AMERICAN WIREHAIR CAT at The Great Cat in History, Art and Literature

AMERICAN WIREHAIR CAT

HISTORY

The American Wirehair is a relatively new breed, first appearing in upstate New York and is considered one of the rarest of cat breeds. The breed is the result of a mutation which occurred in 1966 of the American Shorthair. The wiry kitten, named Council Rock Farms Adams of Hi-Fi (Adam for short) was bought by Mrs. Joan O’Shea, a breeder of Rex cats, in order to start a breeding program. The breeding program was successful and many wirehaired kittens were produced and sold to other interested breeders. By 1967, the breed was recognized by The Cat Fancier’s Association, and in 1978 the American Wirehair had participated in a championship competition.

CHARACTERISTICS

WEIGHT RANGE	8-12 pounds
EYE COLOR	Blue, Green, Gold, Odd-eyed
COAT	Wiry, coarse, thick, dense and short to medium length. Tendency to shed is moderate.
COAT COLORS	White, Blue, Black, Cream, Red, Silver, Golden, Brown, Cameo, Blue Cream, Tortoiseshell, Chinchilla, Seal, Platinum Pattern: Solid color, Tortoiseshell, Bicolor, Tricolor/Calico, Tabby, Smoke, Shaded Overall, there are over 80 different colors and patterns.
OVERALL APPEARANCE	American Wirehairs are muscular and sturdy with rounded bodies. They have broad chests, muscular necks as well as strong jaws. Legs are thick and strong. Characteristics not unlike its close relative, the American Shorthair.
PRICE	$800- 1,200 Recognized by The International Cat Association, CFA, ACFA , FIFE. Adoption prices range from $75-150.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The American Wirehair Cat is a typical cat in that it likes to play and sleep. Their coats are easily cared for with moderate brushing. Unfortunately, these cats are prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) which can cause sudden death, Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and Hip Dysplasia. Life expectancy is from 7-14 years and longer.