American Wirehair
Discover the rare American Wirehair cat, its unique genetic mutation, history, and temperament compared to the American Shorthair.
The American Wirehair is a rare domestic cat breed defined by a dominant genetic mutation that creates a springy, wiry coat and crinkly whiskers. As of 2017, it remains the rarest of the 41 Cat Fanciers' Association breeds, despite originating from a single spontaneous mutation in 1966.
The mutation is dominant and unique
The breed's defining trait stems from a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred in a litter of five barn cats in Vernon, upstate New York. The single red-and-white male kitten possessed wiry fur, a trait caused by a gene that is dominant rather than recessive. This means the mutation is distinct from the Rex mutations found in other curly-coated breeds like the Cornish or Devon Rex. Because the gene is dominant, breeding a Wirehair with any other cat can produce wired kittens, ensuring the trait persists even when mixed with other breeds.
History begins with one kitten
The entire breed traces back to one specific male kitten named Council Rock Farms Adams of Hi-Fi, known as 'Adam'. His owner, a barn cat breeder, contacted Mrs. Joan O'Shea, a local breeder of Rex cats, who purchased Adam and one of his normal-coated female littermates, Tip-Top, for $50 to start a breeding program. The resulting offspring were sold to other interested breeders, and the population eventually expanded to Canada and Germany, where the breed is especially popular. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognized the breed in 1967, and it was accepted for championship competition in 1978. Despite its American origins, the breed has yet to gain a foothold in Britain or Australia.
The coat requires minimal grooming
The American Wirehair's coat is springy and wiry, resembling the fur of terrier dogs, and includes wiry ear fur and crinkly whiskers. This texture is easy to maintain because the dominant gene determining coat hardness prevents the matting common in other long-haired breeds. However, lighter-colored Wirehairs may require sunblock to protect their skin. When evaluated in the show ring, the coat is the primary focus, accounting for 45 of the 100 points available for quality. While the breed displays the full spectrum of coat colors, Himalayan, Chocolate, and Lilac are not accepted for competition.
Temperament mirrors the American Shorthair
The Wirehair possesses an even, balanced temperament that is essentially identical to its American Shorthair relative. They are described as gentle, quiet, and somewhat humorous, with a voice that is notably soft. These cats are equally content to engage in active play or to fall asleep in their owners' laps. Physically, they have a moderate, sturdy build with round heads, high cheekbones, and a pronounced muzzle. Females are generally smaller than males, and their eyes are typically green or golden, though white Wirehairs may have blue or amber eyes.