American Wirehair
Spontaneous genetic mutations piqued the interest of breeders and led to the creation of American Wirehairs. They are quite a new breed and are actually American Shorthairs with dominant mutated genes, which causes their fur to become hard and curly, (just like Fox-Terrier fur). They are still very rare in Europe, but in America they’re known not only for their unique appearance but also their ‘easy-going’ and adaptable temperament.
|
Life expectancy |
The American Wirehair has a life expectancy of between 14 and 18 years |
|
Temperament |
|
|
Adult size |
Female
Between 12 and 14 in
Male
Between 12 and 14 in
|
|
Adult weight |
Female
Between 7 and 11 lb
Male
Between 9 and 15 lb
|
|
Coat colour
Black, blue, cream, red, white, silver, gold |
Black
Brown
White
Red
Cream
Blue
|
|
Type of coat
Short |
Short
|
|
Eye colour
All colours, as long as it goes with their coat colour. |
Blue
Green
Yellow
Brown
Odd-eyed
|
|
Purchase price |
The American Wirehair costs between £760 and £910 |
Due to their ancestral hunting roots, they are programmed to hunt, so cohabitation with small animals such as birds, mice, etc. can be rather problematic for the small animals... as they are very tempting treats for the cat!
More details about the American Wirehair
American Wirehair: Origins and history
The first listed American Wirehair was born in the United States, New York, in 1966. Both parents were American Shorthairs and their red kitten, with almost spiky curly fur, was quite different to the rest of the litter. A farmer, Joan O'Shea, adopted this little redhead, named Adam, and researched his strange mutation. After concluding that the gene was dominant and totally different from Rex genetics, she began the painstaking work of setting up a breeding program. Since American Wirehairs are American Shorthairs with different hair, they were widely used to avoid too much incest. These two breeds can only be distinguished by the texture of their coat.
American Wirehair: Characteristics
They are extremely loving and well balanced cats.
To keep them fit, it’s a good idea to give them toys that they can chase and hunt themselves. These rascals also love to play hide and seek! Both inside and outside.
They’re a very patient breed and their ‘hunter’ characteristics make them calm cats. However they are always interested in the world around them.
Just like their ancestors, American Wirehairs are resourceful, alert, curious and intelligent.
Although this characteristic varies greatly from one individual to another, American Wirehairs are considered very sociable and curious, instead of suspicious.
American Wirehairs love having their owners take care of them. But they can also look after themselves.
American Wirehair: Behaviour
They’re not very chatty cats, but some are louder than others.
American Wirehairs need to hunt, but they also need other activities to prevent obesity.
Primarily outdoor cats, their curiosity often makes them want to explore their surroundings! However some do prefer the peace and quiet of their apartments.
It’s definitely worth considering feeding these cats using interactive bowls, as they can be quite greedy.
Breed compatibility American Wirehair
Their sociable nature means they can live with other cats without any problems at all, or at least almost no problems!
They get on well with dogs. Good introductions are necessary though.
American Wirehairs are known for their love for children. However it is still a good idea to keep an eye on them!
As long as the cat is chosen to match their owner’s nature, they can be very good with elderly people.
American Wirehair: Purchase price
American Wirehairs cost between £760 and £910. However, their price go even higher as they’re extremely rare in Europe. It costs approximately £35 per month to look after an American Wirehair in order to keep them in good health.
American Wirehair: Shedding
Light
American Wirehairs don’t lose much hair except sometimes between seasons.
American Wirehair: Grooming
As they have special coats, they also have special grooming needs. American Wirehairs require weekly brushing and you must be careful not to damage their hair while doing so. A monthly bath, or grooming session with an experienced groomer are also recommended to remove the dead hairs that could irritate them, due to their hooked ends. Baths also remove the excess oily secretion from their skin which sometimes accumulates in their hair. As they also tend to produce a lot of earwax, a good cleaning with a dry cloth is recommended once a week, and with an ear solution once a month.
American Wirehair: Health
They live 14 to 18 years.
They adapt quite easily to both hot and cold climates, although perhaps a little less well than their short-haired American cousins.
They do have a slight tendency of being overweight, especially after being sterilised. It is therefore necessary to pay close attention to their diet and exercise.
They can contract all the same illnesses as other cats. It is therefore a good idea to vaccinate and deworm your cats, as well as monitoring for external parasites, especially if their adventurous nature means they spend hours outside.
They are also more susceptible than most cats to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that causes the thickening of the heart muscle.
American Wirehairs can crossbreed with other American Wirehairs or American Shorthairs.
Do you want a American Wirehair cat ?
Is the American Wirehair right for you?
take the test
