American Wirehair

Breed Type: Western
Common nicknames: Wirehairs
Coat: Short-haired
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, playful, energetic
Life expectancy: 14-18 years
Color & patterns: Gray and white
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American Wirehair - gray and white
American Wirehair - gray and white
Ready your laser pointers and feather toys because here comes the American Wirehair, a cat breed resulting from a spontaneous mutation that created their distinctive springy, wire-like coats. Weighing between eight to 15 pounds, these domestic cats are also known for their playful yet laid-back demeanors — they are the perfect balance of active explorer and lazy couch potato. So, if you’re looking for a cat who combines the curiosity of an adventurer and the chill of a zen master, the American Wirehair could be perfect for you.

American Wirehair characteristics

Learn about about American Wirehair basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other American Wirehair facts.

Average height

10-14 inches (25.4-35.6cm)

Average weight

8-15 pounds (3.6-6.8 kg)

Average lifespan

14-18 years

Good with other cats
Needs spaceSocial butterfly
Good with dogs
Scaredy catHey, new pal!
Affection
Independent spiritLoves attention
Shedding
Bare-skinnedHeavy sheeder
Health
Prone to issuesGenerally healthy
Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
When does an American Wirehair stop growing?

American Wirehairs stop growing between two and three years old. By three years old, most American Wirehairs will have reached their full adult size.

How long do American Wirehairs live?

American Wirehair cats can have a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. Feeding them a high-quality diet and providing them with an active lifestyle appropriate for their age and activity level is crucial for overall health.

What eye colors can an American Wirehair have?

American Wirehairs have a variety of eye colors, including blue, green, and gold, and even two different eye colors.

What color coats can American Wirehair cats have?

American Wirehairs can have coats of many different colors, including black, white, blue, red, and cream, and patterns such as bi-color, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, and smoke.

How big do American Wirehair cats get?

Most American Wirehairs weigh between eight and 12 pounds. They are generally classified as medium-sized domestic cats, with males tending to be slightly larger than females.

Are American Wirehair cats good hunters?

Yes, American Wirehair cats are good hunters, as they are descendants of barn cats. Their playful and energetic nature translates well to the thrill of the hunt.

Do American Wirehair cats shed?

Yes, American Wirehairs shed, but they are very light shedders. Their coat is coarse and wiry, like that of a terrier.

American Wirehair temperament

Learn about about the American Wirehair temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are American Wirehair cats good with dogs?

Yes, American Wirehairs can get along well with friendly dogs, especially if they are socialized to be around dogs early in their lives. 

As with cat-to-cat intros, allow your American Wirehair to become familiar with a pup’s scent first. When you allow them to meet in the same space, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash and reward them for calm behavior while making sure your kitty has perches and hideaways to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. Supervise a cat and dog’s playtime and interactions to ensure safety and prevent any potential conflicts.

Are American Wirehair cats good with other cats?

Yes, American Wirehair cats are typically good with other cats. American Wirehairs are extremely playful; as such, they can be happy with a feline companion alongside whom they can cause ultimate mischief.

However, as with any breed, it’s best to introduce an American Wirehair cat to another kitty as early in the development as possible, and it’s important to do scent intros (on rags, cat toys, etc.) first so that they can become familiar with each other’s scent before moving onto visual introductions.

Do American Wirehair cats meow?

Yes, American Wirehairs meow and are considered moderately vocal. They communicate their wants and needs with vocalization, but they do not excessively meow.

Are American Wirehair cats friendly?

Yes, American Wirehair cats are friendly. Like American Shorthairs, American Wirehairs are very affectionate, fond of spending time with their humans, and often very empathetic and in tune with their moods.

Are American Wirehair cats good indoor cats?

Yes, American Wirehairs are good indoor cats. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping all cats indoors for safety reasons.

Are American Wirehair cats good lap-cats?

Yes, American Wirehairs can be good lap-cats, but it depends on the individual cat’s personality. However, American Wirehairs are generally fond of a nice, warm lap snuggle.

Are American Wirehair cats active?

Yes, American Wirehair cats are active. This breed is a little more active and playful than their American Shorthair forebears, and they love amusing themselves with paper, yarn, or you (preferably you).

Are American Wirehair cats cuddly?

Yes, American Wirehair cats can be cuddly, but it depends on their individual personalities. These cats enjoy human company, which makes them more likely to seek out interaction and potentially cuddle on your lap.

American Wirehair health

Learn about about the American Wirehair health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do you need to groom an American Wirehair cat?

Yes, you do need to groom an American Wirehair cat. While you should regularly brush an American Wirehair, keep in mind that over-grooming their unique coat can cause damage. All cats should also have their claws trimmed every two weeks or so and their teeth brushed multiple times a week, as cats are also prone to periodontal disease.

Are American Wirehair cats hypoallergenic?

No, American Wirehair cats are not hypoallergenic. Regular brushing can help minimize allergens in shed fur, but it won’t entirely eliminate them.

Are American Wirehair cats healthy?

Yes, American Wirehair cats are healthy. But they are prone to some of the same disorders as their forebear, the American Shorthair, including:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is an abnormal thickening of the left ventricle of the heart that leads to improper blood flow. It is the most common cause of heart disease in cats and can result in sudden death.

  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): PKD is an inherited condition that causes cysts in the kidneys, leads to enlarged kidneys, and may result in renal failure. There is a genetic test available to pinpoint this disease.

  • Hip dysplasia: American Wirehairs can suffer from hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint grows abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.

American Wirehair history

Learn about where this American Wirehair came from!

Where are American Wirehair cats from?

The American Wirehair is from upstate New York. One kitten in a barn cat’s 1966 litter had uniquely wiry hair that impressed cat fanciers. American Shorthairs were used as the outcross for this breed, and the American Wirehair breed was developed and recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1967.

Are American Wirehair cats rare?

Yes, American Wirehair cats are rare; the Cat Fanciers’ Association has named them one of the rarest cat breeds.

What is the difference between the American Shorthair and American Wirehair?

The difference between the American Shorthair and the American Wirehair is their coats; the American Wirehair has a medium-length, dense, springy coat with curly hairs that give it a wiry texture, whereas American Shorthairs have short, hard coats.

Find American Wirehair kittens near you

Adopting an American Wirehair

We don't see any American Wirehairs available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.

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Callie

Domestic Mediumhair
Female, 6 yrs 3 mos
Columbus, OH
Color
Brown or Chocolate
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Story
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Yoshï

Domestic Mediumhair
Female, young
Gahanna, OH
Color
Black & White or Tuxedo
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Good with kids
Not good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
I adopted Yoshï a year and a half ago at the Columbus Humane Center And they did an incredible job with making sure that she was up-to-date with all of her shots and was spayed. Yoshi is a sweet girl who is quiet and who loves her space and alone time. She’s very chill and she loves to play with toys.
pet-photo

Checkers

Domestic Mediumhair
Male, adult
Columbus, OH
Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Spayed or Neutered
Story
Are you looking for a playful, high-energy buddy who's equal parts adorable and mischievous? Look no further-Checkers is your guy! Just look at those striking white whiskers and his checkerboard coat! Isn't he handsome!Checkers is the ultimate playmate for someone who loves a cat with a little spice. Whether he's chasing after his favorite toy mouse, launching himself at a feather wand, or pouncing out of his latest hiding spot, he keeps the fun going.What Checkers Needs in His Forever Home: * An experienced cat lover who understands his spunky, playful nature. * A family without young kids- Checkers can be ultra-sensitive and sometimes forgets the difference between hands and toys (gentle nips included)! * Someone who can give him lots of attention, playtime, and understanding, especially during his "zoomie hours."Checkers may play hard, but he also loves hard. Once he's tuckered out, he's the sweetest little loaf, curling up in his favorite sunny spot for a nap. Give him love, patience, and lots of interactive play, and you'll have a loyal companion who makes every day more entertaining. Primary Color: Black Secondary Color: White Weight: 10 Age: 2yrs 3mths 3wks
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Archie

American Shorthair
Male, adult
Powell, OH
Color
Orange or Red Tabby
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Archie is beautiful and soft almost 4 year old orange kitty. He’s house trained, friendly and loving. We previously had a medium sized senior dog and another cat that he was friendly with and got along great with until they passed away last year. He’s had his regular shots and doctor visits every year and has no health issues. He enjoys being inside and looking out windows or snuggling on the couch. No problems with scratching as we have always kept one of those perforated cardboard scratching block toys in our living space. Archie must be re-homed due to our 2nd daughter having severe allergies to cats that we cannot overcome. We will miss him dearly and need to ensure he has a proper home and will also be including a generous supply of his kitty food to come along, all free of charge. Thank you for your consideration of our little loving Archie.
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Jasmine

Domestic Mediumhair
Female, adult
Columbus, OH
Color
Brown Tabby
Size
(when grown) null
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
Come meet me at Petco Upper Arlington. DOB: 4/1/2023 Jasmine is a stunning young torbie with a heart full of wonder! Rescued from a backyard where she lived with her mother, sister, and younger siblings, this little adventurer is ready to embark on a new journey—one filled with love, patience, and plenty of cozy hideaways. Jasmine is bonded to her sister, Penelope, and these two are a perfect pair! They must be adopted together because, like the sun and the moon, they bring balance to each other’s world. Though a bit cautious at first, Jasmine’s curious nature shines through, and with time, she’ll warm up to the gentle hand of a kind soul. Are you ready to welcome this duo of sweet, inquisitive girls into your heart? Come meet Jasmine and Penelope today and let their journey continue with you! All cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested for FIV/FeLV. **If interested in adopting me, please fill out an online adoption application at https://colonycats.org/adoption_app.html to expedite the process. Due to the large number of inquiries received, we are unable to respond to emails quickly.** February 20, 2025, 3:38 pm
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Moxie

Domestic Mediumhair
Female, senior
Columbus, OH
Color
Black & White or Tuxedo
Size
(when grown) null
Details
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Story
DOB: 3/8/2015 Moxie is a beautiful 9-year-old girl who came to Colony Cats after the loss of her owner. We are hoping to find her a loving home where she can experience the happiness her previous human gave her. When she first arrived, Moxie was understandably upset and uncertain about her new surroundings. However, after some time to decompress, she is now ready to find a forever home to enjoy her golden years. Moxie is a little particular and prefers things on her terms, but with patience and understanding, she will make a wonderful and glorious companion. Come meet me at the cage-free Adoption Center! All cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested for FIV/FeLV. **If interested in adopting me, please fill out an online adoption application at https://colonycats.org/adoption_app.html to expedite the process. Due to the large number of inquiries received, we are unable to respond to emails quickly.**January 3, 2025, 1:19 pm