Lykoi

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Lykoi cat is a breed unlike any other, immediately drawing fascination with its striking and unusual appearance. Often earning nicknames such as the “werewolf cat” or “wolf cat,” its very name, “Lykoi,” is derived from the Greek word “lycos,” meaning wolf.

This nomenclature is a fitting tribute to their distinctive look, which stems from a spontaneous and natural genetic mutation, rather than deliberate human design.

However, the Lykoi’s allure extends far beyond its captivating exterior. Beneath their grizzled, wild appearance lies an equally captivating personality. These felines are renowned for being friendly, outgoing, intelligent, and deeply loyal companions, frequently exhibiting charming behaviors more commonly associated with dogs.

This remarkable juxtaposition—a wild, mythical façade paired with a deeply domesticated and affectionate spirit—forms a central appeal of the breed. It challenges initial perceptions based solely on their appearance, inviting a deeper appreciation for their true nature.

For those considering a Lykoi, this blend promises a delightful surprise: a cat that may look like it stepped out of a fantasy but is, in reality, a loving and interactive member of the family.

Breed History

The story of the Lykoi cat is a testament to nature’s serendipity, beginning not with selective breeding, but with a spontaneous genetic mutation observed within the general feral cat population.

This unique mutation directly impacts hair growth, resulting in the breed’s characteristic partially hairless coat. While the mutation itself had been noted over four decades prior, the Lykoi breed truly gained public attention in 2011.

The foundation of the Lykoi breed formally began when two unrelated litters of kittens, each exhibiting this unusual appearance, were brought to the attention of Dr. Johnny Gobble, along with Brittney Gobble and Patti Thomas, in the United States.

Their immediate priority was to conduct extensive health evaluations and genetic testing. The rigorous testing confirmed that the Lykoi’s distinctive look was indeed the result of a healthy, naturally occurring recessive gene.

Following this validation, a controlled breeding program was meticulously established. This program involved careful outcrossing with domestic black shorthairs, a strategy vital for ensuring broad genetic diversity and safeguarding the overall health of the nascent breed.

The emphasis on genetic diversity from the outset aimed to prevent inbreeding and minimize the risk of potential inherited health issues.

These dedicated efforts ultimately led to the Lykoi’s official recognition by prominent cat associations. The International Cat Association (TICA) granted them recognition in 2012, followed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 2018. Despite this formal recognition, the Lykoi remains a relatively rare breed today.

Physical Characteristics

The Lykoi’s most defining and captivating feature is its striking resemblance to a mythical werewolf, a look achieved through a remarkable combination of partial hairlessness and a distinctive “mask.”

This “mask” is formed by hairless areas around their eyes, nose, ears, and mouth, which, when combined with their large, bright, round, or walnut-shaped eyes (often amber or gold) and distinctive hairless rims, contributes to their wild, grizzled, and utterly captivating appearance.

The Lykoi’s coat is truly unique among recognized cat breeds. Despite its seemingly rough or coarse appearance, the fur is surprisingly smooth and soft to the touch.

Their coat is characterized by a “roan” pattern, which is a distinctive blend of colored and amelanistic (colorless) white hairs intermixed throughout the body.

A notable feature of their coat is the absence of an undercoat, with guard hairs being sparse, particularly on their legs, feet, and facial mask.

While various colors and patterns can occur, the solid black roan is the most common and is the only color accepted for show by major associations, which further enhances their dramatic “werewolf” effect.

A fascinating aspect of the Lykoi’s coat is its dynamic nature. These cats are known to “molt” or “wolf out,” shedding their fur periodically—sometimes becoming almost completely bald before their coat regrows.

The frequency and extent of this shedding can vary significantly based on individual bloodlines, climate, age, and even hormonal cycles. This means a Lykoi’s appearance can literally “transform” throughout its life, adding to its mystique and ensuring that owners never quite know what stage of “wolfing out” their cat will be in from day to day.

Behavior and Personality

Beyond their captivating appearance, the Lykoi cat possesses a personality that is equally intriguing and often surprising. One of the most frequently highlighted aspects of their temperament is their remarkable resemblance to dogs in their behaviors.

Lykoi are renowned for their profound loyalty, high intelligence, and impressive trainability, often learning tricks and enthusiastically playing fetch.

Their strong prey drive manifests in playful stalking and pouncing on toys, and when in groups, they have even been observed to run together in “packs,” mimicking miniature wolfpacks.

Lykoi cats are inherently friendly, outgoing, and thrive on social interaction and companionship. They form deep bonds with their human families, displaying immense loyalty and affection.

Their gentle nature makes them excellent companions for children, and they generally coexist peacefully with other cats and cat-friendly dogs.

These are not sedentary cats; Lykoi possess abundant energy and a profound love for play and exploration. While they appreciate a warm lap for a brief snuggle, they consistently prioritize active engagement over prolonged cuddling.

Care Guide

Diet

Providing optimal nutrition is paramount for a Lykoi’s health. It is crucial to offer a premium, high-quality diet formulated specifically for their current life stage, whether kitten, adult, or senior.

Experts strongly advise favoring canned (wet) food over most dry kibble, as many dry foods are excessively high in carbohydrates, which can significantly increase a Lykoi’s risk of developing diabetes.

To maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating, free-feeding is generally discouraged; instead, meals should be measured, and portions adjusted as necessary based on their activity level and body condition.

Exercise

Lykoi cats are highly energetic and active, requiring ample daily opportunities for physical exercise and mental stimulation through play and exploration.

To meet these demands, owners should provide a diverse array of toys, robust vertical climbing structures (like cat trees and wall-mounted shelves), and durable scratching posts. Rotating their toys regularly can help maintain their interest and prevent boredom.

Daily interactive play sessions with their human companions are essential; aiming for at least 20 minutes of dedicated playtime each day, engaging them in games like fetch, which many Lykoi enthusiastically enjoy, is highly recommended.

Environment & Enrichment

Due to their sparse coat and lack of an insulating undercoat, Lykoi cats are highly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. They are susceptible to hypothermia in cold weather and severe sunburn in direct sunlight.

Their pink skin can easily darken or burn, necessitating that they be kept exclusively as indoor cats. Owners must ensure they have access to warm, cozy sleeping spots, especially during colder months, which might include beds placed near radiators or the use of safe, low-wattage heat pads.

For brief, supervised outdoor time in sunny conditions, a high-protection children’s sunblock can be applied to exposed skin.

Grooming

While their sparse coat generally doesn’t matt and doesn’t require extensive daily brushing, it does demand specific attention due to its unique structure and the absence of an undercoat.

Occasional brushing, approximately twice a week, with an extremely soft-bristle brush or a fine-toothed comb is recommended to gently remove dirt and loose fur, always brushing in the direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort or scratching their delicate skin.

Due to their exposed skin and tendency for oil accumulation and blackheads (which are normal), Lykoi cats require more frequent bathing than most other breeds.

A monthly bath with a gentle, cat-specific, hypoallergenic shampoo in warm water is necessary to maintain skin health, keeping sessions short to minimize stress.

Their ears are prone to greasiness and should be gently cleaned weekly using cotton buds dipped in a little baby oil, cleaning only visible areas.

Lykoi cats often experience increased eye discharge, so their eyes should be gently wiped daily with a damp cloth to keep them clean and prevent irritation.

The Lykoi’s unique genetic makeup makes them inherently predisposed to certain conditions, such as lymphocytic mural folliculitis and skin infections.

This means owners must adopt a proactive grooming regimen to mitigate these risks and ensure their cat’s comfort and health, transforming grooming from a simple chore into a vital component of their overall well-being.

Mental Stimulation

Lykoi are notably intelligent and trainable cats who thrive on opportunities to utilize their problem-solving skills.

To keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors, owners should provide a constantly rotating supply of interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and engage them in stimulating games like fetch.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Are Lykoi cats truly hypoallergenic? 

No, despite their sparse coat, Lykoi cats are not considered hypoallergenic. They are heavy shedders and produce the Fel d 1 protein, a common allergen found in cat dander and saliva, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  

How much do Lykoi cats shed?

Lykoi cats can shed quite a bit, and their coat thickness varies significantly. They are known to “molt” or “wolf out” periodically, sometimes even losing their entire coat and becoming completely bald before it regrows. The extent and frequency of shedding can depend on factors like bloodlines, climate, age, and hormonal cycles.  

What is their typical personality? 

Lykoi cats are known for their friendly, outgoing, and playful personalities. They are intelligent, curious, and highly trainable, often exhibiting dog-like behaviors such as playing fetch. They are loyal and affectionate with their human families, though they may be initially reserved with strangers before quickly warming up.  

What special grooming do Lykoi cats need? 

Due to their unique partially hairless coat and sensitive skin, Lykoi cats require specific grooming. This includes more frequent bathing (monthly) to prevent oil and dirt buildup, gentle brushing with soft bristles, weekly cleaning of their ears (which can get greasy), weekly nail trims, and daily wiping of their eyes due to increased discharge. Daily teeth brushing is also recommended for oral health.  

Why are they called “werewolf cats”? 

The Lykoi earned the nickname “werewolf cat” or “wolf cat” due to their striking appearance, which resembles a mythical werewolf. This look is created by their unique partial hairlessness, particularly around their eyes, nose, ears, and mouth, forming a distinctive “mask,” combined with their roan coat pattern (intermixed colored and white hairs) and large, round eyes. Their name “Lykoi” is derived from the Greek word “lycos,” meaning wolf.  

Bonus Facts

The Lykoi is the only cat breed known to have a “roan” coat pattern, which is a unique mixture of colored and amelanistic (colorless) white hairs.  

Lykoi kittens are typically born with full fluffy black coats and undergo their characteristic “transformation” (shedding their initial fur) at around five days old.  

Their eyes are often described as large, bright, and round or walnut-shaped, frequently appearing in shades of amber or gold.  

The Lykoi gene is a naturally occurring mutation found within the feral cat population, meaning these unique cats can sometimes appear spontaneously in the wild.  

Due to their sparse coat, Lykoi cats’ pink skin can darken or “tan” when exposed to sunlight, and they are susceptible to sunburn.  

Despite their rough appearance, the Lykoi’s coat is soft and silky to the touch.  

References

Buckley, Reuben M.; Gandolfi, Barbara; Creighton, Erica K.; Pyne, Connor A.; Bouhan, Delia M.; LeRoy, Michelle L.; Senter, David A.; Gobble, Johnny R.; Abitbol, Marie; Lyons, Leslie A.; 99 Lives Consortium (June 22, 2020). “Werewolf, There Wolf: Variants in Hairless Associated with Hypotrichia and Roaning in the Lykoi Cat Breed”. Genes. 11 (6): 682. doi:10.3390/genes11060682. ISSN 2073-4425. PMC 7348984. PMID 32580512.

Gobble, Brittney. “Breed History / Recognition”. Lykoi_VA. Atreyukatz Cattery. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.

Svenska, Anneka (March 15, 2019). “The Wolf Cat – Lykoi”. Animal Watch – via YouTube.

Supan, Colleen. “Meet the Werewolf Cat: the Lykoi”. CatChannel.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2015.

“Lykoi cats have a DNA mutation that makes them look like werewolves”. Tech Insider. Axel Springer SE. October 27, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2015.

Change, Max. “There’s a Terrifying Breed of ‘Werewolf Cats’ That Act Like Dogs and Cost Up to $2,500”. NextShark. Archived from the original on October 29, 2015.

“Lykoi Breed”. TICA.org. The International Cat Association. August 13, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.

“Lykoi”. BeeblebroxSphynx.com. RockStarz and Beeblebrox Sphynx and Lykoi. Retrieved May 24, 2023.

LeRoy, Michelle L.; Senter, David A.; Kim, Dae Young; Gandolfi, Barbara; Middleton, John R.; Trainor, Karen E.; Bouhan, Delia M.; Lyons, Leslie A. (2016). “リコイ猫の被毛と皮膚に関する臨床的および組織学的記述”. 獣医臨床皮膚科. 22 (3): 179–191. doi:10.2736/jjvd.22.179.