Lykoi/Werewolf Cat: All You Need to Know About

The Lykoi, one of the most intriguing and unusual-looking pedigreed cats, has attracted extraordinary interest among cat lovers.

A “Lykoi Cat,” sometimes known as a “Werewolf Cat,” was something most of us had never heard of.

Werewolf Cats are distinguished for having a genetic abnormality that prohibits them from growing normal hair. They resemble werewolves due to their lack of hair. Some people think of this cat as one-of-a-kind. While Others, on the other hand, are less enthusiastic.

Lykoi cats are warm, caring, agreeable friends and devoted lap cats with an unmistakably unusual werewolf-like appearance.

The Lykoi, sometimes known as a “wolf cat,” is one of the most physically striking cat breeds in the world. They are friendly, affectionate, lively cats who get along with humans and other animals, despite their feral appearance.

If you recently came to know about this cat breed, we’re super intrigued with it and are now filled with bundles of questions such as :

• What exactly is this cat breed? 
• What was the source of the genetics of this cat? 
• Why does the cat appear to be that way?

Then, this is the right article for you.

Since the Lykoi became a breed, these are questions that have been posed repeatedly. In the following article, we try to answer these questions related to Lykoi.

Interesting Facts

• All domestic Lykoi in the globe may be traced back to feral cats.
• The Sphynx or Devon gene can be found in almost all hairless or semi-hairless cat breeds. Lykoi, on the other hand, have a gene that is unique to their breed.
• The word Lykoi is derived from the Greek word Lykos, which means “wolf.” As a result, their moniker encapsulates their whole werewolf appearance.
• The Lykoi is still a very rare breed, with just about 100 show-standard Lykoi in the globe.
• They have the appearance of werewolves. You don’t need any more entertaining facts than that!

What does a Lykoi Cat Look Like?

Because it resembles a wolf more than a cat, the Lykoi is also known as the werewolf cat or wolf cat. The hairless patches around the glowing eyes and muzzle resemble a werewolf in the process of transitioning.

A random mutation observed in feral cats is responsible for this appearance. They were given the name “Lykoi” after the Greek word “wolf.” 

A man named Lycan enraged Zeus by fooling him into cannibalism, according to Greek mythology. Lycan was changed into a wolf as a punishment. (This story’s message is similar to that of many Greek tales.) 

Today, the term “lycanthropy” refers to a delusional condition in which a person feels he or she is an animal. The small lycan cat has been noticed behaving more like a dog than a cat.

The Lykoi Cat’s Origins 

The origin of the Lykoi cat is unknown to date. Patti Thomas, who co-founded and named the breed, adopted a pair of distinct litters of domestic shorthairs having the Lykoi gene from a rescue shelter after being discovered in Virginia in 2010.

Another pair was discovered in Tennessee in 2011 by Johnny Gobble, a veterinarian in Vonore, Tennessee.

The History Of The Lykoi Cat Breed

Lykoi has gained the reputation of its name, which approximately translates to “wolf” in Greek, due to its partial hairlessness and unusual “roan” patterned coat. The Lykoi is a natural mutation that arises randomly in the feral population and is not a man-made, designer breed.

In 2010, the Lykoi was discovered as a spontaneous mutation in a feral colony in the United States. The Lykoi gene was shown to be recessive and unrelated to any other known hairless mutations after genetic testing and test mating. 

When the first purposely bred Lykoi was born to two similar-looking Lykoi-type cats identified in the feral population in 2011, the Lykoi was officially recognized as a breed. Since its discovery, several countries have reported similar mutations, some of which have been transferred to the gene pool to provide diversity to pedigrees.

The name of the breed is derived from the Greek word meaning wolf. The International Cat Association (TICA) has officially recognized the Lykoi, and it was granted full championship status in 2016.

Lykois can now be found in shelters or in the care of rescue organizations. So, if you determine that this is the breed for you, think about adopting!

Lykoi Mutation And Breeding

The Lykoi is a breed created by interbreeding cats with the same naturally occurring mutation. 

Because black cats had genetics comparable to this strange mutation, the Gobbles bred their new cats with black cats. As a result, the majority of Lykoi have black roan fur, with white hairs sparsely mixed in.

Physical Characteristics

• Many people think the Lykoi are ugly, while many others think they are very stunning. The Lykoi have a gene that causes pattern balding of the hair coat, as well as the roan pattern (an intermix of normal color hair with white hair).
• Lykoi kittens are born with a normal coat and appear to be ordinary kittens. They don’t have bald spots or roan coloring. The kittens then begin to lose their coats and appear fluffy after around one to two weeks. During this procedure, they may shed their entire coat.
• After a few weeks, the Lykoi coat begins to grow in. By three to four months of age, the kitten will have developed its full Lykoi appearance.
• Although its coat appears to be stiff or bristly, it is actually exceptionally soft and silky. When people pet the cat, they are always astonished by how velvety the coat is.
• The coat isn’t always in good shape. That means the cat’s entire hair coat could be shed and replaced with a new one that is either more or less covered.
• The roan coloring might also alter after this moult, making them appear more black to more white. Certain lines have a higher level of stability than others. That is why Lykoi cats can have such a wide range of appearances.
• Some appear more bare, similar to a Sphynx, while others may appear nearly totally coated. Some have superior masks and thicker coats than others. Some features are more consistent in the Lykoi.
• The ears and nose are always hairless, the coat is roan, and the feet are hairless. These traits remain constant regardless of how far the moult has progressed.
• They can have any color coat that a typical cat has, but they mostly have black roan color coat.

Size

• The Lykoi is a cat that ranges in size from tiny to medium.
•  Exact size criteria may differ, as is always the case. 
• The average Lykoi cat weighs between four and seven pounds. 
• However, many are likely to be smaller or larger than usual.

The Lykoi’s Physical Traits

• Lykoi cat has no undercoat, which causes the fur of this cat to stick out a little, as if the fur were still growing in. Therefore, grizzled fur is common in this breed.
•  Patches of skin around the eyes, nose, toes, and tail are frequently exposed.
• The eyes are huge, bright, and frequently a bright yellow color. (All the more reason to see you, my beloved!) 
• The ears are big and tapering in appearance. This helps them to hear better.
• They have large, sharp teeth, much like any other cat. 
•  A Lykoi’s general build is thin but powerful.

Personality of Lykoi Cat

• When you live with a Lykoi, you will instantly realize how intelligent these cats are.
• They are quite playful and enjoy spending time with their families.
• They love climbing missions, so make sure you have enough area and scope.
• They are very protective of their family and possessive of their toys. However, if requested, they are willing to share, even with another cat.
• The fact that these scruffy-looking felines act like dogs is an intriguing trait. In the wild, they will fetch, hunt, and hound just like a dog.
• Because they’re inquisitive, interested, and good problem solvers as a breed, you’ll want to keep a supply of interactive cat toys on hand, as well as a batch of rotating play items. Maintaining mental stimulation for your Lykoi will help bring out the best in this breed’s nature.
• The Lykoi is an all-around lively cat who loves to be active, in addition to being a wonderfully smart kitten that you can teach playing fetch games.
• Fortunately, after a long day of playing, the Lykoi likes nothing more than cuddling up with the humans in their lives and getting some much-needed rest.

Health Factor

• Lykoi is generally healthy cats, but it’s always a good idea to arrange frequent wellness appointments with your cat’s veterinarian.
• The Lykoi does not have any breed-specific health issues, but you should always be on the lookout for signals that your cat is in trouble or pain. It’s also worth noting that, given the breed’s recent history, exact estimates of its typical lifetime are yet unavailable.
• Because the breed is so young, it is still unknown how long a Lykoi can live. A Lykoi is thought to live to be 20 years old if maintained safe and healthy.
• Oil accumulates quickly in the ears and claws due to the scant coat. This should be kept an eye on. Lykoi kittens develop slowly and require a lot of social interaction to mature into well-adjusted adults.
• At twelve to fourteen weeks, they are usually ready to leave their mother. Aside from that, the Lykoi cat poses no recognized health dangers.

How to Care for Lykoi cat?

• It’s crucial to keep your Lykoi’s regular veterinary checks up to date, just like any other cat, to catch any health issues early. 
• Make sure you get a scratching post for your Lykoi’s living space. This will encourage healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails healthy.
• Because the Lykoi is such an active cat, it’s critical that their nails are kept in good condition.
• The large ears and eyes are readily soiled. To assist Wolfie to stay clean, have a warm, slightly moist cloth and a cotton swab on hand.  Ears of the breed should be checked on a regular basis for evidence of dirt buildup or illness.
• Despite the fact that Lykoi have relatively little hair, they shed a lot. Some cats may become nearly bald as a result of this. This shedding is seasonal, occurring around twice a year. Seasonal hair loss is common in these cats, and they can even have bald patches. Because their coat situation is so unusual, you must learn to take special care of it from the start.
• Brushing them should be done gently because their skin is prone to burning. 
• Finally, because the Lykoi is such a high-energy cat, a cat tree is a must-have addition to your home.
• If your Lykoi is going outside on a bright, sunny day, apply sunscreen to the hairless areas of her skin to prevent sunburn.
• Wolfie’s coat is so thin that she could be best off as a completely indoor cat. Because too much oil causes brittle claws, you may need to give her a weekly pedicure.
• The Lykoi, despite having very little hair, can shed as much as or more than a typical shorthair. Unfortunately, this means they are not hypoallergenic, making them an unsuitable option for allergy sufferers.

Grooming And Color Of The Coat

• The Lykoi is known for wearing a characteristic black or gray coat. A silvery-white shade can also appear on occasion. The roan coat of the breed has an endearingly uneven appearance.
• Lykoi cats are quite sensitive, but they can tolerate weekly brushing sessions when it comes to grooming. Just make sure you brush gently, so you don’t irritate or harm the cat’s skin.
• If you need assistance with techniques, consult your veterinarian. Also, because of the cat’s lack of hair, you’ll need to give your Lykoi regular baths to help keep oils in check.
• Most Lykoi cats can adapt to a variety of climates, though they prefer warmer temperatures. During the hotter months, you should also make sure there is enough shade and freshwater available.

Food and Diet Requirements for Lykoi

There is some debate about whether cats should eat wet or dry food. Protein is the most important portion of your cat’s diet, regardless of the approach you use. Because all felines are strict carnivores, the higher the protein content, the better.

Different phases of life necessitate different levels of nutrients. As adults, your Lykoi cat needs at least 35 percent protein. Kittens require significantly more, as well as other essential nutrients to nourish their developing muscles, bones, skin, and coat.

Wet food, according to some claims, contributes to tooth damage and obesity. Other assertions state that dry kibble does not provide enough moisture for your cat’s diet. Combining the dishes for a well-rounded diet is a fantastic method to address both issues.

You can also test a few of your own recipes. There are a plethora of homemade cat food recipes available on the internet. Before serving a handmade cuisine to your pet, do your research and consult with your veterinarian. You want to be careful to cover all essentials in your recipe, so your cat doesn’t lack crucial nutrients.

Exercise Requirements for Lykoi

Lykoi cats have a lot of energy, so you won’t have to convince them to play. They’ll have a great time chasing strings, jingly toys, and feathers with you. They may also like playing with other pets and children in the house.

Your Lykoi should get about 15 to 20 minutes of exercise per day to stay healthy.

Your Lykoi’s activity level may reduce after they’ve been spayed or neutered, or as they get older. Always make sure they have a variety of activities to keep them from being bored or inactive.

Females Lykoi vs. Males Lykoi

As with other cat breeds, males are larger than females. Females weigh between 6 and 9 pounds, while males weigh between 10 and 13 pounds.

There may be differences in personality between male and female Lykoi, however, this is not always the case. With a larger audience, males are more affectionate. They may be more energetic and playful as well. Their energy is a little more scattered, and they are easily sidetracked.

Females are more detail-oriented, which can help them become better hunters. Females may also be pickier when it comes to whom they choose to bond with. You might notice that they’re a little moodier or pickier about whom they hang out with or what they do.

While these characteristics may be stereotypical, each cat will act in accordance with its own unique characteristics.

Do These Lykoi Cats Make Good Family Pets?

Lykoi cats get along nicely with all kinds of families, especially if they’re socialized early on. Some cats are more reserved than others, especially when they are around strangers. It may take some time for them to adjust to new people and changes in the household.

If you intend to introduce them to children, do it as soon as possible—even if you do not have any of your own. Allowing Lykoi to experience what it’s like to be around small children will help them adjust more quickly when you bring your baby home from the hospital or have cousins or nephews visit.

For a variety of reasons, Lykoi cats should never be left outside. They don’t do well in extremes of heat or cold due to their patchy coats. They’re also highly curious, and as the old adage goes, curiosity killed the cat.

They might go off and get lost, or worse. So, even if you take them outdoors on a leash for supervised visits or let them relax on a screened-in porch, they should never be left alone outside.

These cats would make wonderful pets for both apartment dwellers and homeowners. They don’t require much space, just a lot of excitement. A large space isn’t important as long as you’re properly catering to their mental needs.

Behavior of Lykoi Cat around Children’s and Other Pets’

The Lykoi cat and young children make an excellent pairing. Your children will enjoy interacting with and bonding with a cat that looks like a werewolf! Simply ensure that early socialization occurs, and that correct limits are established on both sides—and monitor early encounters between children and cats.

When it comes to other family pets, the friendly Lykoi gets along with a wide range of them. However, keep an eye on early interactions between the new cat and other pets. The personality of the individual pets can have a big impact on these interactions.

Early socialization pays dividends in the end with this breed. When you bring your Lykoi home to your family, make sure to reward them for their good conduct!

How much do Lykoi kittens cost?

• The average cost of a Lykoi kitten is roughly $1,500.
• Lykois can set you back up to $2,500.
• Several breeders specialize in producing litters with Lykoi kittens. Unfortunately, there is a long wait list (and the prices aren’t exactly inexpensive).

The Lykoi is a magnificent feline that necessitates meticulous breeding. You can expect to pay a high price for one due to its newness and ever-increasing popularity.

The chances of locating a Lykoi cat in a shelter or rescue are little to none. If a business owner is willing to spend the money on one, they are most likely committed to keeping it. In other cases, though, you can hit the jackpot and uncover one that has been surrendered.

If you’re lucky enough to locate one from a shelter, you should expect to pay between $100 and $300—through specialist breeds may cost considerably more. The costs are incurred as a result of the facility’s veterinary professionals’ vetting and care.

Even if your chances are poor, it’s worth a shot for the sake of curiosity. Also, hi! You might even come across a feral cat carrying this gene, but good luck catching one.

Is Having A Werewolf Cat Right For You?

Because this animal is so rare, you will have to spend a lot of money just to get it. She’ll require the same care as any other cat, as well as extra grooming. In a shelter, you’re not likely to locate one.

If you happen to come across a stray or your cat has a kitten with the Lykoi mutation, you should try to bring her to a clinic as soon as possible. Dr. and Mrs. Gobble would be interested in speaking with you as well.

Conclusion

Lykoi will undoubtedly become more popular in the future years. Werewolf fans all across the world will fall in love with these terrifying Halloween-style kitties. They fit in well with most lifestyles, especially as kittens, because they aren’t as distant or standoffish as their appearance suggests.

The Lykoi is the newest, rarest, and possibly strangest-looking cat breed. Random mutation among ferals appears to be the most plausible cause of the breed’s emergence.

They earn their moniker because they resemble werewolves, although they are kind and loving creatures at heart. The werewolf cat breed’s creators are being responsible and doing their best to keep the species healthy and sustainable.

The only health issues they appear to have were the natural consequences of not having an undercoat, which includes oily skin that is too sensitive to heat and cold.

One can only speculate on what the future holds for this new breed. This breed may become more common in the future if people have a soft place for misunderstood creatures and the Gobbles take all the necessary precautions.

Before you go out and buy a Lykoi, make sure you buy from a reliable breeder that can vouch for the kitten’s care. In any case, cherish your little werewolf cat and give him or her a spooky name!