Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

American Wirehair Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

fawn american wirehair cat

The American Wirehair is a relatively modern breed, known for its harsh-textured coat that gives the breed their name. These cats are still quite rare, so you may not know enough about them to know if they will be suitable for you and your family.

American Wirehairs are originally descended from Domestic Shorthair cats, and they’ve inherited an easy-going attitude, but they still love to indulge their inner hunting instincts, even just against their toys! They can be reserved with strangers but are loving and affectionate with their families.

Breed Overview

Height:

10–14 inches

Weight:

4–11 pounds

Lifespan:

14–20 years

Colors:

Many different colors and patterns of coat, usually combined with golden, amber, or blue eyes

Suitable for:

Families looking for a laid-back and affectionate cat

Temperament:

Playful and friendly with medium energy levels; can be prolific hunters

These cats are far more than just an unusual coat, and many families who have discovered this breed are now in love with their chilled-out attitude, playful natures, and love of purring! If you’re ready to find out more about this charismatic breed, read on to learn everything there is to know about the American Wirehair.

American Wirehair Characteristics

Energy
+
A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
+
Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
+
Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
+
Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

divider 2 cats

American Wirehair Kittens

White and Gray American Wirehiaired Kitten
Image Credit By: Kitti_Kween, Shutterstock

American Wirehair kittens are incredibly cute, and their coats are wiry to the touch from birth. While you may be tempted to sign up for a kitten right away, it’s important to first make sure that you can meet this breed’s requirements in terms of their living conditions. American Wirehairs love human company, so while they don’t mind entertaining themselves for a few hours a day, they will soon get lonely if left to their own devices while their families are at work.

Their coat and skin also need different care than those of a regular-coated cat. Their skin can be more allergy-prone and more oily than many other breeds, meaning you may need to regularly bathe your cat. They can also be prolific hunters, so if your cat goes outside daily, you’ll need to be prepared if they may bring home the occasional unwelcome present. If an American Wirehair lives indoors, then you’ll need to provide plenty of play activities for them to indulge their love of hunting with toys instead.

divider 2 cats

Temperament & Intelligence of the American Wirehair

The American Wirehair’s characteristics are quite unique, they are extremely smart, so don’t expect them to be happy sleeping all day without the chance for playtime. They expect plenty of interaction from their human owners, and while they’re not vocal, you’ll definitely know that they want attention. They’re not happy being left alone for long periods. If everyone is out of the house most days of the week, then this may not be the breed for you.

Besides being smart, American Wirehairs have a fantastic temperament. They’re engaging, playful, and simply delightful to be around. They can be prolific hunters, so be prepared for an outdoor cat following their instincts or an indoor cat becoming frustrated if they don’t have any toys to play with in order to release their desire to stalk and pounce!

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

American Wirehairs are a great choice for an all-around family cat. They love playing with kids and have plenty of energy for endless games. But after all the excitement, they’re more than happy to come and relax and treat you to their loud purr as they settle down.

These active cats thrive on plenty of attention, so you may find that having multiple family members gives them all the socializing that they love so much.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

American Wirehairs have an easy-going attitude, which makes them a great choice for a multi-pet household. They’re not overly territorial, so they are usually happy to live with other cats, as long as there is enough attention and lap space to go around! They can also adapt to life in the same house as dogs, as long as they’re slowly and carefully introduced to each other. Some American Wirehairs will even play with the family dog, a great way to keep both of them entertained!

Remember that their high prey drive may put smaller pets at risk if they’re left unattended together. If you do have both, it’s best to keep them in separate areas of the house, and if you allow your small pet free time out of the cage, make sure there’s no way that your cat can access the same area of the house.

American Wirehair cat
Image Credit: rolehcab, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Things to Know When Owning an American Wirehair

Becoming the new owner of a sweet American Wirehair cat might seem like a tempting idea, but before you decide, make sure you’re prepared for the amount of time, money, and dedication that you’ll need in order to take care of your new American Wirehair kitten for the rest of its life!

American Wirehairs are low maintenance in many ways but differ from regular straight-haired cats in some of their care requirements. Before you go ahead and start calling those breeders, check out the extra information that we’ve rounded up for you below.

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

American Wirehairs will do well on high-quality cat food that you might feed to any other breed. Check that meat is listed as the first ingredient and that the food is free from artificial ingredients like colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.

Whether you choose to feed dry kibble, raw food, or wet food will be up to you and your cat’s preferences. It’s a good idea to speak to your American Wirehair kitten’s breeder and find out what food they use. Source the same brand, and use this for at least the first month or so that your kitten is with you. Then, you can slowly make the switch to your preferred brand once your kitten is settled in their new home.

Always select a food that’s designed to meet the nutritional requirements of your cat at their particular life stage. The tailored blend of nutrients will help make sure they stay as healthy as possible.

Exercise 🐈

American Wirehair cats are active and energetic, but this will usually be interspersed with long naps in the sunshine! Make sure your cat has plenty of opportunities to exercise, especially if they’re an indoor cat. Providing enrichment like bird-watching stations, outdoor enclosures, and scratching posts all help make sure your cat’s physical needs are met.

Encouraging your cat to play with a variety of toys is always a good idea, and most American Wirehairs don’t need much encouragement to pounce around. Leaving a few toys out for your cat when you’re away from home will help them stay entertained.

These cats are known for being prolific hunters, so if your cat does go outside, consider fitting their collar with a bell to warn off small animals. You could also keep them in overnight and at dawn and dusk. An indoor American Wirehair cat will benefit from toys designed to let them use their hunting prowess to the full!

American wirehair cat grass
Image Credit: Fernando Calmon,Shutterstock

Training 🧶

This breed is intelligent and loves the challenge of training. Using positive reinforcement, you can teach your cat a wide range of different tricks.

Grooming ✂️

The American Wirehair coat can be easily kept in check with a weekly brush, but their skin does need extra attention compared to straight-haired breeds. As with other breeds with textured hair, their skin can be oily and sensitive.

Giving your American Wirehair regular baths using cat-specific shampoo is recommended. This will help remove excess oils from their skin and wash away potential allergens, like pollen. Their ears can easily build up dark wax, which should be removed using a cotton ball when necessary.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The breeding of the American Wirehair includes frequent outbreeding to the American Shorthair, and as a result, they’re exceptionally healthy for a purebred cat. They suffer from few health conditions, and any breeder will be able to explain these in more detail.

Minor Conditions
  • Skin allergies
Serious Conditions
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

divider 2 cats

Male vs. Female

We always recommend choosing your new cat based on their personality rather than their sex. You might find that you need to put your name on a waiting list for an American Wirehair kitten, and you may not get to choose your preferred sex, especially if the litter is small and there are other families ahead of you.

3 Little-Known Facts About the American Wirehair

1. The Breed Is Fairly New

The American Wirehair came into being as recently as 1996 when a farmer in upstate New York discovered that one of his farm cats, a Domestic Shorthair, had given birth to a litter of kittens. Sadly, these were attacked by a weasel, and only two kittens survived. The farmer noticed that the ginger and white male kittens had unusually wiry coats. He contacted a local cat breeder, who bought both kittens and set about trying to breed more cats with this wiry coat. So, the American Wirehair was born!


2. Their Wiry Coat Is Due to a Genetic Mutation

The distinctive wiry coat of the American Wirehair is a genetic mutation that occurs spontaneously. It’s a dominant trait, meaning that at least half the kittens in each litter will have wiry coats. The ideal coat is medium in length, with a tight and springy curl. The individual hairs should all the bent, hooked, or crimped. Their texture should be coarse.


3. American Wirehair Cats Live Attention

Breeders of the American Wirehair call them “touchy-feely” cats. They love hanging out with their human families and are always happy to come and sit on your lap or next to you for a cuddle. They’re just as affectionate with total strangers as they are with people they know.

American Wirehair Cat
Image Credit: Boyloso, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

Ready to become the proud owner of a rare American Wirehair? These affectionate and charismatic cats might have one of the most unusual coats that we’ve ever seen, but they have so much more to offer than that! They’re playful and engaging and love human company.

American Wirehairs are healthy and robust cats, although you may need to watch out for that strong hunting instinct. They love their families and will happily interact with strangers too. Life with an American Wirehair will never be boring, that’s for sure! If you have one of these distinctive cats, we’d love to hear all about them in the comments below.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

15 American Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Venturing into the unique and diverse world of cat breeds, we often find ourselves marveling at the myriad of shapes, sizes, and personalities...

British Shorthair Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

The British Shorthair is the purebred version of the standard British domestic cat or “generic” British cat breed. They have a lovely, calm...

Blue British Shorthair Cat laying on a white background

Ojos Azules Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

The Ojos Azules Cat is an extremely rare and possibly extinct breed that has deep blue eyes and a friendly personality. If you...

Portrait of a Ojos azules with blue eyes

Brazilian Shorthair Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Brazilian Shorthair Cat is a breed native to Brazil that descended from feral street colonies in the cities. Although they have only...

Brazilian Shorthair Cat Playing on the top of a black car

More related

Ginger Peterbald cat up close

22 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in The World (Info, Pictures & Prices)

Cats are some of the most popular companion animals on the planet. People welcome cats of all shapes and stripes into their lives...

Bramble Cat Breed

Bramble Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

No primary feline registry recognizes the Bramble Cat, making it unique among pets. It’s not unusual, nor is it a mark against the...

tabby american shorthair cat lying down

14 American Shorthair Cat Colors & Patterns (With Info & Pictures)

The American Shorthair was so skilled at catching rats that the breed was (purportedly) invited aboard the celebrated Mayflower when it made its...

Ragamuffin Cat sitting outside

Ragamuffin Cat Breed: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits

Ragamuffin cats are named for their lovable muffin-like appearance. They are large, muscular, and broad but boast a sweet and agreeable personality. They...

Keep reading

My Cat Has Never Had a Hairball, Is That Normal? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

You may hear other cat owners complaining about finding a hairball on the carpet and talking about it like it’s just another part of cat ownership, and for many people, it is. However, some cats don’t have hairballs. If your...

Dry cat hairball

Do Cats Get Lonely Without Other Cats? Vet-Reviewed Feline Social Behavior

If you live in a home with multiple cats, you know that despite a few disputes, they can get along quite well and even seem to be best friends in many cases. If one were to die sooner than the...

sad lonely cat lying on bed

Safe & Effective Cat Shampoo Alternatives: 8 Vet Approved Options

Most cats are good at keeping themselves clean, but sometimes, your furry friend might need a little help, especially if they’ve investigated something filthy. Of course, a shampoo specifically designed for cats is the best and safest option. Sometimes, we...

Woman washing cat in grooming salon

Do All Cats Have a Primordial Pouch? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats can be a real mystery for a lot of reasons. They’re unique and independent creatures that often leave us scratching our heads. One of the unusual things you may have noticed about cats is that it seems like they...

Fat Cat On Floor

Does Salt Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Reviewed Effectiveness & Safety

A flea infestation can really ruin your week. Not only are fleas a nuisance for your cat, but they can also be a nightmare to get rid of in your home. There are plenty of products to treat flea infestations,...

Salt

Is It Better to Have Two Cats (or More)? Factors to Consider & Tips

Cats are some of the most misunderstood animals. Many ideas people have about them are anecdotal or based on folklore. We know that they are closer to their wild side, and many of their behaviors are instinctive, such as chasing...

two cats side by side each other

Cat Losing Whiskers: Is It Normal & Should I Worry? Vet-Reviewed Facts

It can be deeply worrying if your cat’s whiskers start to fall out. While this phenomenon could be cause for concern, a cat losing whiskers naturally happens as part of the shedding process and they will normally regrow them. Unlike...

cat looking up

How Long Do Cats Live? Feline Lifespan Facts Explained (Vet Approved)

We’ve all heard that cats have nine lives. But how much of that is actually true? Do cats seem to escape brushes with death regularly? If the cat lives an expected average of years, how long is that usually? According...

Silver Tabby Norwegian Forest Cat