Mary Allen
Like so many cat breeds, the American Wirehair came about by sheer coincidence. Find out everything about the origin, character, nature, attitude, and care of the American Wirehair cat breed in the profile.
The Appearance Of The American Wirehair
The American Wirehaired Cat is medium-sized and muscular, the chest is round and well developed, and the cat appears lithe. She stands on well-muscled, medium-length legs that end in powerful paws. The tail fits proportionally to the body. It has a wide base and is rounded at the top. In the round face, she wears a massive snout and high cheekbones. The medium-sized ears are wide apart. They are rounded at the top and often have a hairbrush. The expressive eyes are wide apart and slightly slanted. The eyes can be any color, but only green is permitted for silver coats and only gold for brown tabby.
The most noticeable body feature of the American Wirehair is the coat. It is elastic, perforated, and dense. The top hair is curved at the tip. Unlike the Rex cats, for example, the American cat’s fur is not soft but rough. It feels like the skin of a lamb. All coat colors are allowed except chocolate and cinnamon and their dilutions lilac and fawn.
The Temperament Of The American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is affectionate, trusting, friendly, intelligent, and good-natured. She loves company and gets along well with children, dogs, and other pets. She is active and playful into old age. She wants to be able to let off steam every day but also appreciates a quiet place to sleep in between. She is affectionate and loyal to her owner.
Keeping And Caring Of The American Wirehair
The active American wirehaired cat needs a lot of space and variety. She doesn’t feel comfortable in a small apartment. In any case, there must be a large scratching post and plenty of opportunities to play, or better still a secure balcony or a large enclosure. This cat would also enjoy free-roaming. However, care should be taken with the lighter specimens, as they are sensitive to UV radiation. The gregarious American hated being alone. She likes to be around her people and at best one or the other of her own species. The curly coat is not easy to care for. It needs to be brushed several times a week.
Disease Susceptibility Of The American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is an extremely hardy cat. However, it is questionable whether this breed is species-appropriate. Due to the UV sensitivity, especially in light-colored specimens, and the sometimes very curly whiskers, the animals can be restricted in normal life. Of course, like any other breed, this cat can contract infectious diseases. In order for the cat to remain healthy, it must be vaccinated against cat flu and cat disease every year. If the American Wirehair is allowed to roam freely, it must also be vaccinated against rabies and leukemia.
Origin And History Of The American Wirehair
Like so many cat breeds, the American Wirehair came about by sheer coincidence. In 1966 in Verona, in the state of New York, a little tomcat saw the light of day, which was not at all like his American Shorthair mother. Its red and white fur is not soft and fluffy, but strangely wiry. The farmer presented his little cat to cat expert friend Joan O’Shea, who immediately bought him for $50 and christened him “Adam”. Joan also took a little sister of “Adam” home with her and started breeding the American Wirehair with these two specimens. American Shorthairs were crossed again and again to expand the gene pool and small curly kittens were born again and again. In 1977 the breed was officially recognized. Today it is particularly popular in the USA and Canada. It is very rare outside these countries, but there are also breeders in Japan and Germany.
Did You Know?
The special curl of the fur is based on a mutation of the wire-haired fur gene with the sonorous name “Wh”. This gene is inherited in a dominant manner. The special, rough fur is often more pronounced in tomcats than in cats.