Description

Developed from the American Shorthair, the American Wirehair is a large, stocky cat. They have round heads, with strong chins and muzzles. The eyes are large and round, and the ears have rounded tips. Male American Wirehairs tend to be larger than the females, and may have jowls on their faces. The sturdy legs lead down to round feet. The tail is proportionate to the body, and tapers gently to a rounded tip.

Look

The American Wirehair is named for its unique coat. The fur has a dense and wiry coat that is said to feel like lamb’s wool or even steel wool. The individual hairs are crimped, and the fur often forms ringlets as a result. The cat’s whiskers are typically curled too. This breed is low-shedding, making it a good option for those with allergies. Your American Shorthair can easily groom him/herself, though if grease builds up in the fur, your cat may need a bath. The American Wirehair’s coat comes in many colours and patterns, included white, black, blue, red, cream, cameo, smoke, tabby, tortoiseshell, bi-colour, calico, and more.

Health

The American Wirehair is a generally a healthy, hardy cat, but they are prone to a few health problems inherited from the American Shorthair: • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy At KittenGuru.com, we recommend that you buy your kitten from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. KittenGuru.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted kittens are in good health.

Temperament

American Wirehairs are absolute sweethearts. They are usually relaxed, playful, and affectionate, making them ideal family pets. American Shorthairs are friendly with most people, including strangers.

Living with

This is a fairly active breed that loves to play, so it’s a good idea to get some puzzle toys for your cat to enjoy while you are away from home. American Wirehairs are not always lap cats, but they do enjoy human company and will enjoy being with you. This breed is usually a good choice for families with children, due to their playful nature. They are often friendly with other cats, and may also be able to live happily with dogs (if introduced properly).