White American Wirehair at breedlist.com - Photos at Chanan

The American Wirehair is distinguished by its coat - as the result of natural mutation, every hair is crimped and springy, including the whiskers. This mutation first made itself known in a litter of kittens born in 1966 in upstate New York; twelve years later, in 1978, it was accepted for championship status by CFA.

There is considerable variation in the degree of "wiring" to the hair; if the hair is too long or too soft, it may straighten or form waves and ringlets with age. The ideal American Wirehair coat is hard and springy.

Natural athletes, the American Wirehair is a strong, muscular cat that likes active play as well as affection and quiet time.

The original mutation occurred in a domestic shorthair, and the American Shorthair has also contributed to the development of the breed. Wirehairs are found in a variety of colors and patterns.