American Wirehair

The cat with a wire coat

Also known as: Wirehair · Wirehaired cat · American Wirehair cat · Wire-haired cat

American Wirehair, a medium cat from United States (photo 2)

American Wirehair, a medium cat from United States (photo 3)

Photos: Heikki Siltala (CC BY 3.0) · Pets Adviser (CC BY 2.0) · Desaix83, d'après le travail d'Heikki Siltala. (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

25–30 cm(10–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3.5–6.5 kg(8–14 lb)Adult weight

14–18 yearsLife expectancy

20 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupRex & hairless

OriginUnited States

SizeMedium

CoatWiry, crimped and springy, like steel wool

ColoursAll, except colourpoint, chocolate and lilac in some registries

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1966

Estimated cost in Spain*€830–1,150 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

In 1966 a kitten with a coarse, crimped coat never seen before was born on a farm in Verona (New York); he was named Adam. The breeder Joan O'Shea bought him and bred him to American Shorthairs: the gene turned out to be dominant. That is why the American Wirehair is essentially an American Shorthair with a different coat: sturdy body, round head and balanced temperament. It is calm, independent, a good companion for children and other animals, and does not demand constant attention. Its dense, crunchy coat is unique among cats. Outside the United States it is a very rare breed.

Temperament

CalmIndependentEven-temperedAffectionate

Activity

3/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

5/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

3/5

How vocalless is better

2/5

Sheddingless is better

2/5

Brushing needsless is better

1/5

Health robustness

4/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

4/5

For first-time owners

5/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

It should not be brushed thoroughly: the hair breaks and loses its texture. Just run a hand or a soft comb over it now and then, and the odd bath if the skin is greasy. Clean the ears. Moderate daily play. A very good cat for flats and first-time owners, as long as it is not overfed. As it is a scarce breed, in Spain it is almost only available as an import.

Health

A robust breed, like the American Shorthair. Isolated cases of HCM have been described, along with some tendency to dermatitis and greasy skin. Watch for excess weight, which comes easily to a calm cat. Annual check-ups, dental care and blood tests from maturity, as with any long-lived cat.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

Adam, the founder, was born on the Council Rock farm in Verona, New York State.

Its coat gene is dominant and different from those of the rex breeds.

For years it has been among the least registered breeds in the American CFA.

Even its whiskers are crimped and brittle.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a American Wirehair get?

An adult American Wirehair usually weighs 3.5–6.5 kg (8–14 lb) and stands about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a American Wirehair live?

Its usual life expectancy is 14–18 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the American Wirehair hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the American Wirehair good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a American Wirehair need?

As a guide, 20 min of play a day. Its activity score is 3 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.