American Wirehair
A unique wiry coat on an otherwise classic American cat.
American Wirehairs share the friendly, easygoing temperament of the American Shorthair but with a coat unlike any other domestic breed — every hair is crimped, hooked, or bent, giving them a distinctive springy, wiry texture. They are rare even within the United States.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–15 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14–18 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush gently every couple of weeks |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Extremely rare and unique coat
- Healthy and hardy
- Easygoing temperament
- Long-lived
✗ Things to know
- Very rare — hard to find and expensive
- Coat texture may not appeal to all
- Less variety in appearance
Ideal owner
A American Wirehair may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A American Wirehair may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
American Wirehairs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a American Wirehair right for you?
The best way to find out if a American Wirehair suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a American Wirehair a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — American Wirehairs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: calm, friendly, and people-oriented.
Are American Wirehairs good for apartments?
Yes — American Wirehairs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are American Wirehairs good with children?
American Wirehairs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are American Wirehairs hypoallergenic?
American Wirehairs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a American Wirehair suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: American Wirehair on Wikipedia