History : American wirehair
This American breed of cat originated in upstate New York. Due to a genetic mutation, it was blessed with wiry fur and crinkly whiskers. One source claims that this was one of the most popular breeds, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association as of 2017. However, it was demonstrated to be one of the rarest of the 41 registered breeds.
This unselected mutation of the American Shorthair brought in the American Wirehair. The couple upstate New York had two barn cats, and with their five kittens in 1966, it just happened randomly to that litter. That one male red-and-white kitten had wiry fur.
The first genetic mutation responsible for Wirehair in this breed was different from the Rex mutation found in other breeds sporting a curled coat, such as the Devon or Cornish Rex. Mrs Joan O’Shea was a local Rex breeder living in the locality. She was approached by the owner of the cat to come out and take a look at the kitten. She paid $50 for the kitten and one of his female siblings whose coat was normal.
Between the two, the two produced kittens with the wire-haired coat and many of these sold to other breeders with interest. This naturally increased the population in Canada and Germany, where they proved particularly popular. The popularity of the breed enabled the CFA to register the breed in 1967 and also allowed them to participate in championship events from 1978. American Wirehairs are still found in two other countries: Britain and Australia.
American Wirehairs vs. American Shorthairs
The American Wirehairs differ from the American Shorthairs in having the springy and wiry coat sporting fur on the ears and whiskers. Quite similar, it is to the coat worn by many breeds of dogs termed as terriers and others. While light cats may require sunscreen, their coat does not require any more grooming. Their head is roundish with fairly expressive cheekbones and such muzzles that protrude very much from their face, the body is rather sturdy.
Comparison between Males and Females
Females are generally smaller than males. The American Wirehair comes in every conceivable color of cat coat-again, except in Himalayan, Chocolate, and Lilac. This breed is graded on coat quality, a tiebreaker, since an American Wirehair may score as high as 45 out of 100 points possible for coat quality.
This coat type is fairly low maintenance due to the fact that the gene for the hardness of the coat is dominant. Since the Wirehair coat characteristic is dominant, any breeding of a Wirehair with another breed of cat can produce wired offspring. All the wirehairs have golden eyes, except for a few exceptions- some of the white ones have blue or amber eyes.
Behavior
Calm and stable, it doesn’t differ much from its sibling, the American Shorthair. He is as happy playing in the activity area as he is in owner’s lap, lounging around. One may say: sweet even funny. A peaceful, kind soul yet lively and playful: their voices are soft. In a nutshell, American Wirehairs prefer being indoors.
American Wirehair Grooming & Care
This is another wiry coated breed that is pretty easy to care for. Since they do not shed well, loose hair will probably just fall out with a gentle weekly brushing. Just don’t expect any sympathy from me if you are one to get a little rough and rake through that coat; their wiry hair breaks easier than some other breeds sported by owners who prefer rather smooth coats.
One explanation for why coarse hairs growing in the Wirehair’s ear often have some wax buildup. If you do this: check the ears weekly, and clean them with a mild ear cleanser when needed, they’ll be healthy and infection-free. You’ll keep an American-quality-coat wirehair if you do regular dental cleanings and nail trims.
Physical condition
The American wirehair isn’t a breed to find snuggled up on your lap. Of course, the wirehairs are sweet, but they get fast and active really quick. They thrive on action and excitement so they’re never bored. You might want to shop elsewhere for an appropriate breed if you rarely make it home before daylight.
These cats love people-they know, like well-behaved children-and, if socialized properly, family dogs as well. By no means a “yapper,” this breed can be a very “purrer,” so you’ll know when your cat is content.
Common Health Problems
One of the healthiest breeds of cats, the American Wirehair is soundly bred by a strict and reputable breeding process that created them.
Physical Appearance
It is of moderate size and build, with a muzzle head rounded, ears of medium size, and wide-set eyes. Although the somewhat disparate physical feature between the American Shorthair from the coat and more strongly etched cheekbones makes the American Wirehair quite striking, springy and abrasive might aptly describe the coat of the American Wirehair in as much as its texture depends on the coat texture of the parent.
In some cats, the texture is so scratchy, while others have just the delicate smoothness to the coat. The best cats in this breed should be quite wiry and stiff hair covering the entire body. Although breed standards vary, colors and patterns in American wirehair breed are made differently. The list does not comprise any chocolate, lavender, and Himalayan design.
Nutrition and Diet
It would not be different if a home had, as an American wirehair cat, all other cats demanding the highest quality food. Being naturally carnivorous, cats need a diet that is balanced with proteins and full with vitamins and minerals.
Where to Buy or Adopt an American Wirehair?
Sometimes it is hard to find an American wirehair breeder, although most are quite responsible. Both the CFA and TICA have active breeder lists; thus far neither of them has American wirehair cats on it.
You can also be placed on a waiting list, as this is kind of a rare breed even if you want to get one from a breeder. American wirehair standards show that it’s possible to have varied colors and patterns. Missing colors from it include chocolate, lavender, and Himalayan pattern.
Nutrition/Diet
Like other cats, an American wirehair needs the best diet. Being by nature and a carnivorous breed of domesticated animals, cats should be fed on food rich in content of protein and well-balanced regarding vitamins and minerals.
Where to Buy or Adopt an American Wirehair?
Today, an American wirehair is a pretty rare find, but if you do find one they seem to be trustworthy. The CFA and TICA keep lists of active breeders, but at this time no breeders are listing with these registries for the American wirehair cat. When you do get a lead on a breeder, you probably will be able to go on their waiting list since this breed is still somewhat rare.
About the American Wirehair
Quite a rare American wirehair cat-its harsh coat makes it stand apart from the rest of the family. Pretty shy initially, becomes pretty affectionate to the family and loves kids as well. The breed does not require much grooming and has no known health issues. The only problem with this cat is that it is hard to find a breeder-there aren’t many of them.
FAQs
1-How social is the American Wirehaired Cat with other people?
They can be very reclusive when it comes to other people but very friendly cat to family.
2-How much does an American wirehair cat cost?
If you can get one, these cats could be anywhere from $800-$1200 per cat!
3-Is an American Wirehair a high maintenance grooming cat?
To this end, it only requires the brush to lightly touch the rough hairs of the coat in not provoking damage while rubbing a wirehair.
