Lykoi cat: Everything you need to know

What is a Lykoi cat?

Meet the Lykoi. Also known as the "wolf cat" or "werewolf cat," it’s easily one of the most visually unique cat breeds in the world. With their distinctive hairless mask around the nose, muzzle, eyes, and ears, they truly resemble a tiny werewolf (without the howling), making them the purr-fect Halloween cat. 

Despite their wild appearance, Lykoi is super friendly, affectionate, and playful, getting along purr-fectly well with humans and other furry friends. Oh, and fun fact: their name fittingly comes from the Greek word "Lycos," meaning wolf!

Lykoi cat breed information

Origin: United States

Also known as Wolf Cat or Werewolf Cat

Character: Affectionate, sociable, and lively

Weight: Typically 6 to 12 pounds

Body length: Approximately 11 to 14 inches

Coat patterns: Sparse, short fur, often appearing hairless

Coat colors: Predominantly black or ebony, either solid or with color points

Eye colors: Normally gold

Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Energy levels: Medium to high

Intelligence: Intelligent and active

Hypoallergenic: No (despite the lack of fur!)

Lykoi cat personality

Now, let’s talk purr-sonality. The Lykoi cat is an affable and easygoing feline, known for its friendly nature and ability to get along well with two-legged parents, other kitties, and cat-friendly canines. These playful fur balls love interactive fun but also appreciate some alone time to explore and wander on their own — we’re talking hours of backyard patrol.

After a spirited play session of chasing lasers, don't be surprised if they stop for a cuddle or two. Or three. But soon enough, they'll be off again, seeking their next fence to hop!

Lykoi cat breed appearance

Affectionately known as the "werewolf cat," Lykoi cats are truly captivating kitties with their slender, toned, medium-sized body. 

Their most striking feature is the hairless "mask" around the eyes, nose, muzzle, and the backs of the ears, giving them a marvelously mysterious and wild look.

Some Lykois are even completely hairless. Now, that’s a bold fashion statement. Even so, they’re often mistaken for Sphynx cats — though they share no genetic connection. 

These unique traits make the Lykoi one of the most intriguing cat breeds around!

Lykoi cat breed health

To keep your Lykoi purring contentedly, we recommend regular vet check-ups and some extra TLC for their unique, sparse coat. However, as they’re a relatively new breed, originating from the common house cat, you could always give cat DNA testing a try to uncover any potential surprises lurking in their DNA!

How do you keep your Lykoi in tip-top shape? Well, if your werewolf cat is chowing down on well-rounded cat or kitten food, they usually won't need any extra supplements to stay supple and sprightly. 

That said, your vet might suggest a diet packed with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to give your thin-coated Lykoi's skin a glowing boost. 

Due to their thin fur, these wolf cats are best kept indoors. They're prone to sunburn and skin injuries if they venture outside for too long — plus, chilly weather isn't their friend either, as they can quickly catch a chill and risk hypothermia. 

So, keep them cozy and safe indoors!

What’s the ideal home for a Lykoi cat?

The Lykoi cat thrives best in a tranquil home. Hey, who doesn't? Be careful, because they can easily develop behavioral issues if their surroundings are too noisy or chaotic. So, play your favorite kitty anthems on a lower volume!

On the brighter side, these good-natured felines usually get along well with other furry family members. As always, early interactions should be supervised, especially with new pooch pals, as the dynamics often depend on the paw-sonalities involved!

As with most felines, the key to a harmonious home with a Lykoi is early socialization, which goes a long way in ensuring they become well-adjusted members of the family.

What’s the ideal human for a Lykoi cat?

Ideally, Lykois should live in a household with calm teenagers or without children. These werewolf cats are quite high-maintenance, energetic little dynamos - especially at the full moon (just kidding!)

That said, these felines always prefer the company of two-legged companions, and don’t do well if left alone for too long.

Lykoi cat grooming

Here’s the fun part: Maintaining the unique appearance of your Lykoi cat! While their fur doesn't tangle due to its short length, their effortlessly disheveled and whimsical look might make it trickier to spot any scrapes or minor injuries. 

Lykois has a fascinating habit of shedding their entire coat before regrowing it for the next season, making a solid grooming routine essential. A daily once-over to check their coat is a wise move, with a thorough comb-through session each week to keep them looking their best.

Plus, monthly bathtime will keep their exposed skin sparkling clean and prevent any oil buildup. And keep an eye on their coat's condition — a greasy look could mean they're not grooming themselves properly, which might indicate health issues or weight problems. 

Just like any kitty, Lykois thrive with regular vaccinations, parasite control, and an annual check-up at the vet's office. It's all part of keeping your furry friend happy, healthy, and looking fabulous!

Lykoi cat breed history

The tale of the Lykoi cat began in 2010 in Virginia, USA, where a pair of peculiar kittens — a brother and sister — popped up in a shelter and caught the eye of Patti Thomas. 

Intrigued by their spooky, sparse coats, Patti and her vet set off on a quest to uncover the mystery behind their appearance. 

After running a slew of health tests, they found that these werewolf wannabes were perfectly healthy, sporting a recessive gene that gifted them their distinct, roan-like fur. 

They then played matchmaker by pairing these cats with domestic shorthairs, eventually creating a fang-tastic line of Lykoi cats, where some had the classic sparse fur and others a more typical coat, making every litter a mixed bag of furry fun!

Fast forward to 2013, and the first Lykoi were shipped off to the UK, with the inaugural litter of sparse-coated Lykoi kittens making their grand debut in May 2015. 

So, how excited are you to adopt a werewolf cat into your home? Well, if you do, we’re sure you’ll be howling in laughter and love in no time!