American Wirehair

Cat · Shorthair · 0 live listings

A rare American breed descended from a single wire-coated farm kitten born in upstate New York in 1966. It shares the American Shorthair’s calm, sturdy nature, with a springy, crimped coat that needs a light touch.

At a glance

Origin
New York, United States, 1966
Size
Medium-large · 8–15 lb
Lifespan
12–16 years
Coat
Wiry, crimped, springy
Temperament
Calm, easygoing, friendly
Best fit
Families, first-time owners
Species
Cat
Category
Cats
Group
Shorthair
Registries
CFA, TICA, ACFA
Papers
5 categories
EnergyModerate and playful
AffectionFriendly, independent
Grooming loadMinimal; no hard brushing
Beginner fitEasy and adaptable

Scales follow breed-club and veterinary consensus; individual animals vary. Listings show what each seller has on file.

The tradeoffs, honestly

The breed is rare, so kittens can be hard to find. The fragile coat breaks with brushing, and some cats have oily skin that needs an occasional bath.

Common questions

How do you groom an American Wirehair?

Lightly. Brushing can damage the crimped hairs. Most need nothing more than an occasional bath if the skin gets oily, plus routine nail and ear care.

What health checks should the parents have?

The breed is generally healthy. Ask for heart screening for HCM on the parents, since it occurs in the related American Shorthair, and a skin check on the kitten.

Is it hypoallergenic?

No. The wiry coat does not change the allergen the cat makes in its skin and saliva. Meet the breed first if you have allergies.

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Typical rangeNot enough sales yet for a rangeLive listings0
Health tests to ask for
Health certificate or vet exam on fileCore vaccinations currentFeLV / FIV negativeFecal screen clearMicrochip registered to the breederFeline DNA health panelHousehold-pet registration

Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.

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American Wirehair · Everybarn