Lykoi

The Lykoi is one of the most visually striking breeds to emerge in recent years. With their sparse, patchy hair and intense yellow eyes, they look like tiny werewolves—hence their nickname, “The Werewolf Cat.” But don’t let the Halloween look scare you; underneath that wild exterior is a sweet, intelligent, and incredibly friendly cat.

1. History and Origins: A Natural Mutation

The Lykoi is a natural mutation that occurred in domestic shorthair cats.

The Tennessee Discovery

In 2010, Patti Thomas found two unique kittens in a litter from a feral cat in Virginia. Around the same time, vet Johnny Gobble found similar kittens in Tennessee. Genetic testing proved they did not carry the Sphynx or Devon Rex genes. It was a brand new recessive gene.

The Name

“Lykoi” comes from the Greek word for “wolf.” The breed was accepted by TICA for championship status in 2017, making it one of the newest recognized breeds.

2. Appearance: The Werewolf Look

The Lykoi’s appearance is unlike any other.

The Roan Coat

They are the only cat breed with a roan coat pattern. This means they have a mix of colored hairs (usually black) and amelanistic (white/colorless) hairs. This salt-and-pepper mix gives them a shimmering, silvery appearance.

Partial Hairlessness

They lack an undercoat and have sparse hair on their legs and feet. Most notably, they have a hairless “mask” around their eyes, nose, muzzle, and the back of the ears, completing the werewolf illusion.

Molting

Lykoi cats molt. They can go from being almost fully haired to almost completely bald depending on the season.

3. Personality: The Hunter-Gatherer

Lykois are often described as having the personality of a hunting dog.

High Prey Drive

They are fiercely intelligent hunters. In a home, this translates to an obsession with toys. They will stalk, chase, and fetch toys for hours. They prefer interactive play with their humans.

Pack Mentality

They are very social and prefer to be in a “pack” (your family). They get along well with other cats and dogs but can be initially cautious with strangers, observing them for a few minutes before deciding they are friends.

Affectionate

Once they warm up, they are incredibly loving. They are not typically lap cats that sit still for hours, but they want to be in the same room, often sitting near you or on your shoulder.

4. Care and Needs

Skin Care

Because their coat is so sparse, they have little protection for their skin.

• Sun: They can sunburn easily if allowed in direct sunlight.
• Oil: Like Sphynx cats, they can accumulate skin oils, especially in their ears and on their claws. They may need occasional bathing, though not as often as a Sphynx.

Temperature

They get cold easily. They need a warm indoor environment and will appreciate a heated bed or a sweater in winter.

Shedding

Despite having less hair, they do shed. In fact, during their molting phase, they can shed their entire coat.

5. Health and Lifespan

Because the breed was founded on robust feral cats, the Lykoi is generally very healthy.

Genetic Diversity

Breeders have been careful to outcross with domestic shorthairs to keep the gene pool wide and healthy.

Skin Sensitivity

They can be prone to skin irritation or hypothermia if not cared for properly.

Heart Health

Standard screening for heart issues is recommended, as with all breeds.

6. Is a Lykoi Right for You?

Pros

• Unique Look: Own a living werewolf!
• Personality: Intelligent, dog-like, and fun.
• Health: Generally robust due to diverse origins.

Cons

• Cost: Still a rare breed, so kittens are expensive.
• Molting: The coat changes constantly and they do shed.
• Indoor Only: Too vulnerable to weather to be outside.

Conclusion

The Lykoi is a fascinating mix of spooky looks and sweet personality. They are perfect for the person who loves the unusual and wants a cat that is as much a conversation piece as a loving companion. If you invite a “wolf cat” into your home, you’ll find they are actually just a sheep in wolf’s clothing.