American Wirehair cats are a breed that originated in upstate New York. The first American Wirehair cat appeared as a random coat mutation among a litter of six born to two barn cats.

As of 2003, though this type of cat well known and they are ranked as the most rare of the 41 CFA breeds, with only 22 registered, down from 39 in 2002.

The American Wirehair cat’s unique coat is genetically dominant over a normal coat, unlike the gene that creates rex fur. Their fur is springy, dense and coarse, and even their whiskers are often curled. Many people find it pleasant to the touch. Apart from the wiry coat, the American Wirehair cat is strong, muscular, and built similarly to American Shorthairs.