The American wirehair cat (eng. American wirehair - wire-haired, or wire cat) is quite rare to be found even in their homeland, but if you buy it, you will not regret it. Like other American cats, the Wirehair is suitable for people and families. She will be both a cozy house cat curled up at your feet and an energetic outdoor cat who tirelessly plays with children. This is a medium-sized cat, muscular, with a solid, well-proportioned body. It received its name for the thick and dense fur that appears in kittens born from ordinary domestic cats.
History of the origin of the American Wirehair cat breed
The breed was formed by nature itself in the United States in 1966. One wirehaired kitten suddenly appeared in the litter of a farm cat living in New York. Rumors about an unusual kitten overtook a breeder named Joan, who was already interested in breeding American Shorthairs. The first cat in the litter was named Adam.
Joan later acquired two more wire-haired cats. The examination confirmed the exclusivity of the origin of animal hair, which had not previously been found in the cat breed. Subsequently, the unique kittens were crossed with American smooth-haired cats.
Until the early 70s, the breeder was one of the few who bred unique pets. Today her business continues to live on, but the breed is still considered rare.
Interesting!
The breed was recognized by official organizations in 1978. External standards continue to change to this day.
The picture shows one of the most common colors.
Interesting facts about the breed
- The ancestor of the exclusive wire-haired breed is considered to be a white-and-red kitten named Adam, the only surviving specimen in the litter. A rare, amazing cat that appeared on a US farm, thanks to the breeding work of breeder Joan O'Shea, gained recognition in America, Europe and is becoming popular in Russia.
- Sometimes, in a litter of 5 kittens, not all of them retain hereditary characteristics; babies may appear without obvious wire-haired characteristics, which is discovered after 3 months of development.
Cats, American Wirehair cats, an original, exclusive breed, are a good choice for purchasing for a family. They will be a joy for everyone in the house. The pet will captivate you with its friendly, affectionate character and friendly attitude not only towards its owner.
The docile animal becomes attached to members of the entire family and responds well to affection and attention. They are clean, well tamed to order, they are kept without hassle, both in apartments and in private motorcades.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=W4AKGlNPyJ0%3F
Appearance of the American Wirehair cat
She has the world standard of appearance established by the World Phenological Organization.
Height and weight
Pets are classified as medium-sized animals. Height at the withers is approximately 30 cm. An adult cat stretches 5-7 kg. Females are always slightly lighter than males
Length and shape of limbs
The full paws are slightly tapered towards the end. They are round and large. The tail reaches medium size. It tapers towards its end, the tip is rounded.
Head shape
The head protrudes slightly forward. The neck is very powerful. The ears are medium in size and located close to each other. There is practically no forward bending, because the ears stand vertically. Sometimes tassels form on the rounded tips.
The nose is compact, the bridge of the nose is wide. The profile stands out due to the sloping curve between the forehead and nose.
Eye color and shape
The eyelids have a transitional shape between regular round and almond eyes. The outer corners are slightly turned up. The eyelids are open, which is why the expression of the muzzle seems surprised.
The shade of the iris matches the color of the coat. Thus, lilac cats boast bright green eyes, while cream and brown cats have a yellow iris.
The pictures do not reflect the full depth and beauty of the eyes, but they give an approximate idea.
Wool
The breed was nicknamed Wirehair because of the unusual structure of the hair on its body. Curls are located on the head, hips, and back. There are cats with curly whiskers. Thanks to the unique structure of the hairs, the fur looks curly, which is unusual for cats. Mistakenly the fur seems very rough, but it is quite soft. Its texture is different from the coat of the British or Abyssinians. The hair itself is short and very dense.
Interesting!
The fur feels like a washing sponge that bounces back when touched.
Constitution
These are medium or large animals, quite strong, with good stretching. The muscle relief is noticeable even under a layer of wool. The breast protrudes forward. The legs at the base are powerful and developed.
Voice
American Wirehair cats hardly meow. They usually make various purring sounds. Cats spend most of their time in silence. If there is a shortage of food, they can demandly turn to the owner.
Lifespan
With proper care, pets live for about 15 years. There are many individuals who lived up to 18-20 years.
Possible defects
The American Wirehair cat breed has its own vices. They do not spoil the appearance of the pet, and they will be invisible to a loving owner. Defects exclude the animal from participating in official exhibitions.
Vices:
- Tail with fractures, bends, and nodules. This defect occurs in many cats. Tail creases occur both in fetuses and in adulthood as a result of injuries and fractures.
- White spots on the legs, body, head. The presence of light hairs is not desirable in American breeds. They indicate a crossbreed or other deviations.
- Cryptorchidism. Absence of testicles. The disease occurs in only 1-3% of males.
- Rarely does a chocolate or bluish color with a lilac tint appear. These shades are considered a vice. Such cats are not allowed at exhibitions.
Description of the breed
Let's start with a description of the American Shorthair cat: as can be seen in the photo, medium or large in size, with a powerful, well-built muscular body, well-developed bones, broad shoulders, a voluminous chest, and strong jaws.
This is a true working cat that exudes strength and adapts perfectly to any conditions. Cats weigh on average from 4 to 5 kg, males are slightly larger - 6-7 kg. The breed is officially recognized by international felinological organizations as the American Shorthair cat; the description of the breed (standard) has only minor differences.
Head and muzzle
The head is large, rounded with pronounced cheeks and whisker pads (especially in cats). The muzzle is rectangular and wide. The ears are proportional, medium in size, rounded at the tips and wide and open at the base. Located close to each other, the distance between them should be equal to twice the distance between the inner corners of the eyes. The forehead is slightly convex. The nose is the same width along its entire length with a slight depression in the stop area (the transition from the forehead to the muzzle). The jaws are quite long and strong.
Frame
The body of the American Shorthair is slightly longer (measured from the sternum to the croup) than it is tall (from the paw pads to the shoulder blades). The neck is muscular and of medium length. The limbs are heavy, muscular, and not too long. Parallel when viewed from behind. The paws are heavy, with massive pads, and the toes point forward. The tail is heavy at the base, of normal length, tapering to a sharply rounded, blunt tip.
Coat and colors
The coat is very thick, dense and short with a well-developed undercoat. The guard hair is shiny and thick, not much longer than the length of the down hair. Any colors are possible. Only a few say that the lines are not purebred and are not allowed for competitions and breeding: chocolate, fawn, cinnamon, lilac, Tonkinese and color point.
In terms of the acceptable color palette, the European Shorthair and American Shorthair cat breeds are very similar; the colors can be very diverse: solid, bicolor, tricolor, tabby. Marble tabby is the most popular and expensive color. In some sources, the color can be found under the name “tabby”, this is not a mistake, the transcription of the English word “tabby” is simply written differently.
Coat color
There is a wide variety of colors. The American breed has all existing colors. There are more than 60 colors. They seem to imitate all types of cats.
The photo shows a unique tricolor cat.
Plain
Pure monochromatic colors are becoming increasingly rare. At the same time, in nurseries, even animals of the same color have other color inclusions on their fur. Upon closer inspection, it is easy to find dark hairs, small spots, etc.
The most common shades:
- black;
- cream;
- silver;
- red or fiery.
Two-color
Multi-colored colors are much more common.
The most common:
- tortoiseshell;
- cross with white;
- a mixture of brown shades.
Mr. Cat recommends: Temperament features
The American Wirehair is very popular in its historical homeland due to its remarkable character. These friendly pets are incredibly stress-resistant and quickly adapt to any environment. By the way, read about stress in cats. They are equally comfortable with a silent owner or in the circle of a large and noisy family with small children.
They are playful and active all their lives, even in old age. They will always find something to do and tolerate short-term loneliness calmly.
Very brave hunters and protectors. They confidently make contact even with unfamiliar people and animals. In the event of an attack, they will be able to stand up for themselves perfectly, but they will never be the first to show aggression.
Characteristics and habits
The American Wirehair cat stands out for its bright character, for which it received the nickname “punk” among animals. They are very playful, active and cheerful. Even standard images easily convey the special character of cats, their intelligent and penetrating gaze.
Activity
Cats have developed instincts. They are excellent mousecatchers. Business creatures will always find something to keep themselves busy. This is a big plus for people who live in the house. Perhaps the pet’s new hobbies and interests will not always please the owner.
Sociability
The American Wirehair cat breed loves people and cannot stand loneliness. It is important to play with them and communicate at least 1 hour a day. Otherwise, the animal may become apathetic and depressed. They perceive strangers with interest, and the first ones come up to introduce themselves.
They perceive four-legged friends positively and get along with cats and dogs. Pets are suitable for families with children. Cats are tolerant of children's antics. Despite their sociability, they do not like to be held.
Important!
Two unneutered cats in the house will share the territory. It is better to have animals of different sexes.
Intelligence
American Wirehair cats are distinguished by their intelligence. If you hide treats or favorite toys from them, they are more likely to get them. Due to their developed intelligence, they understand people well, read their intonations and emotions.
Playfulness
Cats love to play, they devote most of their active time to this. If you don't pay attention to them, they will find something to entertain themselves. It could be a home flower, a roll of toilet paper, or shoes with beautiful straps. They remain playful throughout their lives and even in old age will be happy with a new ball. For some owners this is a significant disadvantage.
Important!
Each pet has a unique character and preferences. Some people like toy mice, others love skeins of thread, and still others cannot live without a ball. Therefore, it is important to provide your cat with a good selection of toys.
Key facts
American Shorthair cats are larger than cats. Males weigh up to eight kilograms, females - up to five kilograms.
From the outside, the animal is very similar to a mongrel kitty, but upon careful examination it is possible to identify the unique features of the elite breed: a large head of equal length and width, almond-shaped, wide-set eyes, medium-length ears rounded at the tips and a short, thick coat without dense undercoat.
Description of the breed The American shorthair cat combines power, aristocracy and obedience, tenderness, and cleanliness. What distinguishes it from other mustachioed pets is:
Laziness – American cats love to relax on the couch and watch what is happening around them. Despite their activity, they never rush around the house, break or spoil things.
Friendly – cats get along well with dogs and other animals
They are patient with the pranks of small children, not aggressive and not vindictive.
Tenderness - pets love attention and affection, they are happy to sit on the owner’s lap and sing a purring melody.
Adaptability - cats easily adapt to an unfamiliar environment, be it a small city apartment or a large country cottage.
Independence – animals are able to remain alone for a long time, this is an excellent solution for constantly busy people.
Independence - despite their loving nature, kitties never impose themselves on others, they only accept affection and attention in doses only when they themselves need it.
Playfulness - cats remain active until the end of their days, so the owner needs to take care of the availability of soft and mechanical toys, climbing ladders, and all kinds of teasers.
American shorthair cats are natural hunters; they happily destroy small and large rodents.
But you shouldn’t let them go into nature without vaccinations and supervision - such precautions will avoid infectious diseases and accidents.
The characteristics of the American Shorthair cat emphasize that they are peaceful, balanced, independent animals that prefer to be in a small company of people. In a family, a cat becomes a friend to everyone, gets along well with cats and dogs, and is easy and quick to train.
With good maintenance, the life expectancy of an American Shorthair cat is more than 16 years. An American cat can live both in a private house and in an apartment. In the second case, frequent walks in the fresh air, outdoor games and jogging are recommended. You should not let your animal off the leash. It is better to wear a tick and flea collar on your pet.
Care and maintenance
Care includes basic procedures. However, there are several special nuances for caring for hair.
Moving into a new home
It is necessary to provide the animal with a set of items:
- Scratching post. If an American cat has no place to sharpen its claws, it will tear up the sofa or wallpaper. Moreover, different animals have different preferences. Some people like vertical posts, others prefer corrugated cardboard planes. It would be good if the scratching posts were of different lengths and configurations.
- Tray. Must be in an accessible place. The filler is changed every 2-3 days. Wood and silica gel litter is suitable for most pets.
- A place to sleep. American cats can sleep on the floor, sofa, chair or bed with their owner. Despite this, the pet should have its own cozy corner with a bed or blanket.
- Food area. There should always be clean drinking water and dry food on site. Cups are washed daily. To maintain cleanliness, use rubber mats for cups.
- Harness. If the animal will be walked, it is better to do so on a leash. Otherwise, cats can easily run away from their owner.
You should also hide fragile souvenirs and valuable small items. Remove needles, threads, knitting needles, etc. It’s also better not to leave money in a visible place; cats like to play with paper.
Hygiene
American Wirehair cats require regular grooming, which includes:
- Ear cleaning. It is carried out once a week. They are cleaned with a cotton swab moistened with chlorhexidine or a special lotion. You can use a weak chamomile infusion.
- American cats do an excellent job of cleaning their fur. They are bathed only in emergency cases, when the pet has been heavily covered in mud.
- Nails are trimmed 1-2 times a month. They can injure delicate paws if they fall. Trimming claws also protects wallpaper, sofas and other furniture from scratches. For pruning, they buy special tools, or regularly take the pet to the veterinarian; the procedure is inexpensive.
- The animal's eyes are examined daily. If dirt accumulates in the corners, remove it with a cotton swab. The presence of dirt is completely normal for animals, because... their eyes naturally clear themselves of dust, mucus, etc. The owner’s task is to clean them on time.
Grooming
Brushing is done every week using a soft-toothed comb to keep the cat's curls intact. The procedure is carried out carefully, because hairs may break.
Important!
Due to the structure of hair, it is difficult for animals to spit it out. Usually the hairs settle in the stomach and are not digested. If the owner notices that the cat is trying to spit out fur, starts coughing, but nothing happens, you should consult a doctor.
Natural curls are easy to straighten. It is enough to wash your pet, dry it and comb it. The fur will become similar to that of most cats. If it is necessary to maintain curliness, the pet is not combed after washing, allowing the fur to dry on its own. Do not use a hairdryer while drying.
The photo shows the classic fur of a purebred animal.
Diet
American cats get used to any menu. It is beneficial for the owner to buy dry food. It has a number of advantages:
- Dry food saves your budget. A month requires 2 kg of feed, which costs no more than 2000 rubles. Natural food is much more expensive.
- All trace elements are taken into account in the composition of dry granules. You don’t have to buy vitamins or cook your cat’s lunch. It is enough to read the description on the package once and calculate the daily requirement.
- It is enough to give the cat the daily dose and calmly go about your business.
It is better to purchase premium food. They are distinguished by their natural composition and pleasant taste.
Some owners prefer to prepare their own lunches.
The natural menu includes:
- meat - rabbit, chicken, beef, veal;
- fermented milk - kefir, fermented baked milk, sour cream, low-fat cottage cheese;
- cereals – buckwheat, rice, pearl barley;
- vegetables - carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, greens.
Until the age of 6 months, small kittens should eat 4-5 times a day. Cats from 6 months old need to be fed 2-3 times a day. It is permissible to adjust the feeding schedule and diet to suit the needs of the pet.
Sterilization or castration
If breeding is not of interest, then the question arises: is it worth sterilizing the animal? There are special drugs that inhibit the sexual activity of cats. These can be drops, injections or tablets. But not everyone knows that their constant use is undesirable. These medications are designed to temporarily stop active sexual behavior in cats. With constant or frequent use, they can provoke diseases of the genital area. Therefore, if offspring are not planned, it is better to resort to castration or sterilization surgery.
Castration (Latin castratio - castration) is an operation to remove the gonads in animals. After castration, animals are not only incapable of reproducing offspring, but also stop displaying sexual behavior. In males, territorial marking and aggression disappear; in females, signs of estrus disappear due to the inability to produce sex hormones.
Sterilization (Latin sterilis - sterile) is a surgical operation that results in the deprivation of the animal's ability to bear children while maintaining the production of sex hormones. During this operation, the gonads are not removed, but the vas deferens in males or the fallopian tubes in females are ligated, or they are partially removed, which prevents conception. After sterilization, unlike castration, the production of sex hormones and sexual instincts are preserved.
Advantages of sterilization (castration)
Some facts can be confidently considered as an advantage of sterilization (castration):
- Such animals live longer and get sick less often.
- In cats, this operation eliminates uterine diseases and significantly reduces the risk of mammary gland diseases.
- Neutered cats are distinguished by their docile and balanced character.
- In cats, the likelihood of diseases such as prostatitis, hormone-dependent tumors of the testicles and testes is reduced.
- Castration and sterilization operations are well established and are carried out in all clinics. They are safe and painless.
It is best to spay cats between 6 and 9 months of age before their first heat cycle. In this case, the risk of breast tumor formation is minimized.
It is best for a cat to undergo this procedure at 7–9 months. At this time, he is already quite old; puberty has begun, but has not yet completed. You can also operate on an adult cat, but at a young age the animal tolerates the operation more easily. In addition, 15% of adult cats may continue to mark their territory out of habit, although the marks do not have such a strong odor.
Post-operative care
Post-operative care does not require much effort. In cats, stitches are removed on days 8–12, and the cat feels great immediately after emerging from anesthesia.
After the operation, the cat will spend 8–12 days in a bandage, then the stitches will be removed
Possible complications
The correct age of the animal is the key to ensuring that the operation goes without complications. The older the pet, the more difficult it will be for him to endure anesthesia and the procedure itself.
Any castration is carried out under general anesthesia, and anesthesia is always a health risk, although low. Therefore, it is not recommended to operate on animals older than 8 years.
Complications may occur after surgery:
- bleeding;
- development of infection;
- divergence of seams.
Their likelihood is reduced if the surgeon is well qualified.
Neutered cats have an increased risk of developing urolithiasis. If the animal eats dry food, then it should be switched to a line of special products for neutered cats
It is important that the cat drinks enough water. If your pet is fed natural food, then you should limit fish and fatty meat, and monitor the constant availability of clean water.
Hereditary diseases
American Wirehair cats have a strong immune system. They do not have genetic disorders or other abnormalities.
Important!
American Wirehairs have very sensitive skin. All care and cleaning products must be purchased at a pet store. The composition should not contain alcohol. Human cosmetics, household chemicals, and medications are not suitable for cats.
To maintain their health, it is enough to conduct routine examinations every six months. Cats are also given antihelminthic medications quarterly and vaccinated annually. Cats over 7 years old require a more thorough examination and monitoring of the condition of the heart, teeth, and joints.
Nutrition
Only with proper nutrition will the animal be healthy.
“Americans” are not particularly picky about food. They happily consume both ready-made food and natural products. The diet must be complete and balanced. It is unacceptable to feed your pet sweets and smoked meats from the common table. Fatty, canned, fried. It will only hurt him.
The menu should include lean meat (beef, veal, turkey). Once every 7 days it is allowed to feed with stewed fish (hake, flounder). Sometimes squid and shrimp (boiled) are not prohibited. Every day you can give fermented milk products (cottage cheese, yogurt, fermented baked milk, sour cream, hard cheese).
Various porridges that are cooked with a small amount of milk are beneficial for the animal. Porridges include fresh vegetables and herbs, beans, and asparagus. Several times a week they feed with boiled eggs (chicken, quail). Plus fruits (apples, bananas, melon), cut into pieces.
When introducing something new into the diet, observe the pet’s reaction for some time. The main thing is that there is no allergy (manifests itself in the form of sneezing, rash, loose stools). Do not give to wire-haired cats:
fatty or spoiled meat, lard, entrails, bones;
- river fish;
- cow's milk, processed cheese, yogurt with additives;
- alcoholic drinks, juices, soda;
- sweets, sweet baked goods, pickles, smoked foods;
- sauces, spices;
- dog food.
Food is served warm; it cannot be served straight from the cold. Adult representatives are fed twice a day, kittens - up to 6 times.
Patterned with rough wool
Recommended food
If the owner has settled on industrial feed, then he should choose only premium or holistic food. Feed brands:
- Fitmin Purity;
- Nature Life;
- ProSeries;
- Gina Elite.
They consist of high-quality fish and meat, carbohydrates, vitamins and other useful components.
Fattened
Pros and cons of the American Wirehair cat breed
Many owners do not notice the disadvantages of their pets, because... their love and cute appearance are the most important advantages of all cats. Still, it is necessary to take a rational approach to choosing a rare breed.
Pros:
- non-standard appearance;
- get used to any food;
- easy maintenance and simple care;
- activity;
- developed intelligence and empathy;
- loyal attitude towards children;
- strong immunity and absence of genetic diseases.
Minuses:
- they cannot stand being alone;
- protect their territory and toys;
- do not like to sit on hands;
- can be very expensive;
- outside the USA it is difficult to find a purebred kitten, because... The breed is relatively new.
Character of the American Wirehair cat
The handsome wire-haired cat has a friendly and sociable character.
Hunter. This is an ideal cat for living in a country house; he will happily walk in nature. The love of hunting is in the blood of these cats, which is why they are wonderful hunters. If there are already pet rodents or birds in the house, then you should seriously think about whether they will suffer from the paws of the new tenant.
Student. Although the Wirehaired Curly has a strong character, training him to use the litter tray and scratching post goes without any problems. You can even teach your cat a few commands or tricks, the main thing is to do it without pressure or violence. Getting this cat to do something he doesn't want is almost impossible.
Friend. Cats of this breed are quite friendly and sociable. They quickly become attached to their owner, but in his absence they are not bored at all and can easily find something to do. They also love to sit on a person’s lap, but only if this is their desire, and not the person’s. These cats have a freedom-loving disposition. By the way, they are ready to play and be naughty both at a young and mature age, so you won’t be bored with him.
Nanny. The cat is also quite friendly towards children and does not show aggression unless cuddled. Otherwise, he is able to stand up for himself and even scratch.
Breeding the American Wirehair
Pregnancy in American breeds occurs naturally, without any complications. In rare cases, veterinary assistance is required. Each litter contains 5-6 kittens. Often the first kitten is a boy.
Important!
In wirehaired dogs, a dominant gene is responsible for the hair structure. If you cross them with regular shorthair cats, there will still be a few wirehaired kittens in the litter.
Due to the rarity of the breed, special attention must be paid to the accompanying documents. A pedigree is required, preferably up to the third generation. A veterinary passport with all vaccinations is required.
Features of caring for cats of the American Wirehair breed
A curly cat does not need any special care. He, like all cats, needs to periodically clean his ears and teeth.
The coat must be handled very carefully, combed only occasionally and only with a comb with small and soft teeth, otherwise the coat will become completely normal. After bathing, the wool should never be dried with a hairdryer, otherwise the hairs will straighten and lose their properties.
The cat is unpretentious when it comes to food and can eat anything without harming its health (of course, you need to know moderation in everything and not go to extremes, for example, feeding it fried or smoked food too often). At the same time, however, you need to try to ensure that the nutritional composition is balanced.
Photo and video
The best photos and videos of purebred cats are presented below.
Video: Cat breed American Wirehair
Despite the difficulties with purchasing and delivering a rare pet, it is worth all the effort. The animal has a unique character and reads people's emotions. Moreover, over time, pets adapt to their owners and adopt their habits. These are best friends for life.
Cost of a kitten
Buying such a baby is a difficult task. There are no wire-haired catteries in Russia, and there are very few of them in America. Several breeders operate in Europe.
In addition, half the litter is born with normal straight and soft hair, although the wirehair gene is dominant.
Pet-class babies with congenital defects (non-standard size of ears and eyes, incorrect color, incorrect neck and body type), but with wiry hair, cost from one thousand dollars. Specimens intended for breeding and exhibition careers are much more expensive - their price starts from two thousand dollars.
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The right approach to feeding
Your pet needs to add vegetables to his diet.
As with other members of the cat family, the diet of these cats needs to be enriched with healthy foods. It is recommended to include lean meat, cereals, vegetables and eggs. If the owner does not have enough time to prepare food, it is allowed to give the wire-haired cat ready-made complementary foods, which are sold in stores. When choosing them, the gender, body weight, age and health of the pet are taken into account. It is recommended to purchase premium food.
