American Wirehair cat: description of the breed

The American Wirehair cat is a close relative of the American Shorthair cat, and for a long time they were judged by the same standard. These animals are not at all distinguished by the presence of hard hair, on the contrary, it is soft, similar to plush, but the peculiarity is that the hairs do not lie flat, but interlock with each other and curl into small curls; individuals with curled mustaches are especially valuable.

The cause of the American Wirehair cat breed is a mutation that occurred in 1966. These cats became an independent breed only in 1978, when they were recognized by all international systems of cat lovers and were given the opportunity to participate in exhibitions alongside representatives of other bright and popular breeds.

Today, these animals are becoming famous all over the world; some people have acquired such an extraordinary pet. Some people are just looking closely. If you are looking for a pet that can easily cope with loneliness in the absence of its owner, then the American Wirehair cat breed may be a good option.

Description of breed standards:

• the head has a round shape, wide cheekbones, a small and smooth chin;
• the muzzle looks square due to the strong lower jaw;
• mustaches and eyebrow hairs have a curved or broken structure;
• the eyes are large in size, round in shape, widely spaced from each other, golden in color;
• medium-sized ears, rounded at the tips, set wide apart;
• the legs are of medium length, strong, with developed muscles, oval-shaped paws;
• the tail is not long, even, tapering at the tip;
• medium-sized body, athletic, graceful build, weight from 3 to 7 kg;
• the hair in the area of ​​the head, back, back of the thighs and tail is curly, the hairs can be fastened together, broken or bent, a variety of colors is allowed.

Origin of the breed

No one specifically tried to breed this breed. The genetic mutation occurred spontaneously in 1966 on an American farm located near New York. In the litter of one family of American Shorthair cats, kittens were born, among which there was one with unusual tousled hair, reminiscent in appearance of the coat of terriers. The farmer was extremely surprised by this, and he decided to share this news with his neighbor, breeder Joan Oshia. She, in turn, bought the kitten for $50 and immediately began breeding work. The main goal is to preserve the unique feature of wool. However, the next litter of unusual kittens was born not at all thanks to Joan’s breeding work, but thanks to the friendship of her pet with a neighbor’s cat. The cat was a short-haired cat, so some of the offspring looked like her, while the other had wire coats like their father. Thus, it became clear that the mutated gene is dominant and is inherited. This is how a new breed of cat appeared in the world called the American Wirehair.

Due to the external similarity with the Cornish and Devonian rex, there was subsequently an assumption about their relationship. However, studies conducted on this topic have not been confirmed. And in 1978, this breed was recognized by American felinological organizations and allowed them to take part in exhibitions and receive various awards.

Now wirehaired cats are recognized by almost all international felinological organizations. They became the treasure of their country and were loved by many around the world.

Color

• The color can be any, the main thing about this breed is the coat.
• It can be either curled into rings or slightly wavy (depending on the breed line).
• Cats with fur reminiscent of astrakhan fur are especially in demand.

Despite the name “wire-haired”, the hair of these cats is not hard at all, the hairs simply interlock with each other and curl without pressing against the body, which creates the impression of a hard coat. In fact, it is quite soft and pleasant to the touch, which is why the cat resembles a plush toy.

American Wirehair cat breed description

American Wirehairs are considered to be animals with ideal proportions. These cats closely resemble their closest relatives, the American Shorthair. Their main distinguishing feature is a fur coat with a “wire” effect. But let's go into more detail:

• build

medium in cats and large in males;

height at withers about 25 - 30 cm;

• weight

3 - 4 kg in cats;

about 6 kg for cats;

• skeletal structure

the animal's head looks round and massive, although the skull has an oval shape. The lower jaw and cheeks are quite developed, with barely

noticeable cute dimples. If you look at a Wirehair in profile, you will notice a round forehead with a clear transition to the nose.

Fairly high cheekbones, small wide nose;

the neck is quite strong and muscular;

the chest is wide, round in shape;

limbs are strong, proportional to the body and with round soft paws;

the tail is also of medium length, quite wide at the base and gradually tapering to a rounded tip;

• ears

medium in size, equally rounded towards the tips. Set wide apart. The ratio of the height of the ears and their base is approximately equal.

Some wirehairs have small fluffy tassels;

• eyes

large, slanting and widely set. Most often golden in color, but they can also be amber or blue, like representatives

white color;

• coat

is a distinctive feature and, so to speak, the calling card of this breed. The furs are curved and fastened together in such a way that a visual “wire” effect is created. It is worth noting that it is expressed differently in different representatives of the breed. Some are stronger, some are weaker. Some have it all over the body, while others have it only in certain parts of it. For example, on the back of the thigh, head, ridge or outer part of the tail. But everyone, without exception, has a very dense coat that resembles soft plush. The most unique are considered to be those whose fur resembles astrakhan fur;

• mustache and eyebrows

just like wool fibers, they can be bent or broken;

• color

the most diverse;

• life expectancy

on average from 12 to 16 years.

Those who plan to participate in various kinds of exhibitions and competitions, as well as breed American Wirehairs, should know about the above parameters of the animal. It is by these criteria that his access to participation and recognition of thoroughbredness are assessed. The felinological organization World Cat Federation (WCF) does not allow representatives of lilac and chocolate colors to participate in competitions. Long wavy hair and sagging cheeks are considered breed defects.

Description

In appearance, the Wirehair cat is similar to the American Shorthair, with the exception of the hair, which is elastic and coarse. It resembles the fur of some dogs, such as terriers. It does not require much care, although light-colored cats should be hidden from strong sun.

Wirehair cats are medium in size, with a strong body, rounded head, high cheekbones and round eyes. The eye color is golden, with the exception of some white colors, which sometimes have blue or amber eyes.

Female cats are smaller than males, which weigh 4-6 kg, and male cats weigh no more than 3.5 kg. The lifespan of a wirehaired cat is about 14–16 years.

The color can be varied, although chocolate and lilac are not allowed in competitions.

The gene that transmits wirehair is dominant, so any litter contains kittens with wirehair, even if one of the parents is of a different breed.

Character and habits of the American Wirehair cat

These are the most good-natured and sociable representatives of the cat family. They are smart and gentle pets. They love to be around people. Some like to sit on their owner's lap, while others prefer to just be close.

They do not require constant attention. If you spend a lot of time at work, your cat will find something to do. For example, hunting. This instinct is excellently developed in wirehaired cats. Seeing a fly, lizard or mouse, the hunter's instinct is triggered. The victim will be caught, killed and delivered to the owner as a trophy.

Representatives of this breed love heights. Don't be surprised if you find your pet at the top of the tallest closet in the house.

Since adulthood begins only at the age of three or four, they are excellent friends for children. They show great tolerance towards them. They love to play, run and climb together. Although even in adulthood he is not averse to playing with his owner.

But not only for children, but also for lonely elderly people they will be good company. They love watching TV, looking at faces and following animals on the screen. And their manner of speaking, opening their mouth in a quiet meow, will not leave anyone indifferent. Great conversationalists!

They show genuine interest in everything that surrounds them. Loyal to their owners. They easily adapt to everything and are also friendly to other cats and dogs in the house.

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The American Wirehair is very popular in its historical homeland due to its remarkable character. These friendly pets are incredibly stress-resistant and quickly adapt to any environment. By the way, read about stress in cats. They are equally comfortable with a silent owner or in the circle of a large and noisy family with small children.

They are playful and active all their lives, even in old age. They will always find something to do and tolerate short-term loneliness calmly.

Very brave hunters and protectors. They confidently make contact even with unfamiliar people and animals. In the event of an attack, they will be able to stand up for themselves perfectly, but they will never be the first to show aggression.

Health

There are no special health deviations observed in these animals. They are healthy. The only thing is very sensitive skin. Check your pet for allergic reactions, swelling and wounds as often as possible.

Do not allow sunbathing for a long time. They are susceptible to sunburn.

If possible, bathe at least once a month. This is necessary to prevent the accumulation of sebum. In representatives of this breed of cats, accumulated sebum can cause various fungal diseases and itching.

Wirehairs are not prone to obesity due to their playfulness and activity.

But they are prone to diseases characteristic of American Shorthairs. And it’s clear why, they are ancestors. These diseases include hip dysplasia (which causes pain and lameness in the animal) and polycystic kidney disease. But don't be alarmed. It’s not a fact that your pet will definitely have them.

And one more general recommendation.

Like all cats, they love to lick themselves. The fur can be swallowed and end up in the stomach, which is unable to digest it. In a normal situation, accumulated hairballs are coughed up. But, if this does not happen, you should worry and contact a veterinarian. This could be life-threatening for your pet.

Colors

White

Pure, brilliant white. Nose and paw pad color: pink. Eye color: deep blue or bright golden. Cats with bicolor eyes have 1 blue and 1 golden eye of equal color intensity.

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Black

Rich, like coal, black, from the very roots to the tips of the fur. No shades or smoky undercoat are allowed. Nose color: black, paw pads: black or brown. The eyes are bright golden.

Blue

Blue, preferably with a slight tint, the same color from nose to tip of tail. Deep to the very roots of the hair. A deep dark shade is preferable to a light light shade. Nose: blue, eyes bright gold.

Red

Thick, rich, clear, brilliant red, without tint, markings or streaks. The lips and chin are the same color as the fur. The nose and pads of the feet are brick red. Eyes: bright golden.

Cream

Uniform buffalo color, cream color without pattern. The color is deep, right down to the roots; a lighter shade is preferred. Nose and paw pads: pink, eyes: bright gold.

Silver chinchilla

Silver smoky

Cameo with veil (red chinchilla)

Cameo with tan marks (red with tan marks)

Black smoky color of the American Wirehair cat

Blue smoky

Cameo smoky

Classic tabby shade

brindle tabby pattern

Silver tabby (classic)

the main color, including the lips and chin, is pure silver. Drawing in thick black color. The nose is brick red. Paw pads are black. Eyes: green or light brown.

Red tabby

The main color is red. The pattern is dark red, rich. Lips and chin are red. The nose and paw pads are brick red, the eyes are bright gold.

Brown tabby (classic)

Blue tabby

the main color, including the lips and chin, is light ivory with a bluish tint. The picture is dark and stands out in contrast against the main background. The nose is dark pink, the paw pads are pink, the eyes are bright gold.

Cream tabby

the base color, including the lips, chin, is a very light cream color. The pattern is cream, darker than the main color, contrasts with it, but not much. The nose and paw pads are pink, the eyes are bright golden.

Cameo tabby

The main color is snow-white, the pattern is red. The nose and paw pads are pink, the eyes are bright gold.

Tortoiseshell

black with clearly defined red and cream spots. The spots are clearly defined and evenly distributed on both sides of the body and on the limbs. It is advisable to have a red or cream spot on the face. Eyes: bright golden.

Calico

white with black and red spots. White predominates on the lower extremities. Eyes: bright golden.

Bleached Calico

White with blue and cream spots. White predominates on the lower extremities. Eyes: bright golden.

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Blue-cream

blue with cream spots. The spots are well defined and evenly distributed throughout the body and limbs. The eyes are bright golden.

Bi-color

white with black spots, white with blue spots, white with red or white with cream spots. The eyes are golden, the brighter the better.

Other colors

any other color and shade, with the exception of hybridity in colors: chocolate, lilac, Himalayan shade or their combination with white. Eye color: matches the color of the animal's fur.

American Wirehair cat. Color class numbers

Coat care is limited to bathing once a week; the coat should be dried without using a hair dryer. These cats need to be combed, and special oils can be used to facilitate this process.

Caring for the American Wirehair

If you decide to get an American Wirehair, you should be prepared for the fact that its unusual coat will require special attention and care from you, although it will not take much time.

First of all, remember that you need to comb it no more than once a week. And it is advisable to do this with a special brush. Such caution is necessary, firstly, so that fragile hairs do not break. Secondly, to maintain the “wirey” effect. And, thirdly, so that the wool does not become electrified. If you do not follow this advice, your pet's coat will lose its uniqueness and become as smooth and ordinary as that of other cats.

Since the skin of these rare creatures is highly oily, they need to be bathed at least once a month. For a bath procedure, it is better to choose a large basin rather than a shower or just an open tap with water. Use gentle cleansing shampoos without strong-smelling rinses and conditioners. It is better to dry with a soft towel. Ideally, allow the animal to dry naturally. It is strictly forbidden to comb your pet immediately after bathing or use a hair dryer. Again, in order to maintain the “wire” effect.

Don't forget about the oral cavity. And cats need to brush their teeth too. There are special toothbrushes and toothpastes for this. You certainly don't have to buy these. You can use a small children's toothbrush for this purpose, but a special cat toothbrush will be much easier and more convenient. But using toothpaste intended for people is highly discouraged.

Eye care requires special attention. Every day, remove discharge from the eyes with a gauze cloth previously soaked in boiled water or a special eye lotion. The fact that these discharges exist is normal. This cleanses the mucous membrane of the eye from dust and dirt. It's not normal if there are none.

Remember to trim your pet's nails twice a month. The most convenient way to do this is with special tweezers or scissors for cutting claws. The main thing is to cut off only a small transparent part of it, and also try not to touch the blood vessel. If you use ordinary scissors, there is a possibility of delamination of the nail plate. The result is injury to the claw. And if you are a beginner and don’t yet know how to do it correctly, consult your veterinarian or watch videos on the You Tube channel.

And finally, ears. Representatives of this breed require daily care for their ears. Do not use ear sticks for this procedure under any circumstances. They can damage the ear and cause your pet to go deaf. Wipe the auricle with a gauze disc previously moistened in a special lotion or Vaseline oil.

Necessary set of care procedures:

1. Antistatic comb — 160 ₽
2. Brush-comb for cats — 160 ₽
3. Everyday shampoo for cats – 200 ₽
4. Tweezers for cutting claws - 270 ₽
5. Scissors for trimming claws - 270 ₽
6. Toothbrush for cats – 160 ₽
7. Toothpaste for cats and dogs – 200 ₽
8. Cleansing eye lotion — 170 RUR
9. Ear cleaner – 70 RUR

The prices indicated for the goods are approximate.

It all depends on the brand of the manufacturer and the moment of purchase.

Care and maintenance

Before buying an American wirehair kitten, the owner should prepare responsibly and create the most comfortable conditions for keeping the pet:

1. Buy a deep, roomy litter box, or better yet 2 replacement litter boxes, because cats are very ambitious and will refuse to use a dirty toilet. You can purchase an expensive automatic device or train a well-trained animal to use the toilet.
2. The cat breed definitely needs a vertically standing, stable scratching post.
3. Food utensils appropriate for age and optimal amount of food. A separate water bowl is required, which is constantly filled with fresh bottled water.
4. Choose durable bowls, made of ceramic or chrome-plated steel.
5. For a small kitten and an adult cat, it is important to choose the right toy. Balls, artificial animals, interactive or homemade crafts are suitable.
6. To set up a sleeping area, pet stores offer many options for sleeping devices and accessories.
7. Wirehaired cats require special, gentle care for their coat so as not to spoil the unique properties of the wire curls.
8. Frequent bathing with detergents is not permissible, only in cases of severe contamination;
9. A wet animal should not be combed or dried with a hairdryer.
10. Carry out once a week, comb out old falling hairs during molting, carefully, with special combs, sparing the guard hairs.
11. Carry out weekly hygiene of the ears and eyes, cleaning them with social means using wet tom-toms, cotton swabs. If there is frequent, heavy discharge, you should contact a veterinary hospital.
12. It is dangerous to let your pets go on independent walks; it is better to walk them from childhood using a harness.
13. To prevent the occurrence of gingivitis and the deposition of stones on the teeth, they are cleaned with a special paste and brush. An advanced problem in the oral cavity is treated in a veterinary hospital.
14. The necessary vaccinations are given annually, and the coat is treated with antiparasitic agents.
15. Treatment with anthelmintic drugs is carried out at least four times a year.

Diet

American Wirehaired pets love to eat well, but are not picky about the composition of their food:

• feeding with natural food, it is necessary to observe its completeness, especially protein foods. In addition to meat products, it is recommended to add fermented milk and vegetable products to your food;
• When industrial feeding, it is recommended to use high premium products with a wide range of products that meet the individual needs of the animal. Manufacturers of food must provide ready-made packaging and canned food with information on content, recommendations on quantity, and consumption rates;
• Overeating, which can lead to excess weight and obesity, is not allowed;
• It is recommended to feed kittens from 3 to 6 years old up to 4 times a day; for adults, 2 meals a day.

Video

Health and diseases

American Wirehair cats are mutating descendants of healthy farm shorthaired cats that do not have hereditary diseases. To keep the breed healthy:

• carry out regular preventive examinations at the veterinary hospital;
• carry out the full range of necessary vaccinations in a timely manner;
• Preventive treatment against parasites and helminths is carried out quarterly.

Interesting Facts

At birth, the “wire” effect in kittens is much stronger than in mature individuals. However, if you follow our care recommendations, it can be preserved.

Coarse and prickly fur at first glance is not so in reality, but only if you stroke the cat's fur. All you have to do is do it the other way around and it immediately turns into hard and rough. Moreover, in different parts of the body the stiffness of the villi is different.

Those who are going to seriously start breeding such a unique breed of cats as the American Wirehair need to know that both kittens with unique hair and ordinary shorthairs can be born in one litter.

Character

American Wirehair cats are calm and independent, moderately playful and curious, obedient and clean.

They love to hunt small insects, and sometimes show enviable dexterity in hunting mice. They become strongly attached to the owner, appreciate his company and love to sit in their arms, but at the same time they can calmly remain alone. At a young age, they easily tolerate moving and quickly get accustomed to new surroundings. In most cases, they get along well with other pets.

List of nurseries

• Donleon is a professional nursery of British and Scottish cats of rare and exclusive colors.

Phone for information,.

• FLAMING Giant is a professional cattery of American shorthair cats.

Phone for information,.

e-mail

• Artemisiacat is a cattery of American shorthair cats.

Phone for information,

e-mail

• Anna`s Pride is a cattery for Scottish Fold and American Shorthair cats.

Phone for information

Becoming the owner of such a unique and rare cat breed as the American Wirehair is extremely difficult. There are catastrophically few nurseries for their breeding. However, you can try to do this in Europe or America. The price for a kitten ranges from 60,000 to 120,000 rubles.

Those who already own such a unique and rare cat breed are truly lucky. After all, they don’t just have a furry pet, but a real, devoted friend. A charming creature who patiently waits for you from work, enjoys watching TV with you or playing Cat and Mouse.

How to choose a kitten

American Wirehair cats, a rare young breed. It is not easy to buy a kitten on the Russian cat market.

1. Buy a kitten only from trusted nurseries with a reliable reputation.
2. They are finally convinced of the preservation of standard qualities only after 3 years, when the animal matures.
3. It is taken into account that in a cat's litter, not all kittens may retain the standard trait and will grow a specific, hard-curly coat.
4. When purchasing a baby, they learn about his health.
5. International documents indicate: date, place of birth, data confirming breed, indicating pedigree of at least the third generation.
6. The animal's passport indicates the vaccinations performed in the complex, indicating the date.
7. When choosing, you need to make sure the animal is healthy and pay attention to the absence of external defects.
8. A kitten is purchased and separated from the mother cat on the advice of breeders after 3 months of age.
9. He must be socially developed, affectionate, playful. Accustomed to using a litter box and knowing a scratching post.

Breed cost

Basically, a rare, exclusive breed of wirehairs is bred overseas, in the USA. Canada and Europe are much smaller. In the absence of nurseries in Russia for breeding amazing creatures, purchasing a kitten becomes expensive. The purchase is complicated by the lengthy transportation of the animal and transportation costs, which increases the final cost:

• The price of a 3-month-old kitten, which is sold for breeding, for display at prestigious international exhibitions, reaches from 2 thousand dollars ;
• For an example with a wire coating, but with obvious generic defects, the price can reach up to 1 thousand dollars .
• In Russia, prices for American wirehair kittens are high and range from 60,000 to 150,000 rubles .

Photo of American Wirehair Cat