Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by Melanie Haynes
The American Wirehair is one of the best cat breeds around if you are looking for a cat breed that is hardwired to be playful and fun. Their iconic, wiry coats and affable temperament make them a charming addition to almost any household.
Today, we’re exploring this rare and astonishing breed, including its history, characteristics, care requirements, and more. So, don’t get your wires crossed; we’ve got everything you need to know about American Wirehairs right here!
History of American Wirehair Cats
Adam, the first known American Wirehair kitten, was born in Vernon, NY in 1966. Adam displayed a distinctive trait resulting from a spontaneous genetic mutation: his coat had a wiry and coarse texture, resembling that of a terrier dog rather than the typical smooth fur of an American Shorthair cat.
Breeders appreciated the uniqueness and worked to reproduce it in Adam’s descendants. They were successful, leading to a gradual rise in the American Wirehair. While still relatively uncommon, they are increasingly sought after and gaining popularity each year.
Temperament of American Wirehairs
American Wirehairs are known for their friendliness, playfulness, and mischievousness. They also tend to get along well with children and other pets, making them great for single adults, families, and everything in between.
American Wirehairs are naturally active and adventurous, skimping on the catnaps to explore and play instead. Still, they’re also known for being affectionate, so don’t be surprised if your little love bug claims your lap for their own!
Exercising Your American Wirehairs
As with most curious cats, American Wirehairs love to partake in play. Grab a feather wand, rattling ball, or other popular toy and give ’em what they crave: some high-quality one-on-one time with their favorite person!
Installing a cat tree or shelves at different heights is prudent to encourage climbing, exploration, and independence. This will satisfy your American Wirehair’s natural instincts and give them a sense of ownership within your home, so it’s basically a win-win!
Remember to throw in a few scratching posts while you’re at it. This will save your furniture by giving your American Wirehair a dedicated place to scratch and stretch, keeping their muscles toned and their claws healthy.
Grooming Your American Wirehair
We know what you’re thinking: if the American Wirehair has a wild coat that’s more like a dog’s than a cat’s, is it more challenging to groom them?
The good news is they’re just as easy to groom as any other cat breed! Because cats are generally clean animals, they’ll do much of the upkeep for you! Nonetheless, you’ll want to regularly maintain them so they don’t get knots, tangles, and mats.
Brushing your American Wirehair once or twice a week usually does the trick to keep their coat looking fabulous and reduce shedding. You generally don’t need to bathe them often, but an occasional rinse and shampoo help when they’re especially dirty.
Vet/Medical Care for American Wirehairs
American Wirehairs are generally healthy cats with no specific breed-related illnesses or conditions. However, like all cats, they should receive regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their overall well-being. These check-ups can help catch potential health issues early on and allow prompt treatment if needed. Maintaining up-to-date vaccinations and parasite prevention treatments is essential to keep your Wirehair healthy and protected.
When in doubt, check with your vet. They’ll always steer you in the right direction regarding keeping your American Wirehair safe and healthy!
Bringing an American Wirehair Kitty Home
American Wirehairs are still fairly rare, so they tend to be more expensive than other breeds when adopted from a breeder. Most American Wirehair owners pay approximately $800 to $1200 when bringing their kitty home.
Before you bring home your new feline friend, ensure you’ve prepped the place to be cozy and safe for them to settle in. Set aside a quiet room with a litter box, food and water dishes, toys, and a comfortable bed to start.
Then, give them time. Many cats need a minute to get their bearings before expressing more confident behaviors, so try a few gentle interactions and be ready to give them space if needed. Thankfully, American Wirehairs are friendly, so the transition should not take too long.
Once they’re settled in, don’t hesitate to call your friends at Space Coast Pet Services! Our in-home drop-in cat sitting services and personalized care are designed to simplify the transition and ensure a smooth adjustment for everyone.
Don’t wait; contact us today for all your professional pet care needs or inquiries!
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