American Wirehair, rare United States breed of cat, similar to the American shorthair except for its coat, which is frizzy, wiry, and crimped. The wirehair's coat looks like steel wool, but is plush to the touch. Each hair is crimped, hooked, or bent, including the whiskers, which are curly and can project at wild angles. The first American wirehairs were born in 1967 to a pair of farm cats in upper New York state. A wirehaired kitten from this litter, Adam, was sent to cat breeders who began a carefully planned breeding program. All American wirehairs trace their ancestry to Adam.
    The American wirehair is a medium-sized, hefty cat with a broad, rounded head, a square muzzle, and medium-sized ears set well apart. Its eyes are medium-sized and round. It comes in a wide range of colors. The wirehair is an active, agile cat that takes a keen interest in its surroundings.