Lykoi

The Lykoi is the werewolf cat, and its name comes from the Greek word for wolf. The breed began in 2010 when Patti Thomas of Virginia bred two domestic shorthair cats from a feral litter, born with a patchy coat that looked like a werewolf’s. Johnny Gobble and Brittney Gobble in Tennessee helped develop the breed.

The look is unmistakable. The Lykoi has a roan coat, with black and white hairs mixed together, and it has little or no hair around the eyes, the nose, the muzzle and the ears. The result is a mask that looks like a wolf’s. The coat also molts, so the cat’s look changes through the year.

The coat is not a sign of illness. The Lykoi’s look is due to a natural mutation that affects hair growth, and the breed is not related to the Sphynx or Devon Rex. The cat is not hairless, and it sheds little, which some owners find helpful.

The eyes are gold and the body is lean and muscular, with long legs and a sleek frame. Lykois look wild, but the temperament is friendly. They are intelligent and playful, and they bond with their people and other pets, and they often follow and observe like a loyal dog.

They are hunters. A Lykoi has strong prey drive and will stalk toys, insects and anything that moves. It is often described as a cat who will stalk and then play fetch. It does best with an interactive owner and games, and with a catio or harness for safe outdoor time.

Grooming is simple. A little wiping to remove oils, a bath now and then and a weekly brush. The breed is relatively new and rare, so ask breeders about health testing, especially for the coat and skin. A healthy Lykoi can live twelve to fifteen years.