Lykoi Cat Breed Information & Characteristics

By Alberto Roy

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Lykoi Cat Breed

Lykoi cats have a unique appearance that resembles a werewolf. They are affectionate lap cats and loving companions. Before you add a Lykoi cat to your family, learn more about this breed.

The Lykoi cat is known for its fearsome name and striking appearance. Lykoi cats are derived from the Greek word for werewolf. Their name is due to their mask-like appearance and their ability to “transform” throughout life.

These adorable cats, yet unusual felines are a rare combination. They share very little with their namesake, and are affectionate, playful, and loyal companions.

Lykoi Cat Breed Basics:

Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Average Weight: 4 to 6kg

Colours: Roan, Partially hairless

Lykoi are a natural cat breed, meaning they evolved naturally without human intervention. In this instance, it was through natural mutations. These cats are intelligent, loving, and energetic.

These cats may be available in rescues or shelters that specialize in a breed. If you find one, make sure to adopt it! If you are looking to add one of the cats to your home, don’t shop!

Lykoi cats are affectionately called the Werewolf Cat by their fans. The striking appearance of the Lykoi, a half-hairless cat, is what makes it so popular. This breed is relatively new, having only been on the market since 2011.

Lykois quickly gained a reputation for being intelligent and curious kitties. This cat will love you and form loving bonds with you.

lykoi cat

A history of the Lykoi cat

The Lykoi was only recently recognized as a breed in 2011. However, they have been observed for years among feral cats. Although initially thought that Lykoi might have a health problem, after further examination, it was discovered that they are healthy and that their curious coats are a result natural genetic mutation.

They are partially hairless but not as related to the Sphynx, as their appearance might suggest. Instead, they descend from domestic shorthairs.

People have longed for cats that looked like Lonchaney throughout history. The Lykoi cat breed will fulfill that need.

The Lykoi, also known as a “wolf cat”, is one of the most unique and visually stunning cat breeds. They are playful, friendly, and affectionate cats that get along well with other animals, despite their wild appearance.

Appearance

It’s obvious that the Lykoi is a difficult cat to love. The Lykoi is a cat that looks like a werewolf. It has a medium-sized body with a wedge-shaped head and a hairless mask around its nose, ears, nose and mouth.

Some Lykois have no hair at all. They are often confused with Sphynx cats. However, they share no genetic link.

The Lykoi ‘s coat is short, coarse, and fine. It is relatively soft. The standard Lykoi color is black roan Lykoi cats. They have a slightly silvery appearance. Lykoi have no undercoat. This leaves him with only the top hairs. Their eyes are almost round, amber- or green-colored.

Lykoi cat personality

lykoi cat 1

Lykoi cats are playful and intelligent. They are intelligent and curious by nature. They can even play fetch! They love to be with their family and can bond well with them. However, they might become wary of strangers and pets until they feel comfortable with them. They make great companions and are affectionate.

How big are Lykoi cats

Lykoi cats are medium-sized, muscular cats with lean bodies and slim limbs. The males are usually larger than the females.

Lykoi cat coats, grooming and do Lykoi cats shed?

Lykoi’s distinctive “roan” hair is unique and unheard of in any other breed. Their unusual coat, which is made up of a mixture of black and amelanistic hairs (colourless), and without an undercoat, is very soft to the touch.

They are known for their distinctive, wolf-like appearance due to the absence of hair around their eyes and ears. They are born with fluffy, black kittens.

lykoi kitten

Lykoi cats can shed their entire hair occasionally, sometimes completely leaving them completely bald. However, this is a variation between breeds and can be regrown. The Lykoi cat can shed and regrow their entire coat during this period.

It can change their appearance, as their coats are regrown in different colors.

They don’t need a lot of grooming because they have no hair. However, being partially bald makes them more susceptible to sunlight and cold.

Pink skin can turn darkening or tanned in the sun, so owners need to take precautions to keep their pets safe from extreme sunlight and warm them during winter.

Are Lykoi cats hypoallergenic?

These kitties are unfortunately not hypoallergenic due to their tendency for shed.

We are grateful to Mrs Alexander for helping us to get to know these wonderful, rare cats. Below is Shalnavazz Teddy Lupin (the owner of the first Lykoi to be born in the UK).

Temperament

This cat breed is friendly and easy-going. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, the Lykoi cat is a friendly and easy-going cat that can get along with cats, dogs, and humans. Although Lykoi cats are generally playful, they can also be independent for short periods.

They are open to strangers but can be a bit reserved. They prefer to be with their human companions and will stick with them after they’re done.

Living Needs

Lykois should be kept indoors due to their thin coat. Lykoi’s hair is not very protective against cold and direct sunlight so it is important to keep them happy and healthy.

The breed is adaptable, despite these main concerns. They are not as prone to hiding or climbing as other breeds, so they will be happy with a multi-level scratching board and a few toys. Lykoi kittens are accustomed to living with multiple pets, and this is especially true if they have been socialized properly when they were young.

Lykoi, despite their short, fine coats, are not hypoallergenic. Lykoi shed more than any domestic shorthair, and sometimes more than any other breed.

lykoi cat 4

Care

Do you like to brush cats? You’ll have to brush this cat. Lykois are regular shedders. Once a year, they can shed their entire hair, before growing it again for the next season.

Regular brushing will help you avoid most of the regular shed. However, your cat will need to be bathed once a month to keep oil from building up on their skin.

Health

Lykoi are such new breeds, it’s still too early for us to be able to fully understand their genetic makeup and potential problems. It is a good idea to get them checked for any of your common cat problems, such as Feline Infectious Perioditis (FIP), and heart issues.

You can then have a healthy conversation with your vet about your Lykoi’s aging, and also keep an eye on any potential problems at home.

“We see kidney disease in cats the most often.” Michelle Beck, DVM CCRT, CVA of the Backlund Animal Clinic, Omaha, Neb. “And cats are at 70% risk of developing arthritis by the time they reach 10 years of age.”

Lin Kauffman DVM, Prairie View Animal Hospital, Grimes, Iowa, says that hyperthyroidism is also common. She says owners can treat this disease which is caused by an enlarged thyroid using radiation and low-iodine foods.

  • Coat Color And Grooming

    Lykoi will often sport a black or gray coat. Sometimes, a silvery-colored white is also available. Its roan-colored coat makes it look endearingly patchy.

    Lykoi cats can be groomed in a gentle manner.

    If you have any questions, ask your vet. You’ll also need to give your Lykoi regular baths due to the cat’s inability to shed hair. This will help to keep oil levels under control.

    Most Lykoi cats can adapt to any climate. However, they prefer warmer temperatures. During the summer, it is important to ensure that there is enough shade and water.

  • Children And Other Pets

    Young children and the Lykoi cat are a great combination. Children will enjoy interacting with a cat that looks like a werewolf and building relationships. Make sure to socialize your cat early and set boundaries. Also supervise interactions between cats and kids.

    Lykoi is a good-natured cat that gets along well with most domestic pets. Be sure to supervise any interactions between new cats and pets. These relationships can be very dependent on the personalities of individual pets.

    This breed is best if they are socialized early. When you bring your Lykoi home, reward them for their good behavior!

  • Rescue Groups

    Because Lykoi cats are an uncommon and new breed, it may be difficult to find a rescue that caters to them. You might consider shelters and rescues that can accommodate Lykoi cats as well as your local shelter.

Fun Facts

  • All of the current domestic Lykoi in the world can trace their lineage back to feral cats.
  • An extremely rare breed still, there are fewer than 100 show-standard Lykoi in the world.
  • They look like freaking werewolves. You shouldn’t need a fact any more fun than that!

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