American Wirehair

Breed Overview

Introduction

The American Wirehair is a uniquely coated cat breed developed in the United States. It is distinguished by its coarse, springy fur and crinkled whiskers – traits arising from a spontaneous genetic mutation.

Originating in upstate New York in 1966, this breed remains quite rare even today; it was once named the rarest of the 41 breeds registered by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

American Wirehairs are known for their adaptable, even-tempered nature. They are generally friendly and playful with their families, yet also enjoy quiet lap time. Thanks to their hardy, wire-like coat, they require relatively little grooming.

The American Wirehair is one of the few cat breeds developed in the USA. It was first discovered in a litter of farm cats in Vernon, New York, in 1966.

A red-and-white male kitten with odd curly fur (later named “Adam”) was retained for breeding, and he and his normally coated sister (Tip-Top) founded a breeding program By 1967, the new “Wirehair” was recognized by the CFA, and by 1978 it had championship status. The breed quickly spread to Canada and Europe, though it remains uncommon outside North America.

Despite its newness, the American Wirehair’s look and personality have been carefully standardized: in fact, aside from its wired coat and whiskers, it is essentially identical to the American Shorthair.

Breed History

The American Wirehair first appeared as a natural mutation in 1966 on a New York farm. The kitten (a short-haired breed was likely the mother) surprised his owners with wiry fur.

Recognizing this unique trait, breeder Joan O’Shea purchased the kitten and a normal-coated littermate for $50 to start a breeding program. All wirehaired kittens inherited the trait (because the wirehair gene is dominant).

Within a year, wirehair offspring were being sold to other breeders. In 1967 the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized the American Wirehair, and by 1978 it was eligible for championship competition.

The breed remains relatively rare; for example, as of 2017 it was ranked the “rarest” CFA-registered breed. Few breeders work with Wirehairs, and finding a kitten often means joining a waiting list.

Physical Characteristics

American Wirehairs are a medium-sized but robustly built cat. They have a broad chest, strong, muscular neck and body, and heavy-boned legs. Males typically weigh 12–15 pounds and females 8–12 pounds.

The head is round with high cheekbones and a square muzzle, giving a “blocky” profile. Their eyes are large and round, usually green or gold (some white cats may have blue or amber eyes). The ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded, often with a tuft of wiry hair inside.

The signature feature is the coat: it is dense, crimped and springy to the touch. Each hair (including whiskers) is kinked, hooked or bent.

Coarseness can vary – some cats have tightly spiked fur while others are just slightly wavy – but top show-quality Wirehairs have hard, stiff hair all over. The coat length is generally short to medium, with a thick undercoat that becomes even denser in winter.

Interestingly, this coat requires very little grooming; it rarely mats and actually resists tangling. Most Wirehairs only need the occasional gentle brushing or bath to remove loose hairs or body oils

American Wirehairs can come in almost any color or pattern (tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor, etc.), excluding only the Himalayan (pointed), chocolate, and lilac categories.

Their coat’s wild texture leads to comparisons with terrier fur; Purina even describes it as feeling “like steel wool or lamb’s wool”.

Despite the unusual fur, the Wirehair’s whiskers and ear furnishings have the same kinked quality, so their faces look as unique as their bodies.

Behavior and Personality

American Wirehairs are known for a calm, even temperament. They tend to be friendly and affectionate with their families, often seeking out lap time and gentle play.

They are not overly demanding of attention: while they enjoy a good game, they can entertain themselves and will nap quietly if no one is around.

Wirehairs are generally gentle and patient; they rarely become aggressive or hyper. Their voice is soft and quiet – many owners note that Wirehairs meow only sporadically.

These cats are intelligent and inquisitive. They will bring toys to their owners to initiate play, and many can be taught tricks or respond to clicker training nearly as well as a dog.

They remain playful well into adulthood, yet they are not obsessive attention-seekers. Wirehairs adapt easily to different living situations. For example, they bond well with singles living alone as much as with busy families.

The International Cat Association (TICA) notes that American Wirehairs are “extremely tolerant of children”, which fits with breeders’ observations that these cats enjoy gentle family interaction.

They also tend to get along with other pets; their even-keel nature means they rarely start conflicts with other cats or dogs.

If anything, American Wirehairs can be a bit shy or reserved around strangers. They will typically warm up to new people given time and kindness, but initially they may hold back.

Overall, though, they are affectionate and loyal: once the Wirehair decides you’re part of the family, he’ll happily sit beside you, head-butt for pets, and purr enthusiastically.

In short, this breed combines the pleasant stability of the American Shorthair with an extra touch of playful goofiness and charm.

Care Tips

Diet

Feed a high-quality, protein-rich diet appropriate for the cat’s life stage. Wirehairs have thick, muscular builds, so it’s important to monitor their weight closely.

Keep portions moderate: obesity can strain their joints and heart (especially since they may be prone to hip issues). Always provide fresh water.

Consult your vet for portion guidelines, and consider measured meals or puzzle feeders to prevent overeating.

Exercise

American Wirehairs enjoy regular play. Engage them daily with interactive toys (feather wands, toy mice, balls, etc.) and let them climb on cat trees or shelves. They have short bursts of energy, so games of chase or gentle fetch are great.

These cats also like puzzles and treat-dispensing toys, which provide both physical activity and mental engagement. Because they are intelligent, you can even teach them to walk on a leash or perform tricks.

Ensuring they get enough playtime will help keep their muscles toned and prevent boredom.

Environment & Enrichment

Wirehairs thrive in an enriched home. Provide scratching posts (they help with nail care and stretching) and perches or window seats so the cat can observe outdoor activities safely.

These cats are not extreme climbers like some breeds, but they enjoy jumping onto sturdy furniture. A calm household (not overly loud) suits their laid-back nature, but they appreciate companionship.

They generally adapt well to change, but like all cats, benefit from routine and cozy hiding spots.

If allowed outdoors, do so under supervision or in a secure enclosure; most Wirehairs make good indoor pets but still enjoy fresh air and sights through a screened window.

Grooming

The American Wirehair’s coat is unusually low-maintenance. You do not need to brush often – in fact, most breeders recommend limiting brushing so as not to break the stiff hairs.

Only during seasonal “blowing” of the coat (rare for this breed) or obvious shedding should you gently comb or glove-remove loose hairs. Occasional baths (every few months) can help manage any excessive oils, since some Wirehairs develop a slightly greasy coat.

Check the ears weekly: the wiry hair inside can trap wax, so clean gently with cat ear cleaner if needed. Brush your cat’s teeth with pet toothpaste a few times a week, and trim his nails about once a month.

Overall, this breed is very clean and typically requires minimal grooming effort compared to long-haired cats.

Mental Stimulation

Wirehairs are clever and curious. Give them puzzle toys, treat mazes, or interactive games to challenge their minds.

You can play hide-and-seek with treats, teach simple commands (sit, come), or even walk your Wirehair on a leash for variety. Rotate the cat’s toys regularly to keep them novel.

Many Wirehairs will enjoy watching bird videos or having a window bird feeder to observe outside wildlife. Praise and treats for learning new tricks or positive behavior can make your cat flourish.

A bored Wirehair may become less social or develop minor mischievous habits, so positive engagement is key to their happiness.

Health Concerns

Note: The American Wirehair is generally a healthy breed. However, because it shares ancestry with the American Shorthair, it can inherit similar issues (especially heart and hip problems). Always work with reputable breeders who provide health clearances (e.g. heart and hip certificates).

Routine veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle (proper diet, exercise, dental care) will help keep any cat – including an American Wirehair – in prime condition.

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Do American Wirehairs shed a lot? 

No. Their wiry coat is low-shedding. Unless the cat is molting (rare), you will only see minimal loose hairs. Routine brushing is usually unnecessary – the coat even repels dirt to some extent.

What is the Wirehair’s temperament? 

They are generally friendly and laid-back. Wirehairs love their families and will often follow owners around or snuggle in their laps. They are playful yet gentle, and they usually maintain a calm demeanor. Most are not shy in familiar home settings, but can be cautious with strangers at first.

Are they good with children and other pets? 

Yes. American Wirehairs are known to be very tolerant of children, meaning they usually handle noise and play well (with supervision). They also tend to get along peacefully with other pets. Their easygoing nature means they adapt well to a busy family or a home with a resident dog or another cat.

What about allergies?

Unfortunately, no. American Wirehairs are not hypoallergenic. Their unique coat and normal cat dander still produce allergens. People with cat allergies should be cautious and may be better off with a truly hypoallergenic breed.

How much do American Wirehairs cost? 

Because they are rare and in limited supply, Wirehairs can be pricey. Expect to pay roughly $800–$1,200 for a kitten, if you find one through a reputable breeder. Adoption from rescues can be much less, but Wirehairs are rarely found in shelters. Training and adoption should factor in any rescue or breed club waiting lists.

How long do they live? 

On average, Wirehairs live into their teens. A typical lifespan is about 10–16 years. Some have been reported to reach 18 or even 20 years in excellent care. Good nutrition and regular vet visits will help maximize their lifespan.

Do they like to play or need a lot of attention? 

They enjoy play but don’t demand constant interaction. You will find an American Wirehair happily chasing a toy and then contentedly napping in a sunbeam. They make excellent companions because they are affectionate but not clingy. They appreciate company, however, and benefit from daily playtime and human interaction.

Is their grooming difficult?

 Not at all. Grooming is among the easiest aspects of owning a Wirehair. Unless your cat has a particularly heavy shed, brushing can be done infrequently. As Purina notes, “because of her special, delicate coat, grooming is actually discouraged” unless needed. Bathing occasionally can help with any oily coat.

Are they rare outside the USA? 

Yes. As of the 2020s, American Wirehairs remain almost exclusively found in North America. They have not been imported or bred significantly in the UK, Australia, and many other countries. This rarity can make a pet Wirehair quite exotic for those living elsewhere.

Bonus Facts

Born in a Barn

The breed began with a single farm kitten. The first known Wirehair – “Adam” – was discovered in a barn by chance. He turned out to be a new dominant mutation. Without him, the American Wirehair would not exist.

Steel Wool Coat

Breeders often compare an American Wirehair’s fur to steel wool or lamb’s wool. Each hair is coiled and stands off the body, giving a springy, protective coat. The coat’s toughness is so characteristic that any muzzle hair and whisker is also crimped, making the whiskers look bent.

One Wire Parent is Enough

The wirehair trait is genetically dominant. This means if you mate a Wirehair with any normal shorthaired cat (even a random barn cat), many of the kittens will inherit the wire coat. This helped the early breeders establish the coat trait quickly. It also means that American Wirehairs can be backcrossed with American Shorthairs to expand breeding programs without losing the wired coat.

Lookalikes

From a distance, the American Wirehair strongly resembles the American Shorthair in body type. In fact, the two breeds differ almost only in coat texture. They have historically been crossbred to introduce diversity. (It’s been said that breeders of wirehairs often joke these cats were “born to control barn rodents,” reflecting their robust, working-cat build.)

Rarity Reward

In a 2017 CFA report, the Wirehair was cited as the rarest of all registered cat breeds. This means owning one can be a source of bragging rights – if you can find a breeder at all. Their scarcity has also made them somewhat collectible among cat enthusiasts.

References

Goodley, Alvin (2019-02-18). “10 Rarest Cat Breeds in the World”. Rarest.org. Retrieved 2019-12-31.

“Canadian Cat Association breed standard: American Wirehair” (PDF). Canadian Cat Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-12-07. Retrieved October 1, 2011.

Geyer, Georgie Anne (2004). When Cats Reigned Like Kings: On the Trail of the Sacred Cats. Andrews McMeel Publishing. p. 174. ISBN 978-0-7407-4697-0.

“Learn About the Rare American Wirehair Cat”. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved 2023-06-02.

“American Wirehair Facts – Wisdom Panel™ Cat Breeds”. Wisdom Panel™. Retrieved 2023-06-02.

“Cat Fancier’s Association: About the American Wirehair”. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2018-11-02.

Hampshire, Kristen; Iris Bass; Lori Paximadis (2011). Cat Lover’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Insight and Guidance for Living a Joyful Life with Your Cat. Quarry Books. p. 56. ISBN 978-1-61058-138-7.

Bessant, Claire (1999). Cat: The Complete Guide. Barnes & Noble Publishing. p. 200. ISBN 978-0-7607-1718-9.

Пинтер, Алберт (2000). Котката (превод от руски). София: изд. къща „ЕМАС“. p. 208.