American cat (wirehaired)
Unusual history of the breed
Have you ever met a friend or acquaintance with an American Wirehair cat? If so, then you will agree that her appearance with a very pretty muzzle and expressive eyes evokes admiration.
Since their appearance (the mid-sixties of the last century), these cats have constantly attracted the attention of manufacturers (breeders) in America, Canada, and Europe. This attention is due to the peculiarity of their coat, which has a “springy” effect.
The breed appeared by chance. On one of the American farms, which belonged to Nathan Mosher, an experienced breeder Joan O'Shea, known in the circle of felinologists for the Siamese-Oriental group of cat breeds, attracted the attention of a white and red kitten with amazing curled fur, reminiscent of wire. The breeder was very interested in this kitten, and she bought him from a farmer. The kitten, who was named Adam, owes his unusual fur to a natural mutation of his short-haired parents, as a result of which the animal’s fur underwent genetic changes in its structure. A little later, Joan borrowed another cat from the Mosher farm. Kittens with wavy, coarse fur appeared.
Thus, a breed was gradually born, which over time also received champion status. And this breed of beautiful cats owes its name to felinologist Joan O’Shea.
Personality of the American Wirehair cat
The American Wirehair cat has an easy-going personality. She is playful, active, but in moderation. She loves to be picked up and stroked, and in response to affection she will gently caress her owners. While stroking this natural creature, you can feel that its fur is not hard at all, but on the contrary, soft and pleasant. And the illusion of “wire” arose from coarser fur in places - on the hips and head, the outer part of the tail and part of the ridge.
At a young age, cats of this breed easily tolerate moving. They feel comfortable in the enclosed spaces of city apartments. But they won’t refuse even rare walks in the fresh air. They are easy to train, so you can accustom the animal to a leash for walks, but it is better to do this at an early age.
Unpretentious by nature, a patient cat will not suffer from loneliness, so you can safely go on business trips. But every time you return, you will feel her love for you. By the way, in Canada, lumberjacks love her very much for this and willingly spend holidays with their pet.
The breed is “American Wirehair”, it has a strong hunting instinct, so it is excellent at catching mice. The “Hunter” sits in it from descendants. But with people, the cat is friendly and obedient, able to distinguish between play and hunting, so small children can be allowed to play with it without fear. A friendly cat and dogs can coexist peacefully, finding a common language with them.
At the same time, the American Wirehair cat breed is distinguished by its innate desire for freedom, which is much more developed than in other breeds. This, under certain circumstances that are unpleasant for the animal, can cause aggression on its part. So owners and their family members need to be gentle and attentive with the cat.
Care and health
There are no known hereditary or other types of diseases associated with this charming breed. Take proper care and provide the cat with a balanced diet so that it lives its natural lifespan - about fifteen years.
Unlike other breeds, you need to comb your cat’s fur extremely rarely and wait until it dries naturally after bathing. This will preserve the curls, and the cat's fur will retain its uniqueness for a long time.
