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Every American Wirehair cat is a direct descendant of a male cat name Council Rock Farm Adam, who was born in a barn litter in New York in 1966. Adam displayed a unique mutation which gave him a dense, crimped coat. The farmer showed Adam to his neighbor, Joan O'Shea, who took an interest in the kitten's unusual coat. She bred Adam with one of his litter mates, producing more kittens with the same mutation. In order to introduce hybrid vigor, the early Wirehair kittens were outcrossed with American Shorthairs. In 1967, the breed was accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association.

Because of the breed's mixed genetic legacy, show-quality American Wirehair cats are difficult to breed. The gene for the wiry coat is incomplete dominant, which means that offspring of two Wirehairs may have a coat that is mostly, or even completely, soft. Some Wirehairs even have a long coat, giving the appearance of a "dust bunny," which is not desirable for show. According to the breed standard, individual hairs should be "crimped, hooked, or bent." An ideal Wirehair has the visual appearance of a cat that has fluffed his hair out because of cold or danger. When touched, the Wirehair's coat feels soft, but springs back like wool. While many kittens are born with a non-ideal coat, wirehair kittens that are not show quality are still sold as pets.

Another consequence of the Wirehair's barn-cat beginnings is a wide variation in coloring. Wirehairs come in practically every color combinations imaginable. Many have colorful coats with black, white, and orange spots. Others have tabby stripes or are one solid color.

In temperament, the American Wirehair has all the traits of an ideal pet. Wirehairs are friendly, even to strangers, and get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs. The breed is relatively rare, so Wirehair kittens can be difficult to obtain, but those who find one are generally happy with their choice.

Overall, the American Wirehair is a robust breed with few health problems. Some Wirehairs do exhibit allergies, so they are best kept as indoor cats. Also, their coats can be oily, which means they require relatively frequent bathing compared to other cat breeds. Fortunately, the sweet temperament of the American Wirehair means that these cats tolerate bathing well.

For those considering bringing an American Wirehair into their homes, a rescue organization may be able to help match the prospective owner with the right cat. Those seeking to purchase a Wirehair kitten will need to find a reputable breeder.

Learn more about this author, Raven Lebeau.
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