
The American Wirehair is one of the newest and most special cat breeds of our time. He has an adorable and peculiar appearance. These beautiful cats with an affable and loyal character won over everyone who was able to coexist with one of them. Resistant and very suitable for families with children, these cats have a lot to tell us.
Keep reading this AnimalPlanet sheet and find out everything you need to know about the American wirehair, its main characteristics, basic care, character and possible he alth problems!
Origin
- America
- United States
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Strong
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 5-6
Life expectancy
- 18-20
Character
- Active
- Extrovert
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Curious
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Medium
Origin of American Wirehair
The American wirehair appeared relatively recently, in the 1960s. In 1966, in an American family living in New York, their cat had a very special litter, because one of their kittens had a coat different from the stay. His hair was curly and very rough.
This first hard-haired cat was sold to a breeder who decided to develop the breed, because she had been conquered by this kitten with its particularities. To avoid congenital defects and problems due to inbreeding, American Wirehairs were crossed with American Shorthairs. Thus, the number of copies of American Wirehair increased and the breed was recognized in 1978 by entities such as the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA).
Characteristics of American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is a medium-sized cat, weighing between 6 and 8 kg for males and 4.3 to 5.5 kg for females. They are very long-lived cats, since they can even live more than 20 years, 20 being the average life expectancy of American Wirehair cats.
The body of these cats has a very developed musculature, with strong and resistant extremities. Their tail, like their legs, is of medium length. The head has a rounded shape, ending in a short muzzle with a somewhat prominent chin. The eyes are quite large, separated from each other, also round and very shiny, the colors are varied depending on the coat of the animal. The ears are medium in size, ending in a rounded point and with a narrow base.
As for the hair of the American wirehair, we must say that this one is very special, because it usually attracts attention with its roughness. Its hair is filiform and curly all over the body, the intensity of the curl varying according to the area. His whiskers are also rough and like the rest of his coat, they are curly.
American wirehair cat colors
The colors of the American Wirehair's coat are very varied, there are no restrictions in terms of shades and patterns. Thus, all colors and patterns are accepted in this breed of cat.
American wirehair character
American Wirehairs are known to be extremely affectionate cats. So much so that sometimes their pleas for cuddles and attention can be pure imposition, being utterly imperative when seeking affection from their humans.
" Although he is very attentive and affectionate with those he knows, the American Wirehair is quite reserved, very reluctant to let himself be petted or touched by strangers, because he is wary of them. If you have just adopted an American Wirehair and this is happening to you, please see the following article: How to tell if a cat trusts me."
These kittens are extremely alert and intelligent, they love games, especially those that promote the development of their intellect and skills. So we can prepare hunting games for our cat, as well as different puzzles for cats, because they will enjoy them very much, especially if we also participate in the game.
How to take care of an American wirehair?
As for the care that the hair of the American wirehair requires, the coat does not require much attention, since its hardness gives it the characteristic of not tangling and a weekly brushing to remove the dirt that could have accumulated there will be more than enough. As for the baths, it is recommended to limit it to occasions when it is totally and strictly necessary. If you have to bathe it, we must use a shampoo suitable for cats, also taking into account the type of coat for which the product is made.
American Wirehairs are extremely active and energetic, which is why one of their basic needs, along with proper nutrition and sufficient hydration, is daily physical activity. For this, it is advisable to have enough space for him to move around in, as well as toys and hobbies that allow him to have fun, whether it is to play with us or when he is is alone.
American Wirehair He alth
The American Wirehair stands out for its iron he alth, we must also take into account that it is a very recent breed, so it may be that later we discover diseases to which they are more prone or more likely to suffer than other breeds. So far what we have found is that they have somewhat delicate skin, suffering from different skin conditions, such as dermatitis, and so we need to provide them with a suitable diet rich in vitamins and minerals. , which will keep their skin and general he alth in good condition.
It is also very important to take your American Wirehair to the vet regularly. It is advisable to make the first visit when it comes to a kitten. Thus, they can have all the diagnostic tests carried out and take preventive measures such as vaccinations and deworming, which will help to fight against a large number of diseases.
Also, as with all other cat breeds, it will be vital to keep their coat, eyes, mouth, claws and ears clean and in good condition, going to the vet at the slightest anomaly detected, because that's how we can solve it as soon as possible and avoid complications of all kinds.
Pictures of American wirehair


