American Wirehair

This cat is an American original. It’s not unusual for natural mutations to pop up in cats in different places around the world, but so far the mutation for a wiry coat has appeared only in the United States. It was first seen in 1966, in a litter of kittens born to a domestic shorthair cat in upstate New York. The only kitten to survive from that litter was a red tabby and white male.

Because of his unusual coat, the owners showed him to a local cat breeder, Joan O’Shea, who purchased the kinky-coated kitten for $50, named him Council Rock Adam of Hi-Fi and set about trying to reproduce him through crosses to American Shorthairs.

The American Wirehair achieved full recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association in 1978. In The International Cat Association, the breed is considered a type of American Shorthair. American Wirehairs are also recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association, the Canadian Cat Association,  and the World Cat Federation. They are outcrossed to American Shorthairs to maintain genetic diversity.

The American Wirehair cat is generally a medium-sized breed with a well-proportioned and muscular build. Adult males typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds, while females usually range from 6 to 12 pounds.

An American Wirehair can be expected to have much the same personality as the American Shorthair: adaptable, good-natured, affectionate and playful. He is sometimes described as clownish. This is an athletic cat with a moderate activity level. He enjoys a good playtime as much as the next cat, but he’s not overly demanding of attention or activity.

As befits a working class cat who has made good, he is smart and enjoys playing with puzzle toys and interactive toys. He has a sociable nature and isn’t the type to hide under the bed when visitors arrive. The American Wirehair is a quiet cat who loves people and will follow them from room to room. He takes a keen interest in everything going on around him. He may or may not be a lap cat, but he will always appreciate having a spot next to you on the sofa or at the end of the bed.

Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. American Wirehairs are generally healthy, however.

The American Wirehair’s unusual coat needs little care. Brushing or combing can damage it, so that type of grooming isn’t necessary except in the spring, when the cat is shedding his winter coat.  A bath is rarely necessary. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing.

Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.

Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene. It’s a good idea to keep an American Wirehair as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. American Wirehairs who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such an unusual cat without paying for it.

Sproing! That’s not the typical reaction we expect when we pet a cat, but his springy, resilient coat is part and parcel of the American Wirehair’s charm and good looks. The crimped, tight hair of the medium-length coat has a hard but pleasing texture. Even the whiskers and the hair inside the ears is crimped and springy. The coat comes in many different colors and patterns.

The American Wirehair has a rounded head with high cheekbones, medium-size ears that are rounded at the tips, and large, round bright eyes that tilt slightly upward. The medium-size body is supported by muscular legs and rounded paws with heavy pads. Flicking behind the well-rounded rear end is a tail that tapers from the rump to a rounded tip.

The easygoing but playful American Wirehair is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He can learn tricks and loves the attention he receives from children who treat him politely and with respect. He will get along fine with dogs if they don’t give him any trouble.

He is a skilled hunter, but may learn to leave pet birds or other small animals alone if he is introduced to them at an early age. When in doubt, however, separation is best. Always introduce any pets, even other cats, slowly and in a controlled setting.

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