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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.