American Wirehair

Playing, watching and considered feeding

A calm appearance does not mean that an American Wirehair only wants to sleep. A ball rolling into an open paper bag without handles may catch her attention. A wand attachment can also change direction across the floor. You should allow time for watching and stalking rather than continually moving the toy immediately in front of her nose. Once she catches it, she can hold it with her paws for a while.

Stable scratching surfaces and several accessible viewpoints are useful indoors. Watching outdoor activity can provide interest, but the window should be secured. For rest, she also needs a protected place away from busy routes. Small changes often create fresh opportunities. An open box in a different place may be more interesting than a constant supply of new toys.

For an adult, activity and food allowance should be considered together. A substantial breed need not become as heavy as possible. Measuring portions makes it easier to include treats and food games. If you are looking for a suitable cat, the cat finder can help organise your preferences and practical possibilities. The final decision should also involve time getting to know the individual and her previous routine.

For practical play, food searches and quiet retreats, read Indoor Cat Enrichment: Play, Food Puzzles and Safe Retreats ↗

Everyday cat training: carriers, grooming and confidence ↗

Understanding the springy coat

Wirehair describes the unusual shape of the individual hairs rather than a uniformly harsh coat. Hairs may be crimped, bent or hooked at their ends. The coat springs back after a gentle touch. How soft or firm it feels can vary substantially between cats. Whiskers may be bent as well.

Vigorous brushing is of little benefit for this coat. Curved hairs may break more readily. You should first ask how she has previously been groomed and remove loose hairs gently only when needed. Checking skin and coat can often be combined with relaxed stroking.

Greasy skin, visible flakes or itching should prompt a discussion of the cause. Whether a bath is needed and which cat product is suitable should depend on the individual skin condition. A fixed bathing programme does not suit every cat. New bald areas or frequent licking should be investigated. Whiskers should not be trimmed. These sensory hairs help her detect her immediate surroundings.

Adam and the American Wirehair’s beginnings

The breed’s history began on a farm in New York State in 1966. A red and white male with crimped hair stood out in a litter of normally coated domestic cats. Joan O’Shea included him in her breeding programme and named him Adam. His inherited coat became the foundation of the American Wirehair. CFA recognised the breed in 1967 and granted championship status in 1978.

The American Shorthair was used during subsequent development, so the breeds remain close in body type. The American Wirehair has a strong, balanced body, a broad head and prominent cheeks. She is not a Rex breed, although Rex cats can also have curled hair. Here, the structure of the individual hairs creates the springy coat. The degree of this texture varies.

Her appearance may continue developing over several years. For a kitten, a good start in daily life should therefore take priority. She should become familiar with touch and a carrier, and chase appropriate objects rather than hands during games. An adult can show how much activity and contact she enjoys. For an older Wirehair, reduced movement should not automatically be interpreted as an easy-going temperament. Pain or illness may be responsible. More accessible places can help, but should not replace an examination.

Kitten, adult, senior: care that changes with your cat ↗