The Lykoi cat, a unique cat breed known as the "werewolf cat," exhibits a striking appearance with a partially hairless coat. Named from the Greek word for wolves, these cats have a wedge shaped head, large ears, and striking golden eyes. Their coat features a roan pattern with scattered white hairs and lacks an undercoat except around the eyes, muzzle, and feet, resembling longer guard hairs elsewhere.

This breed arose from a natural mutation, resembling feral cats in their lean physique and high energy levels. They are medium sized, domestic shorthair cats with a propensity for spending time active and exploring.

• Life Span  12 - 15 years.
• Average Weight   2.0kg to 4.6kg
• Colours -  Roan pattern based on black, with scattered white hairs throughout.

• Lykoi cats requires an experienced owner
• Requires high levels of enrichment, including simulated hunting games and interactive play
• Lykoi cats are highly active and curious
• Sociable and affectionate cat
• Lykoi cats are vocal and communicative
• Slim and graceful cat
• Lykoi cats requires daily grooming
• Benefits from access to both indoor and outdoor spaces
• Lykoi cats are best suited to calm environments
• Can tolerate being left alone for short periods

Currently, there are no prevalent disorders reported for the Lykoi cat breed.

The Lykoi cat, recognized as the werewolf cat, is a unique breed distinguished by its partially hairless appearance. Descended from a natural mutation and named after the Greek word for wolves, these domestic shorthair cats feature a wedge shaped head and high energy levels. While they lack an undercoat and have sparse hair in some areas, they are medium sized and known for their inquisitive nature. Lykoi cats thrive on interactive play and enjoy spending time with both humans and other pets.

• Family-friendly:  1/5
• Playfulness:  4/5
• Intelligence:  3/5
• Tendency to Vocalize:   5/5
• Likes Other Pets:  3/5
• Grooming needs:  1/5
• Shedding:  4/5

The Lykoi breed was first developed in Virginia, USA around 2010 when Patti Thomas discovered a pair of siblings at a shelter. Concerned by their unique appearance, Patti and her vet conducted extensive health tests, revealing they carried a recessive gene responsible for their distinctive roan coat. To establish the breed, they selectively outcrossed these cats with domestic shorthairs. This effort led to the development of Lykoi cats capable of producing both typical and sparse coated variants in their litters.

In 2013, the first Lykoi cats were imported to the UK, with the initial sparse coated Lykoi kittens born there in May 2015. As a relatively new and rare breed, it's important to note that many online images of Lykoi cats may be digitally enhanced to accentuate their werewolf like appearance.

Due to their sparse coat, Lykoi cats, descendants of a natural mutation discovered by Patti Thomas in Virginia, USA, around 2010, are not suited to extreme weather conditions. It's recommended to keep them indoors to protect them from cold, wet weather and potential sunburn on hot days, as they lack the insulation provided by a full coat.

However, supervised access to a secure garden or a sheltered cat run can be provided, ensuring they have a place to escape from the sun or cold as needed.

Aside from these environmental considerations, Lykoi cats are adaptable and enjoy typical cat behaviors such as climbing and play. Providing a cat tree, scratching posts, and interactive toys will meet their needs and keep them engaged.

The Lykoi cat requires daily mental and physical stimulation, including food puzzles, fetch games, and creative activities. They enjoy climbing and jumping, so ensure ample space for cat trees and jungle gyms. Due to their sparse coat, they prefer warmer environments and will seek out sunny spots in summer and cosy up on a radiator cat bed or fires in winter.

Despite their distinctive appearance, the Lykoi's nutritional requirements are similar to those of other cats.

Each cat is unique, with individual preferences and dietary needs. As obligate carnivores, all cats require 41 essential nutrients from their diet. The specific balance of these nutrients varies based on factors like age, lifestyle, and overall health. For instance, a growing, active kitten will need a different nutrient profile than a less active senior cat.

It's important to feed cats the appropriate quantity of food to maintain their "ideal body condition," as outlined in feeding guidelines. Additionally, respecting their preferences for wet or dry food is essential for ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and enjoy their meals.

Despite the Lykoi's short and non tangling fur, their generally unkempt appearance may make it challenging to notice minor scrapes and injuries. Therefore, it's wise to conduct a daily inspection of their coat and give it a thorough comb through once a week. Lykoi cats can shed their entire coat seasonally, making a regular grooming routine crucial for this breed. Brushing them once or twice a week will effectively manage shedding.

Additionally, bathing them once a month helps keep their exposed skin clean and prevents oil buildup. A greasy coat may indicate your cat is not grooming itself adequately, possibly signaling health issues such as obesity or illness.

Like all cats, Lykoi cats benefit from routine vaccinations, parasite control, and annual veterinary check ups to ensure their ongoing health and well being.

The Lykoi cat thrives best in a calm household environment, ideally with quiet teenagers or no children at all. They are highly active and require significant attention, making them prone to behavioral issues in busy, loud, or chaotic settings. It's crucial to keep them indoors within a secure environment, especially with young children, to mitigate risks.

Regarding other household pets, the good natured Lykoi generally gets along well with various domestic animals. However, initial interactions should always be supervised, as compatibility can vary based on individual personalities. Early socialization efforts can greatly benefit this breed in fostering positive relationships with other pets.

It might be difficult to locate this particular breed in rescue shelters since they are fairly new. Nevertheless, there is a chance that one of them may need a new home. If you are considering adoption, please reach out to the adoption organization for information about a specific cat's personality.

How to pronounce Lykoi?

The breed name "Lykoi" is pronounced as "lee-KOY."

Where can i find a Lykoi cat for sale?

You can find Lykoi cats for sale from breeders, catteries, and online platforms like Lykoi Cattery, GoKitty, and Alison's Cheshires.

Where can i find Lykoi kittens for sale uk?

You can find Lykoi kittens for sale in the UK on websites like Pets4Homes and UKPets, as well as from catteries such as Lykoi Elite Felines.