American Wirehair Cat History
The American Wirehair cat is another happy accident for the feline world. A litter born in upstate New York in 1966 had a unique wirehaired kitten that attracted a breeder who began trying to breed for this interesting trait. Breeders still strive for perfection in this breed, which they believe is individual enough to dedicate whatever time and attention it takes to keep the breed alive.
Originally, since there was only one surviving male wirehair in the first litter, there was a lot of inbreeding to create the line. Later, American Shorthair cats were introduced to the line to create hybrid vigor, and they are still the only allowable outcross. Introducing the American Shorthair did change a few of the traits of the American Wirehair, but they are still a quite different from any other feline breed.
American Wirehair, a Genetic Mutation
Breeding problems do exist since the breed’s wire hair is created by a natural gene mutation. Not all the kittens in each litter will have wire hair, and some that do don’t have it all over, or they might have hair that is too long and will straighten out later on. Their coats can range for very hard, dense, and kinky to crimped, spiky, or curly. Each coat type, however, is soft and wonderful to touch! Even their whiskers are wiry.
American Wirehair Characteristics
The American Wirehair cat can have just about any hair color or eye color. Their body type will closely resemble the American Shorthair. They are a medium to large sized cat, though with the inbreeding it still takes to produce the wire hair, some kittens may be on the small side.
American Wirehair Temperament
Wirehairs are extremely sweet and affectionate. They never meet a stranger and adapt well to all members of the family, including children and other pets. They are very people oriented! They can be inquisitive and playful but are quiet and reserved at the same time.
American Wirehair Grooming Needs
American Wirehairs do require some grooming. A gentle brushing is recommended occasionally, but they also tend to get oily due to their wiry fur. They will need to be bathed periodically, but they are generally easy to care for. Wirehairs tend to get excess waxy buildup in their ears, so it is important to keep their ears clean.
American Wirehair Health
This breed does have a bit of hybrid vigor, but they might also be prone to allergies, and some may lose their coat if they are subjected to stress or harsh weather. This is most definitely an indoor breed! It is recommended by Wirehair breeders that you keep them on hairball preventative.
If you have any questions or would like to share stories, information or pictures of your American Wirehair, please join us in the discussion area. If you are thinking of adopting an American Wirehair, please consider the American Wirehair Rescue or check out adoptable American Wirehair cats at Petfinder.com.
If you are researching different breeds of cats, you might also enjoy reading Oriental Cats, Birman Cats, Ragdoll Cats, Abyssinian Cats, Persian Cats, Himalayan Cats, Maine Coon Cats, Exotic Cats, American Shorthair Cats, and Siamese Cats.
