American Wirehair
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United States
About the American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is a domesticated cat breed originating from the United States. It features a unique wire-haired coat and is recognized by major cat registries.
Overview
The American Wirehair is a breed of domestic cat originating in upstate New York , which is characterized by its wiry fur and crinkly whiskers caused by a genetic mutation . As of 2017 [ update ] , though the breed is well-known, it is ranked as the rarest of the 41 Cat Fanciers'' Association breeds.
History
The American Wirehair is a spontaneous mutation of the American Shorthair . It first occurred as a random mutation among a litter of five born to a pair of barn cats in 1966 in Vernon, in upstate New York. This single red-and-white male had wiry fur. The dominant genetic mutation, which causes the wirehair, was found to be different from the Rex mutation of other curly-coated breeds—such as the Cornish Rex or Devon Rex . The owner of the cats called a local breeder of Rex cats, Mrs. Joan O''Shea, to look at the kitten. She bought the kitten for $50, along with one of his normal-coated female littermates, to start a breeding program. The wirehaired male was named Council Rock Farms Adams of Hi-Fi (''Adam'' for short), and the female Tip-Top. Breeding between the two produced wirehaired kittens, many of which were sold off to other interested breeders. As the population grew, cats were exported to Canada and Germany, where they are especially popular. The breed did well, and in 1967 it was recognized by the CFA, and in 1978, it was accepted for championship competition. American Wirehairs have yet to make an appearance in Britain and Australia, among other countries.
Behaviour
The Wirehair has an even, balanced temperament which is essentially identical to that of its American Shorthair relative. Wirehairs are equally content to play or fall asleep in their owners'' laps. They have been described as cute and somewhat humorous. They are gentle and quiet, but also playful and active. They have quiet voices.
Characteristics
American Wirehairs are similar to American Shorthairs, with the exception of a springy, wiry coat, including ear fur, and whiskers. This coat is similar to the wire coats of some dog breeds, such as terriers. Their fur requires little grooming, although lighter cats may require sunblock. Wirehairs are of a moderate, sturdy build, with round heads, high cheekbones, and a pronounced muzzle. Females are generally smaller than males. American Wirehairs display the full spectrum of possible cat coat colors, although Himalayan, Chocolate and Lilac are not accepted for competition. When evaluating this breed, the emphasis is mostly on the quality of the coat - out of a total of 100 points for quality coat, an American Wirehair can get 45. This type of coat is easy to maintain because the gene determining the hardness of the coat is dominant. The Wirehair coat trait is dominant, so any breeding between a Wirehair and another cat can produce wired kittens. Wirehairs have green or golden eyes, except for some white ones that have blue or amber eyes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the American Wirehair?
The American Wirehair is a domestic cat breed originating in upstate New York, characterized by its wiry fur and crinkly whiskers. They have a springy, wiry coat, including ear fur, and whiskers, similar to wire coats of some dog breeds. Their build is moderate and sturdy, with round heads and a short, compact body.
Is the American Wirehair a good family cat?
As a general rule, American Wirehairs are suitable for families with older children, as they can be sensitive to rough handling. They are relatively low-maintenance and affectionate, but may not be the best fit for very young children or extremely active households.
What health problems do American Wirehairs have?
As a rare breed, there is limited health data available for the American Wirehair. However, like many breeds, they can be prone to general feline health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining their overall health.
How much does an American Wirehair kitten cost?
The cost of an American Wirehair kitten can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. On average, a pet-quality American Wirehair kitten can cost between $600 to $1,200, while a show-quality kitten may cost upwards of $1,500 to $2,500.