The Lykoi cat breed is a mid-sized feline with a lean but toned and muscular body. A full-grown one weighs around 4–6 kilos (8–13 pounds). Note that male Lykoi cats are typically larger than their female counterparts.
The Lykoi cat has large and pointed wide-set ears and a long nose with a black tip. Her eyes are large and come in colours of amber or green.
The Lykoi cat does not possess any undercoat, unlike most cat breeds. Her fur is only composed of thin and grizzly top-guard hairs that slightly stick out. Her coarse-looking coat does not have a rough feel, but instead has a soft and silky touch.
Some parts of Lykoi cats, particularly the eyes, nose, muzzle, chin, and behind the ears, are hairless due to their lack of undercoats. This gives them the distinctive wolflike look they are famed for.
Partially hairless Lykoi cats are common in the breed, but some have abundant quantities of fur whilst others are nearly bald.
The Lykoi breed’s standard coat colour is black roan. It is a mix of solid black and amelanisitic or colourless white hairs. The roan colouration gives their coat a slight silvery sheen. The breed’s signature roan coat is truly unique and not known to other cat breeds.
Lykoi kittens are not born with partially hairless bodies and roan-coloured coats. Newborn Lykoi kittens have solid black hair that gradually thins out as soon as they reach 2–4 weeks old.
Around this time, the Lykoi cat’s true coat colours will begin to emerge as well. According to the breed standard, aside from black roan, other coat colours and patterns are also acceptable including:
- Bicolour
- Blue
- Seal mink
- Sealpoint
- Tabby
- Tortoiseshell
- White
Grooming a Lykoi cat is slightly easier than grooming most cats, as they don't have an undercoat. Use a soft cat brush, and always moving in the direction of fur growth. Be gentle when brushing as their skin easily suffers from brush burns.
When caring for a Lykoi cat, minimise her exposure to sunlight. Normally, the breed has pink skin. However, it can darken due to prolonged sun exposure.
It is also a good idea to apply a cat-safe sunblock on the Lykoi cat’s hairless areas before going outdoors to prevent her from becoming sunburned.
The Lykoi cat breed is vulnerable to cold due to being a partially hairless cat. Thus, during winter season, she should be provided with warm and cosy relaxing spots at home.
Needless to say, this Lykoi feline must always be kept indoors because of her extreme sensitivity to temperatures.
The lack of hair in Lykoi cats doesn't mean that they require less grooming. Their skin quickly accumulates oil because they are partially hairless. Cleaning their ears weekly should be done to prevent bacteria and dirt build-up inside.
Too much oil on the nails of Lykoi cats can make them brittle. Keep them short by trimming them once a week. Clean their eyes daily since they quickly get dirty.
Do Lykoi shed?
Yes, Lykoi cats do shed despite their thin, fine coats. However, their shedding is not the same as cats with undercoats. They "moult" about 2–3 times annually and then regrow their top-guard hairs with minimal shedding.
Lykoi cats need twice or thrice a week of brushing. However, it should be done daily once their moulting season begins.
Are Lykoi cats hypoallergenic?
No, Lykoi cats are not hypoallergenic because they are moderate to heavy shedders. They even tend to shed more than Domestic Shorthair cats. Choose a different cat breed if you are a cat lover with allergies.