Famous Cat: American wirehair
This is a mid-sized cat, but the American Wirehair is an animal that is essentially semi-square in features and temperament. His wiry coat is thick and stiff everywhere down to the whiskers, and folks claim it’s like steel wool. His outstanding fur comes in virtually any color and pattern imaginable.
While this cat, the American wirehair, is wired in its coat-its attitude isn’t. The average American Wirehair cat is quite a placid and tolerant creature, one that learns to accept life. His favorite pastime is sitting on a sunny windowsill as he watches birds. His hunting skills are bound to come in handy when the insects begin their invasion inside.
So if you socialized your American Wirehair cat well when he was a kitten, he should be pretty pleased to say hello to your visitors. This 6-11-pound cat might be just the ticket for families that have older children that will treat him with dignity; toddlers and smaller children should be watched so as not to take advantage of him. And he even gets along quite well with any dog in the house that tolerates cats.
By the way, the American Wirehair coat is harsh and therefore not hypoallergenic. All cats-and people for that matter-are shedding dead skin cells called dander, which causes the allergy, and not the coat at all. No breed or crossbreed is demonstrably more or less allergic than any other cat, which is what science states.
In fact, there is a range of cat American wirehair and some may induce less extreme reactions in one person than another. No responsible breeder can guarantee that her cats are hypoallergenic. A handsome addition to any home, American Wirehairs enjoy living indoors if his housemates adore him and groom his distinctive coat regularly. Keep him indoors for his own safety, away from traffic, diseases carried by other cats, and assaults by other animals.
Quick Facts
1- This is a high maintenance cat, but the breed needs to be brushed or combed only in the spring when the older growth sheds.
2- American Wirehair Coat; American Wirehair coats are made of thick, coarse wire crimp. The breed comes in almost every conceivable color and pattern.
3- American Shorthair and American Wirehair are sister breeds; they are often cross-bred.
Origin of the American Wirehair Breed
In the spontaneous natural mutation, which gave birth to the cat American Wirehair, is nothing unusual for cats. In mid-1960’s the first wirehaired cat was found in upstate New York. At this moment Joan O’Shea, a cat breeder, became interested in this peculiarity of nature. She named him Council Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi and bred him to a neighbor’s cat who may also bear the wiry hair gene.
This litter of wiry-coated kittens was, in addition, a by-product. Now known in a second mating to carry a dominant gene for a wire coat, British cat geneticists who analyzed hair samples of the animals demonstrated that the cats were not related to the Cornish.
American Wirehair Personality and Temperament
The nice and friendly cat American Wirehair easily succeeds in adapting himself to whatever demands his family may be having, thus making him possibly the best companion for most anyone, even seniors who tend to spend much time alone. Due also to being very tolerant and playful, this cat can well be the best playfellow for children. Just take good care of making sure that your child gives him the respect and delicateness he deserves.
While some cat American Wirehairs are cuddle bugs with their owners, others abhor it. He may give you a small “Hey, look at me!” love bite when he wants your attention. Men are often extremely laid-back personalities, and the females tend to be more concerned about keeping track of what is going on around the home.
This cat also likes to play solo, but interactive play is a fantastic play style for an American Wirehair: opening puzzle toys that will challenge them to dislodge food, “hunting” lures attached to fishing poles, or batting at large peacock feathers. They are very smart and trainable, and enthusiastically learn new skills, such as replacing your couch with a scratching post.
We would be content with a window seat where kids would love watching the birds. American Wirehairs are social cats. Thus, they will get along very well with other pets just like dogs. They, however are mute; their face says it all and declares what they intend to say. Of course, that hallmark character that defines this breed is patience which will not fail during hunting.
American Wirehair Breeder Information
Responsible breeders are a part of a code of ethics that enforces their responsibilities to the buyer and their cats, such as selling to pet shops or wholesalers. Look for a breeder who keeps its kittens indoors and has had as many of the available health clearances possible done in order to limit genetic health issues.
Kittens raised in isolation not only may fear and dread people, but also can make it extremely challenging for them to socialize when they mature. Before you ever bring a kitten into your home, really think long and hard as to whether or not an adult American Wirehair would better suit your lifestyle.
Kittens are a lot of work, and although they’re a lot of fun and seem to find their way into every nook and cranny, they can be pretty destructive until matured. If you’d prefer an older cat, ask breeders about purchasing a retired show or breeding cat which could use a new home.
