About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 28-33 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 3.6-6.8kg

Coat : Shorthair to short-medium / dense / thick / springy / resilient / crimped / coarse wired coat; even whiskers and ear hair may be crimped or bent.

Life expectancy years : 10-16 (depends on health situation)

Colors: white, blue, cream, red, platinum, fawn, chestnut, chinchilla, seal, silver, golden, brown, cameo, bluecream, tortoiseshell, black, tabby, tabby with white, solid, bi-color, tri-color, color point patterns.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : American Shorthair

 

History

The breed began in upstate New York in 1966 when a wiry-coated red-and-white male kitten later named Council Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi appeared in a litter of barn cats. Joan O’Shea acquired him and breeding established that the unusual wire coat was a dominant spontaneous mutation distinct from Rex breeds. CFA accepted the breed in 1967 and granted championship status in 1978.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Gentle

Personality

easy-going, placid, loving, affectionate, calm, quiet, intelligent, playful, independent, adaptable, sociable, gentle, relaxed, patient

Needs

Needs moderate care with weight control / interactive play / indoor living / occasional bathing if the coat becomes oily / and regular nail / ear / and dental care.

Social Needs

Highly people-oriented but independent enough to be left alone during the day. Usually gentle with children / adaptable with other pets / and suitable for families / singles / and quieter households.

Grooming 

The coat needs relatively little grooming and too much brushing may damage it. Occasional bathing may help reduce shedding and remove grease. Keep nails trimmed / clean ears gently / and maintain regular tooth brushing.

Nutrition

A balanced diet with fresh water daily is important. Weight should be monitored carefully because this sturdy breed can become overweight. Some sources suggest wet food and measured portions may support hydration and condition.

 

Breed Standard

The standard describes a medium-to-large cat with a strong, powerful, well-rounded body; a broad head; prominent cheekbones; a well-developed muzzle and chin; large, rounded eyes; medium ears; and a springy, dense, resilient coat. The coat carries heavy point weighting, and the breed may appear in wired or straight-coated form within the standard.

Did you know?

This breed is considered an American original and the foundation cat Adam helped establish the breed after a spontaneous mutation in upstate New York.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Skin sensitivity and oiliness , Obesity , Dental disease , Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , Feline lower urinary tract disease

 

Symtoms

Greasy or oily coat 2. Flaky skin or dandruff 3. Waxy buildup , musty odor , blackheads on chin

Loss of visible waistline 2. Sagging belly or fat pad 3. Ribs hard to feel , reduced activity , jumping difficulty , grooming problems

Halitosis 2. Red , swollen , bleeding gums 3. Tartar , drooling , dropping food , chewing on one side , reluctance to eat , loose teeth

Often no early signs 2. Heart murmur may be first sign 3. Lethargy , rapid breathing , panting , open-mouth breathing , hind limb paralysis from saddle thrombus

Straining to urinate 2. Frequent litter box visits with little output 3. Pain while urinating , blood in urine , inappropriate urination , inability to urinate as emergency

Onset of symptoms

 

Skin sensitivity and oiliness

Often becomes noticeable around 1 year when adult coat and oil production are established

Probability Of Onset:

Low to moderate 2. many Wirehairs may have no issue but the tendency is recognized

Obesity

Can begin at 1 to 2 years 2. Often more obvious at 4 to 8 years

Probability Of Onset:

Very high 2. It is described as a very common preventable problem

Dental disease

Mild gingivitis may begin around 1 year 2. Many cats over 3 to 4 years may show disease without prevention

Probability Of Onset:

Very high.50 to 90 percent of cats older than four years may have dental disease

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Can be diagnosed at 1 to 2 years 2. Clinical signs often appear at 5 to 10+ years

Probability Of Onset:

Low to moderate 2. CFA says no characteristic breed health problem is recorded but breeders may screen with echocardiogram

Feline lower urinary tract disease

Most common at 2 to 6 years

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate 2. Risk may rise with indoor living , obesity , and dry-food-heavy routines

Reasons

Skin sensitivity and oiliness       

This is mainly oil overproduction rather than deficiency. 

An improper omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may worsen skin inflammation

 

Dental disease:

Mechanical abrasion may be lacking when only soft food is given

Skin sensitivity and oiliness       

This is mainly oil overproduction rather than deficiency. 

An improper omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may worsen skin inflammatio

Dental disease:

Mechanical abrasion may be lacking when only soft food is given

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

 this is a genetic disorder.

Taurine deficiency is linked to a different heart condition

Obesity

Cess calories

Caloric control and activity may be lacking

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

 this is a genetic disorder.

Taurine deficiency is linked to a different heart condition

Feline lower urinary tract disease

Water and hydration may be lacking

Concentrated urine may irritate the bladder lining and support crystal formation

Normally Treament Methods

Skin sensitivity and oiliness:

  1. Occasional bathing with a veterinarian-prescribed degreasing shampoo may help
  2. Gentle and infrequent brushing may help because over-brushing is not recommended
  3. Hypoallergenic or medicated wipes may help clean problem areas

 

Obesity deficiency :

  1. Portion-controlled meals and calorie reduction may help
  2. Increased interactive play may improve condition

 

Dental disease

  1. Daily tooth brushing may help prevent plaque buildup
  2. Dental scaling , polishing , root surface cleaning , and home care may be needed
  3. Extractions or surgery may be needed in severe cases

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. Echocardiography may be used for screening and diagnosis
  2. Medication may be used to manage heart function , fluid , and clot risk

 

Feline lower urinary tract disease:

  1. Increasing water intake with canned food or added water may help
  2. Pain relief , prescription urinary diets , and stress reduction may be used
  3. Complete inability to urinate is an emergency. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Skin sensitivity and oiliness :

  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for regulating skin oil production and supporting the skin barrier
recommend product

Obesity

  • L-carnitine can,might be helpful for fat metabolism and lean muscle support. 2. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for joints stressed by excess weight
recommend product

Dental disease

  • Seaweed extract Ascophyllum nodosum can,might be helpful for plaque and tartar support. 2. Water additives can,might be helpful for plaque reduction. 3. Dental treats can,might be helpful for plaque or tartar control
recommend product

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • Taurine and L-carnitine can,might be helpful for heart muscle support if a veterinarian advises them. 2. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for cellular energy support. 3. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for inflammation support
recommend product

Feline lower urinary tract disease

  • Glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for bladder lining support. 2. L-theanine or tryptophan can,might be helpful when stress reduction is needed
recommend product