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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+4
Cats
# The American Wirehair: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
A calm, playful and affectionate cat, recognizable by its short, dense and wiry coat.
Size MediumLife expectancy 14–18 yearsBudget ≈ €65/monthKitten €800 – €1,200
No breeders yet — alert me [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=american-wirehair)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Which cat is right for you?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs Moderate
Apartment living Very good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Vocalization Quiet
Strengths and weaknesses
- Affectionate and balanced: He appreciates his family's attention without being excessively dependent.
- Sociable: He generally gets along well with children, other cats, and other animals.
- Adaptable: He can live in an apartment as well as enjoy secure outdoor access.
- Simple grooming: A gentle weekly brushing is generally enough to maintain his coat.
- Rare breed: Its limited distribution can make reputable breeders and kittens difficult to find.
- Delicate coat: Brushing too vigorously can damage its coat and promote irritation.
- Hereditary predispositions: Vigilance is necessary regarding the kidneys, the heart and the skin.
- Need for activity: Its balance depends on an environment that is spacious enough, stimulating and enriched.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Families with respectful children: Its affectionate, calm and playful temperament promotes a harmonious family life.
- Households with other animals: Its sociability generally allows it to cohabit well after gradual introductions.
- People looking for a well-balanced cat: It combines affection, curiosity and independence without being constantly clingy.
- Enriched homes: It adapts well when games, heights and activities are offered to it.
Not recommended for
- Very rarely available homes: He requires attention, play and regular activities.
- Abrupt people: His great sensitivity requires gentle and respectful interactions.
- Environments without stimulation: The lack of space and activities can harm his well-being.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
28 cmAmerican Wirehair
- Height at the withers
- 25–30 cm
- Weight
- 3–7 kg
- Coat
- Short, curly, coarse
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the American Wirehair in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The American Wirehair appeared in the 1960s on a farm in New York State, following a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred in a litter of American Shorthair. Only one of the five kittens survived and caught the attention of breeder Joan O'Shea, who bought it and named it Council Rock Adam of Hi-Fi. A breeding program was then set up, with crosses with the American Shorthair. The breed was officially recognized by American organizations in 1978 and remains rarer than its close cousin.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Medium-sized, the American Wirehair has a muscular, balanced and slender body, a fairly broad chest and a powerful appearance. Its round head has pronounced cheekbones, strong cheeks, a square chin, a short nose and fine wavy whiskers. Its almond-shaped eyes are widely spaced and express gentleness. Its ears, medium-sized, are well spaced and slightly rounded at the tip. Its tail is long, thin and rounded at the end. Its short, dense and glossy coat combines guard hair, secondary hair and undercoat; it is wavy, coarse, slightly curly in places and protective against bad weather. Many colors are accepted, with the exception in particular of colourpoint, chocolate and lilac.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The American Wirehair is affectionate, calm, curious and sensitive. Playful without being excessively restless, it appreciates the attention of its loved ones while maintaining a certain independence. It likes being surrounded without constantly being clingy and asks to be treated gently, because it does not tolerate being handled roughly.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, he needs space, games and activities to satisfy his curiosity. Coming from a line of farm cats, he appreciates access to the outdoors, but can also adapt to apartment living if his environment is sufficiently spacious and enriched. He is generally comfortable with children, his fellow cats and other animals. He accepts being held in your arms, provided it remains moderate.
Training
## Training and socialization
A gentle, consistent and respectful approach to its sensitivity promotes its adaptation to the household rules. Its intelligence and curiosity can be engaged through play, rewards and exploration activities. It is advisable to avoid any sudden constraint and to offer it stable reference points as well as varied occupations.
Budget
## Price and budget for the American Wirehair
The purchase price varies notably depending on the breeder, the lineage, the pedigree, the age, the sex and the cat’s intended purpose. The rarity of the American Wirehair can also limit its availability.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-wirehair/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The American Wirehair generally enjoys robust health, but regular veterinary monitoring remains necessary due to possible hereditary predispositions. Its skin and distinctive coat also require appropriate attention in order to prevent irritations and allergies.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-wirehair/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
Its diet must be balanced, of high quality and adjusted to its age, its morphology, its state of health and its activity level. Portion control is essential to prevent overweight.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-wirehair/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The first known representative of the breed, Council Rock Adam of Hi-Fi, was the only survivor of a litter of five American Shorthair kittens. The unique texture of his coat came from a spontaneous genetic mutation. Despite its official recognition in the United States since 1978, the American Wirehair remains a rare breed.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the American Wirehair
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the American Wirehair live in an apartment?
Yes. It adapts to apartment living if the space is sufficient and enriched with toys, exploration areas, and regular activities. Secure outdoor access is still appreciated.
### Does the American Wirehair get along with children and other animals?
It is generally sociable with children, other cats, and other animals, provided that interactions are respectful and introductions are gradual.
### How should the American Wirehair's coat be maintained?
Gentle brushing once a week is generally sufficient. Brushing too vigorously can damage its coat; a monthly bath or the help of an experienced groomer may be considered to remove irritating dead hairs.
## Discover other breeds
[American Shorthair
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-shorthair)
[American Curl
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-curl)
[American Bobtail
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-bobtail)
[Bombay
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/bombay)
[California Spangled
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/california-spangled)
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