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American Wirehair cat master archive image

ARCHIVE / AMERICAN-WIREHAIR

American Wirehair

ORIGIN & HISTORY

The breed began with a curly-haired kitten named Adam born on a farm in upstate New York in 1966. Their wire coat is the result of a dominant genetic mutation.

IDEAL FOR

  • + Owners seeking a unique look without demanding grooming requirements
  • + People looking for a healthy, robust companion that can live up to 20 years
  • + Those who prefer a quiet but playful and socially mature pet
WEIGHT
3.5 - 7KG
LIFESPAN
14 - 18YEARS

THINK TWICE IF

  • - People who specifically crave the touch of soft, silky, or smooth fur
  • - Owners uncomfortable with the lack of widespread community data for rare breeds
  • - Those who prefer an intensely clingy cat over one that values some independence

MORPHOLOGY STUDY

American Wirehair cat frontal morphology study
01 / Frontal Face
American Wirehair cat 90-degree profile
90° PROFILE
American Wirehair cat full body lateral line
LATERAL LINE
American Wirehair cat eye macro focus
EYE MASTER
HEALTH RISK ADVISORY
No specific breed-related issues
Severity: Low
Variant study
VARIANT STUDY

The American Wirehair is best known for its unique 'wire' coat, which resulted from a natural mutation in New York.

CARE INDEX

GROOMING
SHEDDING
ACTIVITY

ECONOMICS & ORIGIN

PRICE RANGE
$1,200 - $3,500 (Cattery standard)
ORIGIN & BIOLOGY
United States / semi-cobby

SOCIAL COMPATIBILITY

KIDS
OTHER CATS
DOGS
STRANGERS

RECOMMENDED CARE ITEMS

Hypoallergenic Moisturizing Shampoo
Prevents skin issues that can arise from oil buildup within the dense, wiry coat
Soft Latex Massage Brush
Gently removes dead hair and stimulates circulation without damaging the unique wiry structure

IDENTIFICATION TIP

"Similar in build to the American Shorthair, but check for the unique, crimped, wiry texture of the coat."

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Q. Does the coat feel prickly?

A. Not at all. While it looks coarse, it feels springy and dense, much like touching a high-quality woolly teddy bear.

Q. Are they related to American Shorthairs?

A. Yes, they originated from a natural mutation in an American Shorthair litter, making them very similar in build and temperament.

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION

CFA (The Cat Fanciers' Association)
Championship
TICA (The International Cat Association)
Championship Breed

REFERENCES & SOURCES

CFA (The Cat Fanciers' Association)
CFA (The Cat Fanciers' Association) VIEW OFFICIAL STANDARD
CFA (The Cat Fanciers' Association) VIEW OFFICIAL STANDARD
TICA (The International Cat Association)
TICA (The International Cat Association) VIEW OFFICIAL STANDARD
TICA (The International Cat Association) VIEW OFFICIAL STANDARD

* This guide describes general breed characteristics. For medical decisions, always consult a professional veterinarian.