Lykoi

Things you Should Know about the Lykoi

Lykoi cats are truly unique and will definitely turn heads with their wild appearance. They are best described as a mixture of wolves and cats. The name Lykoi is derived from the Greek word Lycos, meaning wolf. They do have a prey drive, easily noticeable when they play.

They will stalk people, other pets, and their toys. These cats are extremely loyal and will bond with you well. While cautious around new people, Lykoi does warm up to them relatively quickly. This goes for other pets as well. In general, they are loving cats that make great pets.

Appearance Matters. What does a Lykoi look like?

The appearance of Lykoi cats often causes divisive comments. Some consider them gorgeous, while others don’t like their looks. The Lykoi have a unique gene that causes the roan pattern and the pattern balding of their coat.

The roan pattern is a mixture of normal color hair and white hair. To be a Lykoi, a cat must have both the roan color pattern and the partial hair coat. These cats look like normal kittens when they are born. After about two weeks, they start losing their coats. Once a few more weeks have passed, the Lykoi coat starts growing in.

Their coat is soft to the touch, resembling silk, which is surprising to many. A Lykoi cat can shed its entire coat and regrow a new one. This is called molting, and after it, the color of the coat can change as well.

Their coats can also vary drastically. Some Lykoi cats are completely hairless, while others are completely haired. This is why they are considered a partially hairless breed.

It can become more white or more black, making some Lykoi cats look much different from others. These cats have a hairless nose and ears. Their feet are usually sparsely haired. They have slender bodies without any bulk. They are a small to medium-sized breed.

What colors do the Lykoi cats come in?

According to the breed standard, Lykoi cats have a coat that combines black and white colors. This is called a roan pattern, and it is unique to Lykoi cats. The ratio of black to white can be different depending on the cat. Breeders consider a 50/50 ratio to be ideal.

It's all Personal. The Lykoi Temperament

The Lykoi usually behave a bit differently than most other cats. Similar to other breeds, they love being around humans. They will enjoy playing with you and love it when you pet them. However, don’t expect them to behave as lap cats for longer periods.

These cats get curious easily and will often go exploring by themselves. They also exhibit protective behavior towards children and other cats. Lykoi cats like to feel like the rulers of their home, and they will watch over it. 

You can teach them tricks, and they will enjoy new games. These cats are energetic, so expect them to find ways to use up their energy often. They enjoy playing with other animals, especially other Lykoi cats.

Many people often describe their behavior as dog-like. This is true in a way, but don’t worry, they still behave like regular cats most of the time.

Caring for your Lykoi

The Lykoi is a fairly unique breed, but they don’t require special care. You should treat them like any other domestic cat since they originated from them. You can feed them regular cat food, and in general, provide them with regular care as with any other cat.

Naturally, there are a few specific requirements when it comes to this unique breed. Since they have a partially hairless coat, some Lykoi cats may accumulate oils inside their ears or on their nails. You should pay extra attention when washing your Lykoi cat and clean its ears and nails.

You should also protect these cats from the sunlight and cold. Their skin is exposed, so harsh weather can have an impact on it. Like many other hairless breeds, Lykoi cats tan in the summer. They also shed normally, even if they are partially bald.

Remember to brush their teeth regularly with a vet-approved toothpaste, trim their nails, and you should be fine.

Are Lykoi cats hypoallergenic?

Lykoi cats are not hypoallergenic since they do shed. No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but some can make good pets for people with mild allergies. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Lykoi.

The Health and Happiness of your Lykoi

Due to them not having an undercoat, Lykoi cats should be kept inside of the house most of the time. There are dangers of hypothermia or sunburn occurring due to outside weather conditions. Other than that, these cats are mostly healthy.

They don’t suffer from any prevalent genetic diseases. Still, you should take them to the vet regularly, of course. Also, since this is a new breed, it might be too early for us to learn about any genetic diseases.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Lykoi?

The Lykoi are gorgeous cats and are extremely popular. You might be surprised to find out that there is usually a waiting list to get one as your pet.

The price of a Lykoi kitten for sale is quite steep and usually hangs around the range between $1,500 and $2,500. 

Their rarity is one of the main reasons for their high price, but these unique cats have developed quite the fanbase despite their somewhat strange look. Lykoi cats will definitely draw attention, and if you are willing to pay the high price, you will get a loyal pet.

Feline History. Where does the Lykoi come from?

The Lykoi gene occurs naturally among feral cats. Lykoi cats were first discovered in a feral colony in 2010. However, the breed itself was founded in 2011. This was done by breeders Johnny and Brittney Gobble, and Patti Thomas. Lykoi kittens were presented to them, and after examination, they proved that their unique look makes them a new breed.

They bred two cats that weren’t related and produced the first Lykoi cat that was bred intentionally. The breeding program continues, and Lykoi cats continue being born among the feral population. 

The Lykoi breed is one of the newest cat breeds accepted by The International Cat’s Association. It was recognized in 2017.