Have you ever heard of the American Wirehair Cat? If not I wouldn’t be surprised, but don’t worry there is a good reason. This breed is one of the most unique and rare in the world, thanks to its distinctive wiry coat that sets it apart from other cats. But how did this breed come to be? What are its personality and health traits? And is it the right cat for you and your family? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more as we explore the fascinating world of the American Wirehair Cat. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this curly-coated cutie!
American Wirehair Cat History, Traits, and Care
History
You might be wondering how this breed got its unique coat texture. Well, it all started with a random genetic mutation that occurred in a litter of kittens born to a pair of barn cats in upstate New York in 1966. One of the kittens had a wiry coat that caught the eye of a local breeder, who decided to buy him and his sister and breed them with American Shorthair cats. The result was the first generation of American Wirehair cats, which soon gained recognition and popularity among cat lovers and associations.
Characteristics
The American Wirehair Cat is a medium-sized cat that weighs up to 8 pounds and measures up to 15 inches in length. It has a muscular and sturdy body, with a broad chest, a strong neck, and powerful jaws. Its head is round and well-proportioned, with large ears, expressive eyes, and a prominent nose. But the most striking feature of this breed is its coat, which is crimped and wiry all over its body. The coat can come in various colors and patterns, such as white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and bicolor. The coat is also thick and dense, which helps protect the cat from harsh weather conditions.
Temperament
The American Wirehair Cat has a personality that matches its appearance: it is lively, affectionate, and curious. This breed loves to play and explore its surroundings, whether it’s chasing a toy mouse or climbing a cat tree. It also enjoys spending time with its human family and will follow them around the house or curl up on their lap. The American Wirehair Cat is not very vocal, but it will communicate with its owners through purrs and chirps. It is also shy with strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people. However, once it trusts someone, it will show them its sweet and friendly side.
Grooming
The American Wirehair Cat is not a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Its coat does not require much brushing or combing, as it can damage the texture and cause hair loss. However, it does need regular bathing to keep its coat clean and shiny. It also needs its ears cleaned, its nails trimmed, and its teeth brushed regularly to prevent dental problems.
Health
The American Wirehair Cat is generally healthy and can live up to 20 years if given proper care and nutrition. However, it may be prone to some health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart disease) and dental problems (such as gingivitis or tooth decay). Therefore, it is important to take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and screenings.
Is the American Wirehair Cat the Cat For Me?
The American Wirehair Cat is a great pet for anyone who wants a loyal, playful, and cuddly companion. It can adapt well to different types of households and lifestyles, as long as it gets enough attention and stimulation. It can get along well with children who are gentle and respectful of its boundaries. It can also coexist peacefully with other pets if introduced properly and supervised. The American Wirehair Cat can live indoors or outdoors, but it is safer to keep it inside or provide it with a secure enclosure if you let it outside. This way, you can protect your cat from predators, diseases, accidents, or theft.
In Summary
We hope you enjoyed learning about the American Wirehair Cat, one of the most unique and rare cat breeds in the world. As you can see, this breed has a lot to offer to anyone who is looking for a fun-loving, loyal, and cuddly cat. The American Wirehair Cat is easy to care for, healthy, and adaptable to different environments and situations. It is also very affectionate and friendly with its family and will make you laugh with its silly antics.
If you are interested in getting an American Wirehair Cat as your pet, you can contact a reputable breeder or check your local shelter or rescue group for available cats. You can also visit some websites or books to learn more about this breed and its history. Here are some resources that we recommend:
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association: https://cfa.org/american-wirehair/
- The International Cat Association: https://tica.org/american-wirehair
- The American Wirehair Breeders Association: http://www.americanwirehairs.com/
- The American Wirehair Cat by Joanne Mattern
Thank you for reading our article and we hope you found it informative and entertaining. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below or contact us through our website. We would love to hear from you and your furry friends. And remember, if you want a cat that is both cuddly and curly, the American Wirehair Cat might be the perfect choice for you!
Q: How did the American Wirehair Cat get its wiry coat?
A: The American Wirehair Cat is the result of a rare spontaneous mutation that occurred in a litter of kittens born to a pair of barn cats in upstate New York in 1966. The mutation affected the hair follicles of one of the kittens, giving him a crimped and wiry coat. The breeder who bought him and his sister bred them with American Shorthair cats and produced the first generation of American Wirehair cats.
Are American Wirehair Cats Rare?
Yes, American Wirehair Cats are rare. They were ranked as the most rare of the 41 Cat Fanciers’ Association breeds as of 2017. They are considerably more rare in countries countries outside the United States, as the wirehair mutation has not been reported in cats from any other country in the world. They typically cost between $800–$1,200 from a breeder, depending on pedigree.
How Can I Tell If A Cat Is An American Wirehair?
Examine your cats physical appearance and look for the following features:
A dense, kinky coat that has a textured, crimped appearance all over its body. Rounded ears with crimped inner hairs. Kinked or curled whiskers that look like they’ve been electrocuted. Bright, round eyes that turn slightly upward. A medium-sized, muscular body that weighs up to 8 pounds and measures up to 15 inches in length. Rounded paws with heavy pads.
