American Wirehair Kitten Breed

This breed is descended from a mutant kitten called Adam, born among a litter of farm kittens in Vernon, New York, in 1966, which had a wiry, coarse and resilient coat unlike any that had previously been studied in domestic cats. It has been described as rather like sheep's wool. Adam was bred first to a normal looking litter and then to other shorthairs to establish the new breed. This is a medium to large size eat which may- he any of the usual feline colors except chocolate or lavender and those with a dark pointed pattern. The overall appearance of the cat is more important than the crimping of individual hairs but the more dense, coarse and crimped the coat the better, and curly whiskers are also desirable. The density of the coat leads to the development of ringlets rather than waves, especially with longer fur.

Medium to large with back level, torso well-rounded; legs well-muscled and medium in length and bone, paws oval and compact; tail tapering from the well-rounded rump to a rounded tip, neither pointed nor blunt.

Bone structure round with prominent cheek bones, well-developed muzzle and chin and a slight whisker break, the nose a gentle con-cave curve and medium size ears, wide set and with rounded tips.

Large, round and set well apart, the aperture having a slight upward tilt.

Medium length, tight and springy. Individual hairs are crimped, hooked or bent, including those within the ears.

All recognized feline colors except chocolate and lavender and pointed patterns