wirehairs are short-haired cats that come in solid shades of black, blue, white, red, or cream. These cats can have chinchilla (a silver-like hue), smoke, cameo, calico, tabby, or bicolor coat patterns. They have big eyes with a little upward tilt in the corners.

The grooming of American Wirehair cats is not very difficult. Unless they are heavily shedding, they do not need to be brushed frequently. Once or twice a week, brush their teeth (with cat-safe toothpaste), and once or twice a month, check their ears; if they’re unclean, clean them out with cat-safe ear cleaner.

You should also pay attention to your Wirehair’s nails. Although cats’ nails naturally thin out from normal activity, most cats still need their nails trimmed once a month to every few weeks.

Shedding

The American Wirehair is a breed that sheds less. Grooming is really discouraged because of her unique, fragile coat; unless she is excessively shedding, avoid brushing or combing her. Regular showering can also assist in removing loose hair and any greasiness caused by skin oil secretion.

Health 

Hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are the two major health risks for American wirehairs (HCM).

Reputable breeders will examine your kitten for any health issues, but it’s important to monitor them until they are adults. Your cat may not exhibit HCM or other health problems in its early years.

Maintenance And Care

Given their thick, rough coat, American wirehair cats are surprisingly simple to groom. It’s recommended to restrict brushing and only do it when required, like during periods of significant shedding, as combing frequently can actually be harmful to their distinctive coat.

Your cat might benefit from an occasional wash to get rid of dead hair and prevent oily coats. She will also require routine dental, ear, and nail care.

Food And Nutrition

American Wirehairs often benefit from the nutrients in a high-quality adult cat diet. Consider a healthy weight formula for Wirehairs who require assistance with weight control.

For the first year of their lives, American Wirehair kittens should consume a kitten diet to support their growth and development.

Exercise And Activity Level 

The American Wirehair is not a breed that enjoys spending the entire day on your lap. While wirehairs adore being petted, they are also quick and vivacious. They thrive on activity and stimulation to prevent boredom.

The American Wirehair might not be the breed for you if you spend the majority of the day away from home. These cats prefer being among known people, including well-behaved kids and even family pets, given that they are properly introduced.

Little Known Facts

Here is a list of the amazing facts about this breed-

  • In a 2017 analysis of the 41 recognized breeds of cats, American wirehairs were ranked as the rarest breed.
  • The rough, springy coat of the American Wirehair has been compared to steel wool by some.
  • The American Wirehair and American Shorthair frequently cross because they have similar appearances (and personalities!).

Explore More Cat Breeds…

FAQs On American Wirehair Cat Breed…

What is the price of an American Wirehair cat?

Costs for American Wirehair cats range from $800 to $1,200.

American Wirehair cats grow to what size?

A. Cats with American Wirehair coats are typically medium-sized. An adult American Wirehair cat can weigh anything from 8 to 15 pounds and stand between 10 and 14 inches tall.

How old are American Wirehair cats on average?

A. American Wirehair lives 12 to 18 years on average.

Do cats with American wirehairs shed?

A. Cats with American Wirehair have short hair. As a result, they shed less than long-haired cat breeds.

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