How to Identify an American Wirehair

American Wirehair cats are a relatively new breed of cats. A cat breeder created the breed after coming across a cat with an unusually coarse coat of fur. It is a truly American breed as the first Wirehair cat was from New York. They are a unique breed of cats and you should be able to identify one by looking for a few traits. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Feel the hair of the cat. The name wirehair is given to the breed because their hair is unusually coarse and firm, like wire. Their hairs, especially around the face, are often crimped. They originate from the American Shorthair breed, so their hair is generally short.

2. Look at their whiskers. The whiskers of American Wirehair cats usually grow in nonuniform angles. The whiskers are also usually crimped.

3. Check out the size. These cats are typically medium to large cats. The males are generally bigger than females.

4. Notice the eyes of the cat. Another distinguishing feature of American Wirehair cats is their large, round eyes. The eyes are also usually far apart. The ears of the cat are also usually wide apart and have slightly rounded tips.

5. See if the head is round. American wirehair cats have round heads with prominent cheekbones.

6. Note the personality of the cat. They are playful, affectionate, agile and active. They are also known to be independent cats.

Tips & Warnings

• American Wirehair cats can be almost any color, although white hair is a common feature on the cats.
• Some American Wirehair cats are born without the characteristic wire hair. These cats usually still have other common features of the breed, however.