At a glance the quick version
Hill's gives 8-12 lb for females and over 12 lb (5.4 kg) for males; Petfinder gives 8-12 lb overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
wire coat
Built much like the American Shorthair, with a sturdy, athletic body, but covered in a dense, springy coat where each hair is crimped, hooked or bent. Even the whiskers and ear fur are wiry, and the coat bounces back into place when stroked.12
Personality what they are like
A relaxed, friendly cat that loves being near its family yet is content to watch the action rather than demand constant attention. It is playful and alert, enjoys a game of fetch and is patient with children.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high. Daily interactive play keeps it fit, and it loves window perches for watching insects and birds.52
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy. Avoid heavy brushing, which can damage the crimped hairs; an occasional bath with a towel dry removes loose hair and keeps the coat in good order.12
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to most homes; give it window perches and toys for play.2
Company who they like around
People-oriented and loyal, and usually gets along well with other pets and children.21
The story where it all began
In 1966 a litter of barn kittens in upstate New York included one red and white male with a surprisingly wiry coat. Breeder Joan O'Shea bought him, named him Council Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi and bred from him, showing the coat trait was dominant. CFA accepted the breed in 1967 and granted championship status in 1978.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In the CFA standard the coat is worth 45 points, more than any single feature in any other breed.1
- 2
The founding kitten was bought for just 50 dollars.3
- 3
As of 2017 it was the rarest of the CFA's recognised breeds.3
- 4
The wire coat comes from its own mutation, different from the genes behind rex breeds.3
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- Accepted 1967; championship status 19781
- TICA
- Recognised breed2
- FIFe
- Recognised3
- ACFA
- Recognised4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Wirehair. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- American Wirehair - Cat Fanciers' Association cfa.orgused for recognition, coat, colours, temperament, history, grooming, fun facts
- American Wirehair - TICA tica.orgused for recognition, coat, temperament, activity, care
- American Wirehair - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, history, fun facts
- American Wirehair - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, recognition
- American Wirehair - Petfinder petfinder.comused for weight, height, lifespan, activity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.