American Wirehair cat

Country of Origin: United States
Colors: white, cream, red, blue, black, calico, silver, blue-cream, tabby, tortoiseshell and smoke
Average Size: Weight: 8-15 lbs (3.6 -6.8 kg)   Length:Medium
Life Span: 15 years or more
Coat: Rex
Personality: Intelligent, easy to train and usually not given to serious trouble making
Characteristics: Energy: Active     Talkative: Low     Kid Friendly: Yes      Less Allergic: No

These are very rare cats and are almost unknown outside their native North America, and are one of the few breeds that actually originate from the United States. The origin of the American Wirehaired cats can be followed up starting from 1966. when a couple of farm cats, Bootsie and Fluffy, near Vernon in the state of New York, gave birth to a kitten.

One kitten had a very sharp hair. The owners have contacted a local breeder who took the kitten and another normal female and started breeding them to develop genetic unusual hair, and if possible, grow a new breed.

Thanks to tests that were done by geneticists, it was discovered that the American wirehair cat is really a completely different kind and has a spontaneous mutation where each longer curly hair is sharp and bent at the end in the shape of hook. So, their sharp hair was quite different from that of other cats with curly hair whose coat is very soft to the touch. It seemed that the American wirehaired cat had coarser hair even from the Wirehaired Terrier!

Wirehaired kittens are easy to be identified right when they are born by the mustache and hair on their faces and ears and the body, curly and sticking to the different parts. Breed standards for the American wirehaired breed were written in 1967. CFA seeks for cats of all colors except silver (lilac, chocolate and himalayan colors are not accepted for competitions) and with bright golden eyes. Males are generally bigger than females.

American wirehair cats have rounded head with high cheekbones, flat back and rounded body, strong legs of medium length with rounded paws and tail. These cats are also very tough, muscular, intelligent, and capable of ruling the household (and other cats), yet at the same time relaxed, rarely destructive, and loves to be cuddled. These cats have very quiet voices, and they also prefer staying indoors.

2 Comments

  • The American Wirehair cat is one of the most uncommon products of spontaneous mutations. In such cases, two ordinary cat breeds mate and produces a totally different kitten. Its name can give you a clear idea of how its fur looks as well as its whiskers. When longer, the fur can form ringlets. It has higher cheekbones compared to other cat breeds. These cats are generally healthy and low-maintenance. They also breed easily so it is perfect if you love to have a lot of cats inside the house. They are very quiet but these cats are also very affectionate and sweet.

  • My wirehair just got murdered–I knew she would–she was too good for this world–I even put a sign explaining her special personality–and sure enough a meth addict or alcoholic stomped her to death. I never own a cat again–I loved jessica too much–she was my best friend–just like having a person around.

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