Breed History
In the summer of 1966, a unique cat turned up on a farm in New York. This red & white male domestic shorthair kitten had a coat that most closely resembled that of a Wirehair Terrier, but was even more dense, resilent, and plush than found on a dog. This cat was named "Council Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi" and he and his brown tabby and white sister formed the foundation of the breed now know as the American Wirehair.
The gene that causes the "wirehair" mutation is dominant, meaning it always is expressed, whether the cat has one or two copies of the gene. It also means that any kitten born to a wirehair that doesn't wired hair will not be able to produce wirehair kitens (unless bred to a wirehair.)
Wirehairs are known for being both extremely affectionate as well as athletic. They absolutely crave human interaction and attention. Wirehairs are well-muscled and fulling capably of inspiring feets of athletism, though they will only show off if they have a reason to do so (such as chasing an errant moth or perhaps a tinsel toy.) They make great family pets for all ages - they adjust equally well to quiet homes as they do to busy homes with many bustling children.
Care for American Wirehairs is generally very easy - baths help with remove shedding or breaking hair, but a roller lint collector works very well to remove most of the loose hair (and the cats really enjoy the massage from the roller!)
American Wirehairs are routinely out-crossed to their sister breed, the American Shorthairs, in keep genetic diversity as well as health and vigor in the relative small American Wirehair gene pool. These out-cross breedings often produce "straight-hair" kittens that have not inherited the Wirehair gene. These kittens make great family additions as they generally are not used in Wirehair breeding programs.
Important Links
CFA American Wirehair Breed Profile
CFA American Wirehair Breed Standard
CFA American Wirehair Breed Article
CFA Breed Council Information
CFA Cat Breeder Referral Service |