Breed History

The homeland of this unusual breed is Verona, New York, USA. It is believed to have originated as a result of a dominant spontaneous mutation in a litter of an American Shorthair cat with an unusual coat.

The first representative of the breed was a male kitten named Adam (Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi) . He was born on March 5, 1966, and was not the only kitten in the litter, but the others died at the paws of a ferret. Adam would likely have suffered the same fate if not for breeder Joan O'Shea. Upon learning of the unique red-and-white kitten, Joan not only bought him but also developed a breed development program. She bred him with American Shorthair cats.

The breed standard was created in 1976 by CFA, and the breed was officially recognized in the USA in 1978. American Wirehair cats have become relatively widespread only in the United States and Canada; throughout the rest of the world, they are considered quite rare — no more than a few hundred individuals. In many countries, the breed is still not recognized, despite having received official recognition from almost all world felinological systems and others, except FIFe and GCCF.

Appearance

The American Wirehair corresponds in type to the American Shorthair but has a coarse, short, crimped coat. The wirehair mutation is unique to this breed. Weight: 3.5–7 kg. Kittens are born with wavy hair and acquire their classic appearance only after a few months. Approximately half of the kittens in a litter are born with a traditional coat structure (smooth-haired).

Standard — Point Scale (TOPCAT):

Head (30 points):

• Shape (10 points): The broad head gives a rounded impression, but it is slightly longer than broad. The top of the head is rounded in profile, but not domed.
• Muzzle and chin (10 points): The nose is of medium length and broad. The muzzle is massive, almost square, and clearly defined with a slight whisker break. The chin is full and strong.
• Profile (10 points): The profile is clearly curved, with a moderate stop.

Eyes (5 points): Large and wide-set, with the upper lid shaped like half an almond (cut lengthwise) and the lower lid shaped in a fully rounded curve. At least the width of one eye between eyes. Outer corners set very slightly higher than inner corners.

Ears (5 points): Medium-sized with slightly rounded tips, which may have tufts. They are wide-set but not very open at the base.

Neck (4 points): Medium short, muscular, and solid.

Body (30 points):

• Size and boning (10 points): Medium to large in size with quite heavy boning. Females can be proportionately smaller.
• Torso (8 points): Rectangular format. The rib cage is round and well developed. The torso is rounded and of even width, with a level back.
• Legs and paws (8 points): Medium length, with solid muscles. Paws are firm and rounded.

Tail (5 points): Of medium length in proportion to the body; it tapers slightly from a broad base to a rounded tip.

Coat (20 points):

• Length (5 points): Short and even.
• Texture (10 points): The coat is resilient, coarse, and very dense. Each individual hair is crimped, hooked, or bent, resulting in a wiry coat standing away from the body. The general impression of wiring is more important than the crimping of each individual hair.
• Color (5 points): Colors not belonging to the original gene pool (chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, caramel, sepia, and mink colors, as well as their combinations with white) are not recognized. All other colors and patterns, including the pointed pattern, are recognized. Any amount of white is permitted.

Condition (5 points): Excellent physical condition, glossy coat, clean eyes and ears, good muscle tone.

Special Breed Faults

• Low, flat forehead
• Heavy, protruding eyebrow ridges
• Too big, too round, or deep-set eyes
• Long, pointed ears or ears set too close together
• Too short and thick or too long and slender neck
• Whip-like tail, too short and thick tail
• Sparse, thin coat, bare patches

Without Certificates

• Fine boning
• Long or narrow head
• Long Roman nose
• Thin muzzle

Disqualification

• White buttons or lockets
• Long hair
• Amputated claws
• Cryptorchidism
• Deafness
• Noticeable bone deformities

Personality and Character

The American Wirehair is a very energetic cat, strong, healthy, and very playful. Sociable, kind, devoted, treats its owner with love and affection, but is initially reserved with strangers. Adapts quickly to other pets and gets along easily with them. Gets along with children. Not aggressive, calm, affectionate, loves to sit on laps. Meows little. Enjoys going outside but also tolerates the confined space of a city apartment well. An excellent hunter.

Care and Maintenance

The American Wirehair is unpretentious in care, despite its unusual coat texture.

• Coat: Brushing the wiry coat is not recommended — the delicate wavy coat can be damaged by combs that are too harsh. Gently separate mats by hand.
• Drying: Using a hair dryer to dry the coat is not allowed, as it may straighten the hairs.
• Bathing: Monthly baths with a mild shampoo are necessary to keep the cat in good condition.
• Hygiene: Regular check of ears and eyes, nail trimming as needed.

Nutrition

American Wirehairs have good appetites, so their diet should be carefully considered. A balanced diet — super-premium food or a high-quality natural diet — is necessary.

Health

Because American Wirehair cats originated from a spontaneous mutation, they are in good health. However, the mutation is not associated with any specific breed diseases. Most often they suffer from the same issues as American Shorthairs: cardiomyopathy and obesity from overfeeding. Average life expectancy: up to 15 years.

Breeding

Permissible outcrosses (in the TOPCAT system):

• American Shorthair

Important: British Shorthair is not listed in the TOPCAT standard as a permissible outcross.

Breeds Created Using American Wirehair Cats

None identified to date.

Other and Obsolete Breed Names

American Rough-haired. Wirehaired. Wire-coat.

Unofficial (Slang) Names

Plush. Wirehair.