Lykoi Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3.6-4.5 kg

Length

20cm-25 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Lykoi Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’ve ever seen a Lykoi cat, you probably had the same reaction as most people:

“Woah, is that a cat?”

“Why does it look so strange?”

“Where does it come from?”

Since this undeniably strange werewolf-like cat came about, these questions have been asked over and over.

Well, all your questions and more will be answered in this guide, from the Lykoi cat’s history and temperament to its grooming needs and common habits.

What Is the History & Origin of the Lykoi Cat?

The Lykoi is a fairly new breed, only being around since 2011, thanks to breeders Patti Thomas and Brittney & Johnny Gobble, who produced the very first litter of werewolf kittens.

TICA (The International Cat Association) confirmed that the breeders matched a pair of unrelated Lykoi cats (from two unrelated litters) to prove that the breed originated from a natural mutation of these cat’s genes.

In 2016 the Lykoi was officially recognised by TICA and granted full championship status. At present, some Lykois are still being born to feral cats.

What Is a Lykoi Cat Breed?

The name Lykoi comes from the Greek word for wolf, and if you’ve seen a Lykoi, you’ll definitely understand why.

These wolf cats are, without a doubt, one of the most visually unique cat breeds on the globe.

In fact, all of the current domestic Lykoi cats across the world can trace their heritage back to feral cats. But despite their rough-looking feral appearance, these kitties are nothing short of friendly, affectionate, playful and lovely as four-legged companions.

Who Is a Lykoi Cat Best For?

The easy-going Lykoi cat can fit well into just about any family, though they are best suited to families with older children. If you have small children, you’ll need to train your Lykoi from a kitten to socialise and get along with the younger humans in your home.

The Lykoi cat breed is undeniably an inside cat. Because of their sparse patchy coat gets cold very easily, so being left outside is not an option. (This kitty needs some pampering in that regard!) An apartment or home is best suited for this breed.

Lykois can get used to living with any other household animals as long as they’re introduced slowly.

What Does a Lykoi Cat Look Like?

Some say that the Lykoi cat is unsightly, but others find them to be intriguingly beautiful!

This werewolf cat has an unusual appearance, to say the least. You can easily recognise a Lykoi by its slender, partially hairless, toned body and wedge-shaped head with almost round amber or green eyes. The skin around their muzzle, nose, eyes and backs of the ears is typically completely bald.

People often confuse Lykois, which is entirely hairless for Sphynx cats. However, they don’t share any genetic connections.

Coat

If you can call it a “coat”, the Lykoi has a fine, short, and soft one – despite it looking coarse.

Since these cats don’t have any undercoats, their thin top hairs make these felines look extremely werewolf-like.

Colours

Lykois typically have an iconic black or grey hair coat, sometimes with silvery or white shades. This breed’s roan coat gives these kitties a captivating “patchy” appearance.

Patterns

The Lykoi has a very distinct roan coat pattern, combining its main colour with white hairs, as well as a balding pattern.

They typically have no hair around their eyes, nose, muzzle, and ears. These nude parts look and feel almost like leather.

Lykoi Cat Grooming & Shedding

If you can say that you enjoy brushing cats, you will be the perfect owner for a Lykoi. Because these cats sure do shed!

In fact, Lykois can shed their whole coat, becoming completely bare until it grows back for the next season.

Brushing your feline a few times a week will keep you ahead of the regular shedding, as well as monthly bathing to keep their bare skin clean and the oils in check.

How Do Lykoi Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

The Lykoi breed is remarkably intelligent and just as inquisitive, so you’ll need to make sure that you have plenty of interactive cat toys ready at their disposal. The furry friends thrive on regular mental stimulation.

On the other hand, Lykois are friendly, easygoing cats, making them get along with humans and other animals alike.

You’ll notice that these cats will often wander off and explore on their own for long periods of time, thanks to their curious and playful nature.

Lykois tend to be shy around strangers at first, as they prefer their human family’s company to those they are unfamiliar with.

Living Needs

Since the Lykoi’s coat is so thin (and sometimes even non-existent), the Cat Fanciers’ Association recommends keeping cats of this breed exclusively indoors.

Their thin coat provides these kitties with very little protection from the cold as well as direct sunlight.

You might have to give your Lykoi a cute sweater or a heated cat bed in the cold winter months to keep them warm and comfortable.

Just like most cat breeds, Lykois enjoy climbing and exploring new environments. A few scratch posts and interactive cat toys will be beneficial in keeping your kitty happy.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Lykoi Cats?

Habits

This unique and beautiful breed originated from feral colonies, which means the Lykoi still has a strong instinct to hunt prey. (Keep your small pets far out of reach!)

Although these cats tend to show playful behaviour, they also enjoy wandering off on their own for durations of time.

Activity level

Being a fairly wild and active breed, the Lykoi needs to be stimulated both mentally and physically. So, owners will need to dedicate at least 15 to 20 minutes of playtime or exercise daily to keep their furry friends healthy and happy.

Consider getting a few different cat toys, such as laser pointers, balls, feathers, and interactive cat puzzles.

Vocalness

Lykois generally aren’t excessively talkative, though they do purr loudly when happy.

These cats will also make it known when they want attention from their favourite humans or when they are ready for their next meal.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Lykoi Cat?

Height

The Lykoi is typically between 20cm and 25cm tall.

Weight

On average, fully-grown female Lykois weigh between 2kg and 3.5kg, while male Lykois weigh between 3.6kg and 4.5kg.

Size

The Lykoi is a medium-sized cat, with male cats being slightly larger than their female counterparts.

Are Lykoi Cats Easy to Train?

As with most cat breeds, the Lykoi cat isn’t very easy to train, although it’s not impossible to do!

Lykois are extremely independent, and they aren’t very fond of being given orders. They like to do things completely on their own terms, whether jumping on the counter or sharpening their claws on your new sofa.

But with a whole lot of patience and consistency, you can train your kitty to be a very well-behaved housecat.

Does the Lykoi Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Since the Lykoi is still considered a very recent breed, experts haven’t had enough time to get a solid grasp on their genetic makeup and potential health problems yet.

Your best bet is seeking veterinary advice and take your cat for regular check-ups to rule out any health concerns.

What Is the Lifespan of a Lykoi Cat?

The average life expectancy of the Lykoi is 12 to 15 years.

How Much Does a Lykoi Cat Need to Be Fed?

The Lykoi does very well on a high-protein cat food diet, regardless of whether it’s wet food or dry food.

Whatever cat food brand you decide to choose, make sure that it’s of high quality and that ‘meat’ is listed as the main ingredient on the label.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Lykoi Cat in Australia?

Wondering how much Lykoi kittens cost? Well, we hope you have saved up because they sure aren’t cheap! They typically sell for around $1500 but can cost anywhere up to $2500 (and more!) The waiting list for a Lykoi kitten can be years long, as there isn’t an abundance of Lykoi breeders in Australia.

Lykoi Cat FAQs

What is special about the Lykoi or werewolf cat?

These domestic black cats came about from an unusual natural mutation that causes their hair to grow in a distinct werewolf-like pattern.

This cat doesn’t have any hair around its eyes, muzzle, ears, nose, and chin.

Cats of this breed typically shed their entire coat, which regrows later after the shedding season.

Are Lykoi hypoallergenic?

No, Lykoi cats are not a hypoallergenic breed. Although they are fairly hairless, they tend to shed a lot more than other short hair cat breeds and can even go completely bald from time to time.

The excessive amount of shedding will likely result in your home experiencing a large amount of dander, making them an unsuitable option for people with severe cat allergies.