American Wirehair Cat: The Crimped Coat, Temperament and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20265 min read

Every cat breed has an origin story, but few are as simple as the American Wirehair's. In 1966, a litter of barn kittens was born on a farm in upstate New York, and one of them had a coat unlike anything the owners had seen: sparse, springy and crimped, with every hair bent or hooked. A neighbor who bred cats recognized that something unusual had happened, and a new breed was born from a single spontaneous mutation.

Where the breed comes from

The founding kitten, a red and white male named Adam, was bred with local cats, and the wiry coat passed on to some kittens in each litter. Breeders crossed Wirehairs with American Shorthairs to widen the gene pool and keep the breed healthy, and that heritage still shows in the sturdy body and relaxed personality. The breed was recognized by cat registries in the 1970s and remains uncommon today. See the American Shorthair profile for the breed that gave the Wirehair its sturdy build.

The wire coat is not related to the gene behind the curly coats of Rex cats, which is why the American Wirehair is considered a separate breed. Compare the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex for cats with truly different curly coats.

What an American Wirehair looks like

The coat is the star. Each hair is crimped, bent or hooked, and the whole coat feels springy, coarse and a little like steel wool. The wirehair gene produces different textures: some cats have tight, dense crimps, while others are more loosely waved. Even the whiskers and eyebrows are curly and often break easily.

Beyond the coat, the body is medium-sized and muscular, with a rounded head, prominent cheekbones and large, round eyes. Males usually weigh eight to fifteen pounds, and females are a little smaller. The coat appears in nearly every color and pattern, including tabby, bicolor and solid.

Personality

American Wirehairs are laid-back, affectionate and adaptable. They enjoy being near their people without being clingy, and many like to be on a lap while the family watches television. They keep a kittenish streak into adulthood and enjoy play with wand toys, balls and puzzle feeders. They are not noisy, and their voices are quiet and pleasant.

Their steady temperament makes them good companions for families with children and for homes with other cats or friendly dogs, given proper introductions. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat. They can usually cope with a little time alone, though like all cats they benefit from enrichment. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Grooming

The Wirehair's coat needs little work, and it is easy to do too much. Brushing with a stiff brush can break the crimped hairs and leave bare patches. A gentle comb through once a week is plenty, and many owners simply stroke the coat by hand to remove loose hair. Bathing is rarely needed, though the coat can feel oily in some cats, in which case an occasional gentle wash may help. See how to bathe a cat and how to brush a cat.

The ears of Wirehairs can collect wax, so check them regularly. See how to clean a cat's ears. Trim nails every few weeks. See how to trim cat nails.

Health

American Wirehairs are generally healthy, but a few points deserve attention.

• Skin problems. Some Wirehairs have sensitive skin, and may develop dryness, irritation or allergies. See cat skin allergies.
• Heart disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in many breeds, and responsible breeders screen with heart ultrasound. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Weight. A stocky build and relaxed nature mean they can gain weight. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
• General care. Regular vet checks, vaccines and dental care apply as for any cat. See cat vaccination schedule.

Is it the right cat for you?

The American Wirehair suits people who want a calm, friendly cat with a unique look, who are willing to wait for a kitten and who can keep grooming gentle. It is not a good choice if you need a cat quickly, since breeders are few. It is also not hypoallergenic. See hypoallergenic cat breeds: the truth.

Finding an American Wirehair

Because the breed is so rare, you may need to join a waiting list and travel for a kitten. Look for breeders registered with a recognized cat association, who health-test their breeding cats, raise kittens in the home and provide records. Avoid sellers who offer kittens under eight weeks or who will not let you meet the parents. See how to choose a kitten. Sometimes Wirehairs and similar cats turn up in shelters, so it is worth asking. See adopting a cat from a shelter.

Living with a Wirehair

Provide a cat tree, scratching posts and window perches, and a few interactive toys. See how to choose a cat tree. Keep your cat indoors, or in a secure catio, since its unusual coat offers little protection from weather. See how to build a catio. Feed a complete diet, measure portions and keep an eye on its weight. See how much should I feed my cat.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your Wirehair has bald patches, itching, breathing changes or loses weight. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.