With this coat, the less grooming the better. Brushing or combing can damage it, so unless he is shedding heavily, leave it alone. Regular bathing helps to remove dead hair, however, as well as a greasy feel that the coat sometimes develops. If you introduce bathing to the American Wirehair when he is a kitten and make it a pleasant experience, he`s likely to be more accepting of it. The only other care he needs is weekly nail trimming, regular teeth brushing with a vet-approved pet toothpaste, and occasional ear cleaning with cotton balls and ear cleaning solution recommended by your vet.
The American Wirehair’s unusual coat needs little care. Brushing or combing can damage it, so that type of grooming isn’t necessary except in the spring, when the cat is shedding his winter coat. A bath is rarely necessary.Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection.Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene.It’s a good idea to keep an American Wirehair as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. American Wirehairs who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such an unusual cat without paying for it.
