Lykoi, The Werewolf Cat

You’re about to meet your new furry friend, the Lykoi. This is no ordinary cat, my friend. Oh no, this is the werewolf cat. And before you freak out, let me assure you that they’re not actually werewolves. But they do look like they just stepped out of a horror movie, with their patchy fur, haunting green eyes, and eerie howls.

Now, let’s talk about their hunting skills. These cats are natural-born hunters, with a keen sense of smell and a lightning-fast reflexes. They’re like little ninjas, sneaking up on their prey and pouncing with deadly accuracy. But don’t worry, they won’t be bringing any dead mice to your doorstep. They’re perfectly content with their cat food.

But what really sets the Lykoi apart from other cats is their howl. It’s not your typical meow or purr. No, these cats have a haunting, almost wolf-like howl that will send shivers down your spine. It’s like they’re calling out to the moon, summoning their inner werewolf. But don’t worry, they’re not going to transform into a full-blown werewolf. They’re just cats, after all.

The Lykoi Cat

The Lykoi Cat, also called the Wolf Cat or the Werewolf Cat is a distinct breed of cat that resembles – you guessed it – a mix between a werewolf and a cat. Its coat resembles that of an opossum and is standardly black. The Lykoi cat can be distinguished by its wedge-shaped head and its mostly-shed coat which is said to give the Lykoi it’s wolf-like appearance. Lykoi cats do not have hair around their eyes, ears, nose, or muzzle. Its’ name, Lykoi, loosely translates in Greek to ‘Wolf Cat.”

History of the Lykoi

As a newly discovered breed of cat, the Lykoi’s history is not very long. Tennessee-based breeders created this breed in 2010. A genetic mutation occurred in the breeding of a domestic shorthair cat and the breeders have simply taken advantage of this mutation to continue breeding the rare kitty using natural processes.

Dermatologists at the University of Tennessee studied the kittens for genetic mutations as researchers were concerned, due to the abnormal coat belonging to the Lykoi, that there would be skin abnormalities. What researchers discovered was that the hair follicles belonging to the kittens did not allow for the growth of hair in certain locations. Additionally, certain follicles that had the opportunity to grow hair did not have the ability to sustain it so they would continuously lose their hair over time, sometimes causing them to go completely bald.

Despite this, researchers determined that the Lykoi has no relation to the infamous bald kitten breed, the Sphinx. The kittens were deemed healthy and the breeding program for the Lykoi kitten began in September of 2011.

Lykoi Personality

The Lykoi personality has been most compared to that of a hound dog. They love to hunt around the house and are quick to pounce on their prey.

They are said to be a very loyal and intelligent cat and they love to play fetch. Lykoi love a warm lap but are usually very active and playful, often keeping themselves entertained in a separate room from their human.

Similar to other cats, Lykoi love the sun and seek it out frequently but are not overly cold despite their thin and often nonexistent coats.

The Lykoi’s Appearance

The first thing you’ll notice about these feline beasts is their unique appearance. They’re like no other cat you’ve ever seen. Their fur is patchy and sparse, with bald spots on their faces and bodies. But don’t let their unusual looks fool you, they’re just as lovable as any other cat. In fact, they’re known for their affectionate nature and playful personalities.

In other animals (dogs and horses) the coat pattern of the Lykoi is called ‘roan,’ however the Lykoi is the only cat that exists with this particular coat. Some Lykoi are completely hairless while others are completely covered in hair. All Lykoi lose their coat at least once in their lifetime.

No Lykoi has been bred with hair around its eyes, chin, nose, muzzle, or back of their ears and these areas frequently have a leathery feel to them. Most Lykoi have sparse hair covering their legs and feet. The skin of the Lykoi is mostly pink except in circumstances where they are in direct sunlight. After a few days the Lykoi skin will darken in some places.

Male Lykoi are significantly bigger than the females, yet both are markedly lean.

The Lykoi is not hypoallergenic though it is said that some allergen sufferers are not bothered by the Lykoi cat. However, it depends on whether an allergy sufferer is allergic to a cat’s dander, saliva, or hair.

Health of the Lykoi

There have have been no discovered genetic health issues or serious concerns for the Lykoi cat. They can have any health issues found in your typical barn cat.

The Lykoi cat breed is generally considered to be healthy, but like all cats, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It’s important for owners to be aware of potential health concerns and to provide proper care to keep their Lykoi cats healthy.

Common health concerns and risks associated with the Lykoi cat breed:

1. Skin and coat issues: Lykoi cats have a unique coat that can require special care. They may be prone to skin issues like dermatitis and fungal infections, as well as hair loss due to a genetic mutation. Regular grooming and visits to the vet can help prevent and manage these issues.
2. Dental problems: Lykoi cats may be at higher risk for dental problems like gingivitis and tooth decay. Owners should provide regular dental care and checkups to prevent these issues.
3. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is a common heart condition in cats, and Lykoi cats may be more prone to it. Regular veterinary checkups can help detect and manage this condition if it develops.

Caring for Your Lykoi

When it comes to taking care of a Lykoi cat, there are a few important things to keep in mind. From grooming to diet to exercise, proper care is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of these unique felines.

Tips for taking care of and maintaining a healthy Lykoi cat:

1. Grooming: Lykoi cats need regular grooming to keep their unique coat healthy and prevent skin issues. This includes regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming.
2. Diet and nutrition: Like all cats, Lykoi cats require a balanced and nutritious diet. Owners should provide high-quality food and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and other health issues.
3. Exercise and play: Lykoi cats are active and playful, and require regular exercise and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. Owners should provide toys, scratching posts, and other forms of stimulation to keep their Lykoi cats active and engaged.
4. Veterinary care: Regular checkups with a veterinarian are important for all cats, and especially for Lykoi cats who may be prone to certain health conditions. Owners should schedule regular checkups and vaccinations to ensure their Lykoi cats stay healthy.

Overall, Lykoi cats can make wonderful pets for the right owner. With proper care and attention, these unique cats can live long, healthy lives and provide their owners with years of joy and companionship.

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It’s expected that the Lykoi kittens will be available for adoption in year 2016. At this time they are being bred in small numbers as their gene pool is not very large. As of 2023, a limited number of Lykoi kittens are being bred, but they can be adopted. However, it’s important to note that they come with a price tag ranging from $1500 to $2500.

So, there you have it. The Lykoi, the werewolf cat. They may look a little spooky, but they’re just like any other cat, with their own unique quirks and personalities. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to adopt a Lykoi and show the world that they’re not so scary after all.

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