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Lykoi
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Introduction
The Lykoi cat breed is known as the Werewolf Cat and Wolf-Cat because her appearance takes after the wolf. Although her name comes from a Greek word, she is originally developed in the United States.
Lykoi cats are energetic but easy-going feline companions. They put adventure first before kicking back and relaxing with their humans. They can be timid around strangers, but if given enough time they will warm up to them.
The Lykoi cat breed is partially hairless but a heavy shedder. Although born to be an explorer, she cannot stay outdoors because of her sensitive skin. The average lifespan of the cat breed is 10–15 years.
History
The Lykoi cat breed is a feline with an otherworldly appearance. She has unnatural features that are comparable to a wolf.
Hence, the breed was named Lykoi, which comes from the Greek world “lycos,” which is roughly translated as “wolf.” This cat breed also goes by the names Wolf-Cat and Werewolf Cat.
The Lykoi cat is a result of a natural genetic mutation in shorthair black domestic cats. The cat breed’s existence was first discovered in the United States in 2010.
This was after 2 Lykoi kittens named Ray of Hope (female) and Silver Lining (male) were adopted by Patti Thomas from a rescue centre in Virginia. Both of them were offspring from a solid black Domestic Shorthair cat named Eve.
Seeing that her adopted kittens have a peculiar appearance, Patti wondered if it was caused by an illness or a disease. Unfortunately, she does not have enough resources to spend on health checks and genetic testing for both cats.
Thus, Patti decided to have joint ownership with a practising vet living in Vonore, Tennessee, named John Gobble. Once the contract was set, both cats underwent health checks to make sure that they were free from diseases.
After the results showed that the cats were in good health, a DNA test was performed by Dr. Leslie Lyons. It was to determine whether or not these cats are carriers of the Devon Rex or Sphynx cats genetics. As it turned out, these 2 breeds were in no way related to the Lykoi cats.
In 2011, a person from Nashville, Tennessee, offered John one male kitten and one female kitten with identical appearance to the 2 Lykoi cats from Patti. He then decided to breed 2 of the unrelated cats. A few months later, the very first intentionally bred Lykoi litter was produced.
Patti Thomas along with Johnny Gobble and his wife, Britney Gobble, founded the Lykoi cat breed in 2011. The successful breeding spurred them to begin a Lykoi breeding programme.
It is important to note that this wolflike feline has been in the feral cat population for a long time. This was even before the Lykoi cat was recognised as a breed. There were also reports of other Lykoi cats spotted in other countries apart from the United States.
Currently, the Lykoi breeding programme avoids the inbreeding of the cats. Patti and John wanted to ensure that the cat breed’s gene pool becomes more diverse.
This prevents breed-specific health problems from cropping up in the Lykoi cat breed. For now, the breeding programme is focused on outcrossing these felines with domestic black cats.
In 2012, The International Cat Association (TICA) officially granted the Lykoi cat breed a registration status. The cat breed later received championship status in 2017.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) accepted the Lykoi cat breed under the Miscellaneous Group in 2018.
The Lykoi cat is one of the rarest cat breeds today. Only around 100 show-standard Lykoi cats exist around the globe.
Appearance and Grooming
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.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Lykoi cat breed is an energetic and active feline companion. She can’t sit still and would rather explore every nook and cranny of your home than snooze and relax. Her frisky and playful nature makes her a wonderful furry friend to children and other pets.
As Lykoi cats have long been a part of feral colonies, their strong prey drive remains. So, whilst they get along well with dogs and fellow cats, they may hunt down small pets such as rabbits and rodents.
Think twice about owning a Lykoi cat if you are raising small animals at home.
Another feral cat trait that the Lykoi breed retained is her shyness around strangers. She prefers to observe new people from afar than greet them with gusto.
However, the Lykoi cat is quick to warm up to them. Once she feels comfortable around strangers, her vivacious and lovable Lykoi cat personality will shine through.
Lykoi cats are affectionate when interacting with their owners. Unlike other breeds, they are not talkative but will strike up a conversation with their owners if they need something.
Lykoi cats are not clingy. They can be left on their own without getting anxious about their owner's absence.
To have a friendly and well-adjusted Lykoi cat, early socialisation will play a big role. Find a breeder who socialises their Lykoi kittens at a young age. Then make sure to continue the socialising process as soon as you bring your feline pet home.
Nutrition and Feeding
Lykoi cats are not fussy eaters. They eat any type of cat food that is offered to them. However, to ensure that they gain sufficient amounts of nutrients from their meals, raw feeding is advised. Their diet should be composed of 70% protein.
The Lykoi cats’ food should also be low in carbohydrates but high in fibre. Too many carbs contribute to weight gain and obesity. Also, make sure that clean fresh water is available at all times for them.
Health and Exercise
The Lykoi cat is a relatively new breed. As of now, there are no known health problems that she is predisposed to.
Scientists studying the Lykoi cat warn that it is too early to tell. They are still on the lookout for potential illnesses that might become prevalent or hereditary in this cat breed.
The Lykoi cat breed is not only full of energy, but also inquisitive. Learning how things work around her will keep her busy and entertained.
The Lykoi is a natural hunter and even knows how to play fetch. Provide her with lots of interactive cat toys and games since she is great at problem-solving.
Since Lykoi cats are meant to be indoor cats, encourage their love for exploration inside your home by turning it into a cat haven.
Place cat trees and shelves in rooms to create vertical spaces. These are elevated areas where your cat can perch and observe her human companions. You can also give your cat access to the window so she can observe the outside world.
The Lykoi cat won’t hesitate to grab the chance to explore the great outdoors. For this reason, always be careful not to leave doors open.
Are Lykoi cats healthy?
Yes, Lykoi cats are generally healthy felines and can live up to 10–15 years. Not many health issues are known in this breed, but it is advised to stay on track with your cat's vet check-ups. This will save you the trouble of detecting symptoms of potential diseases before it’s too late.
Cost of Ownership
Your Lykoi kitten will need premium-quality cat food to stay well nourished and healthy. Her total monthly food expenses are around £10–£15.
Catifying your home includes purchasing your Lykoi kitten’s basic needs such as a cat bed, toys, food and water bowls, and litter trays. The overall cost of these items is around £50.
Keeping your Lykoi kitten in good health requires routine visits to the vet. You will likely need to pay around £30–£60 for every vet check-up session.
A young Lykoi kitten is extremely at risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Completing her vaccinations is important to safeguard her from this danger. Be prepared to spend £63 for her vaccine shots.
Infestation of parasites such as ticks and fleas is another serious problem that you need to deal with when raising a Lykoi kitten. The yearly cost of flea and tick treatments is about £50–£60, whilst the cost for heartworm treatments is around £60–£120.
Your Lykoi kitten’s medical bills can balloon quickly especially during emergencies. Cut down the expenses with the help of pet insurance.
A lifetime coverage has a monthly fee of over £10 a month. If you only want a time-limited cover, around £6–£15 will be added to your monthly bills.
How much does a Lykoi cat cost?
The Lykoi price is higher and more expensive than most breeds. Cat lovers may need to spend around £1,200–£2,500 to acquire a Lykoi kitten.
There are only a handful of Lykoi cat breeders in the UK and they only sparsely produce litters within a year. This makes the breed rare, hence driving up the prices of Lykoi kittens.
Lykoi Breed Highlights
- Lykoi cats have wolflike features brought by natural mutation, making them unique cats.
- Although the Lykoi cat breed has a wild and supernatural appearance, she is a friendly and affectionate pet.
- She is partially hairless and very sensitive to heat and cold.
- Being a heavy shedder, the Lykoi cat breed requires extra effort in grooming.
- She is an energetic cat that loves to play than lie around.
Are you sure the Lykoi is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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