Lykoi Cat | 17 Things You Should Know About the Werewolf Cat

The Lykoi is one of the most unusual-looking cat breeds in the world. It is sometimes called a “wolf cat” or a “werewolf cat.” Even though they look wild, they are friendly, loving, and playful cats that do well with people and other animals.

Some people think this breed is not physically attractive, but many like the Lykoi Cat because they are different and odd. They look like wolves and act like dogs, which are great selling points for people who want something exciting and different.

Before you decide to get a Lykoi Cat, here are 17 essential and exciting things you should know about them:

1. Lykoi Cat History

The mutation that gave the Lykoi his unique coat and looks has been happening randomly in feral cats for a long time. In 2011, the breed was started by Patti Thomas and Johnny Gobble, who had their first litter of werewolf kittens.

The International Cat Association (TICA) says the breeders paired up two Lykois who were not related to each other to show that the breed came from the genes of those cats. Some Lykoi cats still come from colonies of wild cats.

In 2012, the Lykoi were given registration status by TICA. As of 2017, TICA has approved the breed for championship status.

2. Lykoi Cat Price

Lykoi kittens are hard to find, so they usually cost a lot. They cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 or even more, but on average, they cost about $2,500. 

The price depends on the breeder, and you should ensure you are dealing with a good and responsible one. The Lykoi are usually registered with the International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers’ Association and have been tested by a veterinarian.

Ask the breeder many questions, such as about the kitten’s health and the background of its parents. A good breeder will also talk to you.

You can expect to bring your kitten home when they are between 12 and 14 weeks old. Kittens stop getting milk from their mothers on their own between 8 and 10 weeks. Taking kittens away from their mothers before this time can hurt their health and make them act strangely.

3. Lykoi Cat Lifespan

At the moment, people think that they live about as long as a regular cat. Because of this, it is believed that they can live for 20 years. All of this is, of course, based on their short history so far.

4. Lykoi Cat Traits

At first, you may find, based on their appearance, that the Lykoi might be a challenging cat to love. But in time, you’ll realize that their unique appearance and winning personality truly sets them apart from other breeds. 

This cat looks like a werewolf the size of a house cat. It has a thin, toned body and a wedge-shaped head with considerable skin portions around its eyes, nose, muzzle, and the backs of its ears. Some Lykois even have no hair at all. This makes them look like sphynx cats, but they are not genetically related.

The Lykoi’s hair is fine, short, and soft, even though it looks rough. The most common color for Lykoi cats is black roan, which seems a little like silver. The Lykoi don’t have an undercoat, so they only have thin hairs on top. This can make them look almost ragged, like a werewolf. Their eyes are nearly round and yellow or green.

5. Lykoi Cat Care

The Cat Fanciers’ Association says that Lykois should only live indoors because of their thin coats. Their hair doesn’t protect them much from cold or direct sunlight, so keeping your Lykoi far away from both will go a long way toward keeping them healthy and happy. You might need to get your Lykoi a heated cat bed or a few sweaters to keep him warm in the winter, especially if he likes to sit in front of drafty windows and talk to birds.

Aside from these significant worries, the breed is pretty flexible. They don’t climb or hide any more than other cats, so a multi-level cat tree, a few scratching posts, and a couple of toys should be fine. Lykoi kittens rarely have trouble living with other pets, especially if they are introduced and socialized when they are young.

6. Lykoi Cat Health Problems

Since the Lykoi is a new breed, it’s still too early to know much about their genes and possible problems. Having your cat checked for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), heart problems, and other common cat problems are highly recommended.

Kidney disease is the most common kind of illness we see in cats. That’s pretty much true of all cats. About 70% of them have arthritis somewhere in their bodies by the time they are 10 years old.

Some Lykois are susceptible to hyperthyroidism. This disease is caused by a thyroid that is too big, so owners can treat it with radiation and foods low in iodine.

Talk to your vet about how your Lykoi cat changes as it grows. Keep an eye out for any problems at home.

7. Lykoi Cat Hypoallergenic

Even though Lykoi Cats have fine and short coats, they are not considered hypoallergenic. Please spend some time with a Lykoi kitten before you bring one home to see how your allergies react to it.

8. Lykoi Cat Personality

Lykoi cats are amiable and playful. They are naturally intelligent and curious. They love to hunt and have even been known to play fetch, just like dogs.

They like to have people around and get close to their own, but they might be wary of new people and pets until they get to know them. These loving cats make great pets and friends.

9. Lykoi Cat Characteristics

Lykoi Cats are friendly and easy to live with. Because of how they act, they usually get along well with people, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Lykoi cats are generally pretty playful, but sometimes they go off on their own.

Lykoi cats are friendly, sweet, and full of energy. They also like to play and have a lot of fun. They don’t mind meeting new people, but they may be a little aloof and shy at first because they prefer the company of the people they already know and may stick with them when the new people leave.

Because Lykois are intelligent and like to play, they need a lot of attention and time to play with their people to keep their minds active and happy. Lykoi cats are very busy. They love to play, and some will fetch things for their owners.

10. Lykoi Cat Color

Some people have said the Lykoi are ugly, but many others say they are charming. The Lykoi have a gene unique to the breed that causes the roan pattern, a mix of normal-colored and white hair, and the pattern balding of the hair coat.

We’ve seen a lot of cats that look like Lykois, but we’ve found that to be a Lykoi, the cat must have both a partial hair coat and a roan color pattern.

Their fur can be any color a regular cat’s fur can be. Most people see and know a werewolf cat by its black color, which is the standard. The only color that can be shown is black roan.

11. Lykoi Cat Shedding

Lykoi shed a lot, sometimes even more than a typical domestic shorthair, and Lykoi kittens are born with a full coat. The breed came about because domestic cats sometimes get mutations on their own. Lykoi kittens are born with hair but start to lose it when they are about a week or two old. They can lose all of their hair, but it starts to grow back.

Lykoi Cats are going to need to be brushed often. They shed their coats frequently, and Lykois can lose their entire coats a few times a year before growing them back for the next season. Most of the normal shedding can be stopped by brushing the cats once or twice a week, but they will also need a bath about once a month to keep their skin clean and free of oil buildup.

12. Lykoi Cat: What’s so special about them?

Lykoi is derived from “Lycos,” the Greek word for “wolf.” But technically, they came from the United States and had nothing to do with Greece.

Because Lykoi Cats look like wolves, they were named after them. However, they sometimes act like dogs. They like to fetch and sometimes get together with other Lykoi cats.

What makes them different from other cat breeds is that they look like werewolves. The Lykoi sheds a lot as it gets older, but depending on the season, it grows its hair back. This is a unique trait of the breed. The Lykoi look like werewolves because their faces don’t have any fur.

Some people might not find this attractive, but others like how strange they look. Plus, they are one of the easiest breeds to take care of!

The Lykoi Cat is bright and friendly to people. Their similarities to dogs make them unique and very different from other cats.

13. Lykoi Cat: How rare are they?

Still, the Lykoi Cat is a genuinely scarce breed. There are less than 100 Lykoi that are good enough for shows.

14. Lykoi Cat Food

Lykoi Cats don’t need to eat anything different than other cats. Just make sure to feed them high-quality cat food, including canned food. This gives them more water, an essential part of a cat’s diet.

You should also ensure your Lykoi gets clean enough fresh water daily. Consider getting a cat fountain since most cats would drink from a stream rather than from a bowl. Any extra water can help keep kidney problems from happening down the road.

15. Lykoi Cat: Do they make good pets?

Lykoi cats are great for families because they are playful and good with kids. They also act as guards, it seems. The Lykoi is a great breed for your family if you give your cat a way out and a place to hang out and sleep, especially if you have very young children.

Lykoi Cats get along well with other pets, such as cats and dogs. Like kids, these cats tend to watch and protect other animals. Because they are so playful, different pets will enjoy playing with them.

16. Lykoi Cat: Is it the best match for you?

If you want to know if a Lykoi Cat is right for you, you should look at how they act. The Lykoi is a little different from other cats in how it behaves. 

Like other cats, they like to be around their owners, get petted, and play with people. However, they aren’t always good for cuddling. They will sit with you for a while, but then they will get interested in something else and get up to look around. Lykoi is protective of both children and other cats.

It’s as if they think they own the house, and it’s their job to keep an eye on everything. Lykoi likes to play fetch. They can learn to use a toilet and stand on their back legs. They would utilize their front paws like hands to get under things.

Some people have seen their Lykoi hop across the floor on its back legs while holding something in its paws. They have a lot of energy that only seems to run out for a short time before it starts again. When there is more than one Lykoi in a room, they usually play and follow each other like a pack.

Because of how they act, many people have noted that this breed resembles dogs most among all cat breeds. Ultimately, they are still cats, and you will see them behave like house cats for most of their lives.

If this is the kind of behavior you want from a cat, the Lykoi might be a good choice for you.

17. Lykoi Cat Adoption

Even though Lykoi Cats are rare, there may be some homes and shelters where they live.

You can consider adopting a Lykoi that needs a new home, but because they are rare, this might not be as likely as you’d hoped. But if you’re lucky enough to find one, adoption fees range from $100 to $500, and giving a cat, especially an adult cat, a chance at a new life is a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

Keep an eye on the animal shelters and rescue groups in your area. You can also check out breed-specific organizations like Lykoi Cat Rescue.

You can also use the quiz below to find out what cat breed is fit for you.

Final Thoughts on the Lykoi Cat

It might be hard to find a Lykoi kitten, but it’s not impossible. You should expect to pay a high price, though. Find a breeder of Lykoi. If you can’t locate one near you, you should try to find breeders who will fly one to you. Just make sure you only deal with a legitimate breeder who is responsible.

If you want to bring home a cat that sometimes looks and acts like a wolf and has a strong sense of independence, the Lykoi might be a good choice.