Pet Wiki

American Wirehair

Felis catus

Also called AWH

A relaxed, friendly cat that loves being near its family yet is content to watch the action rather than demand constant attention.

SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb)12
Height23 to 28 cm (9 to 11 in)2
Lifespan7 to 18 years12
CoatWire coat
OriginUpstate New York, United States, from a 1966 barn-cat litter on Council Rock Farm345
Recognised breedShort profile
Easygoing and even-tempered
Affectionate but not demanding
Gentle with children and other pets
341

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.34

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.34

Colourswhiteblackblueredcreamsilver patternssmoketabbytabby and whitetortoiseshellcalicobicolour34

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an American Wirehair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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.24

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.34

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to most homes; give it window perches and toys for play.4

Company who they like around

People-oriented and loyal, and usually gets along well with other pets and children.43

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 1978.35

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In the CFA standard the coat is worth 45 points, more than any single feature in any other breed.3

  2. 2

    The founding kitten was bought for just 50 dollars.5

  3. 3

    As of 2017 it was the rarest of the CFA's recognised breeds.5

  4. 4

    The wire coat comes from its own mutation, different from the genes behind rex breeds.5

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from its distinctive wiry fur and crinkly whiskers, caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation that makes the coat springy, dense, and coarse.5

Name ideas for your new friend

BarnabyCrimpyHudsonPatchErieCloverRustyMistyFreckleSageWhiskerDaisy

A day in the life told by an American Wirehair

I wake up on a sunny window perch, watching birds flit by. After a slow stretch, I pad over to my human for a chin scratch. Mid-morning, I bat a jingly ball across the floor, then flop down to watch from a cozy spot. When the kids come home, I let them pat my wiry coat without fuss. Afternoon means a short game of fetch, then I curl up on the sofa, purring softly as everyone relaxes. Evening brings a gentle headbutt and a contented sigh.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Accepted 1967; championship status 19783
TICA
Recognised breed4
FIFe
Recognised5
ACFA
Recognised1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my American Wirehair, and at what times?

Feeding schedules depend on your cat's age, health, and food type. Consult your vet or a good breeder for a tailored plan. For amounts, follow the food label and your vet's advice.

What should an American Wirehair eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a balanced, high-quality cat food appropriate for your cat's life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, xylitol, and dairy. For specific amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

Does an American Wirehair need baths?

Occasional baths are fine, especially when the coat is dirty or sticky. Use a towel dry to protect the unique crimped hairs. The ASPCA advises bathing only when very dirty or sticky.347

How often does an American Wirehair need brushing?

Brush your American Wirehair gently once a week to avoid damaging the wiry coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends weekly brushing. Over-brushing can harm the coat.734 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an American Wirehair's claws, and how often?

Trim your cat's claws every two to three weeks using proper nail clippers. Only trim the tip to avoid the quick. Pet Wiki suggests every 21 days, and the ASPCA recommends going slowly.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does an American Wirehair need?

Daily interactive play is important for this moderately active cat. They enjoy fetch and watching from a window perch. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily play.24 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an American Wirehair's teeth and ears?

Brush your cat's teeth daily if possible; Pet Wiki suggests every two days. For ears, check weekly and ask your vet for a safe cleaning routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does an American Wirehair live?

American Wirehairs typically live between 7 and 18 years with proper care. Many enjoy a long, healthy life.12

Is an American Wirehair good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are patient with children and usually get along well with other pets. Their relaxed nature makes them great family cats.34

Can an American Wirehair be left alone?

American Wirehairs are content to be on their own for reasonable periods, but they enjoy company. Provide toys and a window perch to keep them entertained.34

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. American Wirehair - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, recognition
  2. American Wirehair - Petfinder petfinder.comused for weight, height, lifespan, activity
  3. American Wirehair - Cat Fanciers' Association cfa.orgused for recognition, coat, colours, temperament, history, grooming, fun facts
  4. American Wirehair - TICA tica.orgused for recognition, coat, temperament, activity, care
  5. American Wirehair - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, history, fun facts
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.