Lykoi Cat

The Lykoi cat takes its name from the Greek word Lycos, which means “wolf.” The Lykoi is often called the “wolf cat” or “werewolf cat” due to its unusual appearance. These unique cats have a black and white roan-patterned coat with no undercoat, and sparse fur on their faces, legs, and feet. They have slender, muscular bodies and wedge-shaped faces with round muzzles, large eyes, and tall ears.

The Lykoi is a relatively new cat breed. The first Lykoi cat was found in Virginia in 2010, followed by the birth of the first intentionally bred Lykoi in 2011. It was initially thought to be a mutated form of a Sphynx or Devon Rex, but DNA has shown that the breed is a natural mutation of domestic short-haired cats. Lykoi cats are rare, with as few as 100-200 cats worldwide.

Lykoi Cat Temperament

While you might be intimidated by its wolf-like appearance, the Lykoi cat is affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and friendly. They are curious and energetic, often searching out their humans for playtime. They love playing with toys and solving puzzles. Lykois sometimes enjoy cuddling, but they prefer to be active.

Initially, the Lykoi might be shy or cautious in new situations. However, they bond easily with people and they are quick to open up to animals. This makes the Lykoi a good choice for families with children or other pets.

Lykoi Cat Size and Weight

The Lykoi is a small to medium-sized cat. On average, their height is the same as that of a typical domesticated short-haired cat. Males are around 8 to 10 inches and females are about 6 to 8 inches. The average length for males is 12 to 15 inches and 9 to 12 inches for females.

Due to their slender bodies, they tend to weigh less than other short-haired cats. Male cats weigh between 7 to 12 pounds, while the females typically range from 6 to 8 pounds.

How To Take Care of a Lykoi Cat

Since Lykoi cats are a newer cat breed, it is still too early to determine long-term genetic issues. Although there have been no breed-specific health issues found to date, precautions must be taken with a Lykoi cat’s grooming, skincare, and diet and exercise.

Grooming

The density of a Lykoi cat’s coat may vary from very heavy to hairless. Any hair found on these cats is quite short. However, they need to be brushed once or twice a week to remove any knots. Kittens are born with normal coats, but the roan pattern will be discernible within a few weeks. Each cat will have a unique coat growth cycle as it grows. Younger Lykoi may not shed very often, but older cats will typically shed their coats twice a year. Some cats may shed their entire coats, leaving them completely hairless.

As their coat provides little to no protection from the cold or sun, your Lykoi cat should be kept indoors as much as possible. Lykoi cats are prone to lower body temperatures, so it is a good idea to keep a heated cat bed in the house, plus invest in a few warm sweaters to keep your cat cozy. Your Lykoi’s pink skin can darken and burn when exposed to sunlight, so they must always be kept in the shade.

Skincare

Lykoi cats have very sensitive skin that can get oily and irritated. It is important to have their skin regularly checked by a vet. Additionally, they should also be bathed every one to two weeks to prevent oils from building up on their skin. Owners should use a moisturizing shampoo to avoid skin dryness, which could lead to acne and blackheads. An easy-to-identify sign of any health issues is excessive oil production even after bathing.

These cats can also have a build-up of oil in their ears and nails, so you should clean them every week with cotton and wipe their claws with a soft cloth. Trim their nails every two weeks and keep their food bowls as clean as possible. Brushing their teeth weekly and wiping their eyes for any deposits after they wake up from a nap is also advisable.

Diet and Exercise

Generally speaking, Lykoi cats are fairly low maintenance, but they have high energy requirements because they are so active. Owners should stack their diet with protein to provide them with enough energy for a full day of play.

A medium-sized cat tree, scratching posts, and a handful of toys should keep your Lykoi busy. Despite their active natures, they are not climbers, so you don’t have to worry about them climbing the curtains or jumping on top of furniture. Play with your Lykoi for at least an hour per day to keep them happy and healthy. Overall, as long as you bathe them often, take them for regular vet checks, and respond to their energetic, affectionate behavior, you don’t have to worry about much with these felines!