Lykoi Cat Breeds Origin and Personality

• Other name:  Werewolf Cat
• Weight: Can reach a maximum of 12 pounds
• Height: About 11 to 14 inches
• COAT LENGTH: Hairless, short
• Colors Of coat: Black/ebony in solid or color point patterns
• Eye Color: Mainly gold
• Duration of life: 15 to 20 years
• Allergic: No

The Lykoi cats have a young and unique history among pet lovers, this breed is a result of a natural mutation in domestic felines in the United States, specifically in Virginia, in 2010. Their distinctive look and unusual-looking kitty were later bred with domestic shorthair to develop the Lykoi breed.

Known as the Werewolf, the Lykoi has a uniquely wild appearance. The Lykoi breed is a result of a natural mutation that occurred in domestic short-haired cats over the last 20 years when Patti Thomas found a brother and sister at a shelter. This mutation, known as hypotrichosis, causes a reduction in hair growth, resulting in a partially hairless coat.

Knowing this, they found the gene responsible for partial hairlessness to be recessive, so they outcrossed Lykoi-type with black domestic cats to help reduce inbreeding in their genetics. Today, a Lykoi can still be outcrossed by domestic shorthair felines.

The playful and unique Lykoi cat breed is extremely social and outgoing. The breed is very well known to get along with other pets, those that are gentle with felines and pets of all ages, along with people.

They are very devoted to families and some even grow much attached to their owners, always ready and willing to participate in the activities of the day. Their very beguiling eyes and gentle nature leave an impression of memory on any stranger they meet, it's not only an impressive piece to look at but it's the enterprising nature within them that makes them so lovable. 

This breed should only be kept indoors because of their thin coat of hair, as with totally hairless cats, Likoi are prone to sunburn and will cut or scrape their skin when out of doors. They are also prone to hypothermia and will take very little time to get cold if left outdoors in cool weather.

People often talk about the Lykoi because of their werewolf appearance, yet they also end up falling in love with this breed because of how lovely and playful they are.

The Lykoi is a medium-sized cat with a distinctive roan coat that is partially hairless and a hairless facial mask that gives it a werewolf-like look, the eyes are medium in size, round to oval, and have hairless rims.

The ears are large and hairless, there is no hair on the nose. The Lykoi has a modest boning that is robust and thin, there is no undercoat and the hair coat is scant, black roan Lykoi's coat is made up of a blend of solid black and solid white fur, giving the cat a wolflike appearance.

The Lykoi breed requires a well-balanced diet to satisfy its demands, and the mainstay of its diet should be premium commercial cat food, either wet or dry. Its diet should be robust in nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods to match its busy lifestyle and unusual fur.

Such obligatory carnivores require a rich intake of high-quality animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and lamb, added fats, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, maintain healthy skin and a coat to which they are very particular about due to their special coat. Carbohydrates should only be present in a minimal amount and only include easily digestible forms such as rice and sweet potatoes.

Keeping a watchful eye on their weight and health via regular visits to the vet will help indicate if they're getting all they need from their diet, proper nutrition goes a long way toward living a long and healthy life.

Health problems are common in any cat breed, and the case is no exception with the Lykoi Breed, a certain number of visits to a veterinarian, well-balanced nutrition, and a safe environment enriched with stimuli are very important in satisfying their special needs.

Precautions regarding health are very important to be taken so that the well-being and quality of life of the kitties are maintained.

Skin Issues

The Lykoi cats are thinly coated kits, so they must have dry skin. Therefore, this condition could be controlled by regular moisturization, and occasionally bathing with pet-friendly products.

With their thinly populated coat of hair, they may have a weak spot for sunburn in bare areas. Keeping them indoors or providing them with some sort of protection from the sun is critical.

Dental Problems

Some dental issues can also plague Lykoi cats, just as in most felines. These kinds of problems can also be prevented with proper oral hygiene, which includes cleaning the teeth and regular dental checks.

Parasites

Their coat is unbelievably thin and almost hairless, this makes the Lykoi  very susceptible to invasion by skin parasites, more so the mites, fleas, and ticks. With less hair, no barriers would exist thus, the preventive and control measures must be proactive.

Genetic Conditions

Since they are a relatively young species existing naturally, research is still being conducted to properly understand any particular genetic disorders to which they may be susceptible.

The risk can only be reduced by making sure they are responsibly bred from healthy stock.

Obesity

As with any other cat, if not fed properly and kept on a good diet with some exercise, the Lykoi breed will end up obese. Keeping track of your kids' weight, making them eat healthy, and getting them to play could help in preventing obesity.

Respiratory Issues

Like all other breeds, the Lykoi cats can also be very prone to diseases linked with breathing if they are exposed to animals with such diseases. Keeping them indoors and cleaning up the place gives less risky conditions.

Allergies

Common allergy signs and symptoms in felines include itching, sneezing, and irritated skin and the common allergens may be some foodstuffs, pollens, certain chemicals, and some domestic products.

If this is what is happening to your kitty, reducing the allergens from the environment and treatments prescribed by the vet will help in alleviating the symptoms and raising the comfort and health level of the cat.

Lykoi cats are a charming breed with distinct qualities that both delight and challenge their owners and understanding their unique traits can help potential pet parents make an informed decision.

Pros

• Unique Appearance: With its thin roan-patterned coat and large, very expressive eyes, much like a werewolf, the Lykai cat is sure to turn heads and strike up conversation, just adding that touch of distinction to any house.
• Playful and Energetic: These breeds are full of energy and playfulness. They love playing games, climbing, and exploring such things that will keep the owners entertained.
• Affectionate and Loyal: A Lykoi cat is a feline that will accommodate living quarters, be it an apartment or larger house, providing it allows them to frolic and be adventuresome.
• Dog-Like Behavior: They will at times behave like dogs in their characteristics, so they are often fetching and calling; thus, they offer quite good companionship to people who would like to have cats alongside dogs at home.

Cons

• Skin Care Needs: Since they have such thin coats, Lykoi cats require constant skin care to prevent them from drying out or becoming irritated. This would mean that occasionally, they do need bathing and moisturizing both time-consuming activities.
• Susceptibility to Parasites: This is because of the kind of coat they have, which makes them easily infected by parasites like fleas and mites, thus needing sophisticated techniques in parasite prevention and control.
• Potential Health Issues: Healthy, they can be predisposed to some disorders, like allergies or skin conditions. They need regular visits to a veterinarian for monitoring and maintenance of health.
• High Activity Level: Being highly energetic creatures, they would require plenty of play and excitement. Thus, their owners must, in return, be prepared to deliver a great deal of physical activities and mental stimulation.
• Maintenance and Grooming: It can also involve regular grooming to keep them in good coat and skin condition. This, of course, should also include the inclusion of checking over their skin, regular brushing, and perhaps even handling periods of excessive shedding.
• Expense: It is also a cat so particular and rare that an example is the price one may pay for a Lykoi, compared to buying and taking care of one with higher health needs and specialized care.

• Playful and full of energy: They are high-energy cats that have a special liking for different playing games. Most of the time, this keeps their minds and bodies up to the task through mind games, fetching games, and even playtime with the owners.
• The Curious Nature: Being curious by nature, Lykoi cats would want to learn new things on their own. They mostly investigate what is new, changed, or odd around them, making them great adventurers due to their nature.
• Love of Water: Lykoi appears to be fond of the water and may be more tolerant of bathing than most other breeds. This can be helpful since they do require some bathing to retain their skin in good health.
• Dog-Like Loyalty: It is often said that Lykoi cats are more like dogs when it comes to loyalty and behavior. They typically bond well with their human companions and can be known for dog-like tendencies, such as following their owners around the house.
• Best for Indoor: Due to their furlessness, wholly or partially, most Lykoi kits have to be kept indoors. In the spring and summer seasons, they get scalded by the sun very fast, while in the autumn and winter seasons, most lack enough hair to keep their bodies warm.
• Grooming needs: The lykoi cats will thus require a bit more maintenance as they lose their entire coats more frequently than the average short-haired domestic feline, their lack of undercoats also gives most of them that uneven appearance in their fur.  They also need to be brushed and combed regularly for there to be no tangles in their fur.