Lykoi

The Lykoi, also known as the "wolf cat" due to its wild appearance and partial fur, is a relatively new breed of domestic cat. It is noted for its unique appearance, reminiscent of a small wolf or even a werewolf, due to a natural mutation. They are playful, affectionate and curious, although their appearance may lead to a wrong first impression.

General details

Lykoi cats are medium-sized, with males typically weighing between 3.5 and 4.5 kilograms and females between 2 and 3.5 kilograms. They are approximately 20 to 25 centimeters tall and have a body length of about 30 to 35 centimeters. Under normal conditions, they can live between 12 and 15 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

The Lykoi is a new breed, developed in the United States in the 2010s. The breed began with short-coated domestic cats that had a natural mutation that caused a lack of hair in certain areas. These cats were discovered by Patti Thomas, a breeder of Sphinx cats, and Johnny Gobble, a veterinarian, who began a selective breeding program to develop and stabilize the breed. They discovered that the appearance was due to a recessive gene. Since then, Lykois have gained popularity in the United States for their unique appearance, although they are not widespread outside the United States. The breed was officially recognized by TICA in 2012.

Breed characteristics

The Lykoi is a medium-sized breed with a muscular and well-proportioned body. Their eyes are large and usually yellow in color, increasing their resemblance to wolves. The ears are medium to large in size, with slightly rounded tips. They have a long, thin tail. The Lykoi`s coat is partial and smooth in texture, with areas of the skin (face, ears and paws being the most common) where hair is sparse or absent, giving them their distinctive appearance. They have no undercoat. Coat colors are generally black or gray, with white tufts, and may vary due to the amount of hair present. It is a roan coat unique to this breed. Lykois are known for their active and playful temperament. They enjoy human companionship and get along well with other pets. They are one of those breeds called "cat-dogs" because of their sociable behavior, adapting to other pets, although with a certain distrust towards strangers.

Common health problems

The Lykoi is generally a healthy breed despite its sickly appearance. There are no characteristic or predisposing diseases in this breed, but because it is very new, it could change in the future. That is why its breeding is supervised by veterinarians.