With the glowing eyes of a hunter and sparse, wolf-like fur, there’s no question that it’s been called the Werewolf cat. It’s believed that the werewolf cat, officially known as the Lykoi cat, was initially called “werewolf cat” or “wolf cat” due to its uncanny presentation regarding its hair. The fur of this type of cat is sparse and usually gray in color, giving it a similar appearance to a wolf or even a lycanthrope in terms of appearance.
This cat has attracted a lot of controversy over the years, something that only adds to its alluring nature.
Despite the formidable connection with the name, this cat has attracted many breeders and avid fans who claim it to be special and a breed different than many other cat breeds. Others view this cat as simply a result of a natural mutation. These people claim that it’s only rare because of the breeders responsible for marketing this cat breed. No matter the opinion of any given expert, though, this cat remains incredibly rare and surprisingly expensive.
But what are the in-depth facts about the wolf cat? If you want to know everything you should know about a wolf cat before buying a cat of this breed, this is the right place for you. Let’s explore their history, personality, appearance, how much they cost, and much more.
The Lykoi is an active, semi-hairless cat that is playful, independent, intelligent, and energetic. Although these intelligent cats are much loved by their owners, there’s no doubt plenty of information that one needs to consider before first purchasing a Lykoi.
So what precisely is a Lykoi cat? In order to understand why this is a special and unique cat breed, it’s crucial to explore what the Lykoi cat is. Is the hair coat everything there is to know about this cat, or is that just the beginning of its unique traits?
What Is a Lykoi Cat?
The Lykoi Cat is a cat breed that resembles a wolf more than a cat, hence the name. The word Lykoi translates roughly to “wolf cat,” hence the nickname of this breed. The Lykoi is often grey or black in coloring and looks partially hairless, giving it a rougher and unique appearance.
A natural mutation from a domestic shorthair cat, this unique breed of cat has originated within the last 20 years. It is due to the increasing nature of this mutation and the attempts of some breeders to corral and create a unique breed
The Lykoi can be several levels of “semi-hairless,” from barely any distinction to a sufficient amount. However, no matter the Lykoi Cat, it remains true that this special cat is distinct by its hair coat. Interestingly, there’s still no information on why the Lykoi lacks hair in certain spaces.
Although extensive research has been done into the Lykoi, nobody can quite put a name on exactly why this breed looks the way it does and what the result of this genetic mutation is aside from the hair.
This cat may be similar in appearance to the Sphynx cat – a breed that contains no fur and is commonly known as a hairless cat – but DNA testing has confirmed no relation between these breeds.
The Lykoi, then, appears to be completely unique in its way, a hairless cat breed resulting from an undetermined genetic mutation. Where did the wolf cat come from, though? What makes the Lykoi cat what it is today, and how was this unique genetic mutation first discovered?
The History of the Lykoi
The history of the Lykoi isn’t particularly complex, but it has some interesting aspects that shouldn’t be left unturned and can help anybody looking to buy a Lykoi make up their mind. The Lykoi was discovered in 2010 when two different pairs of cats with the exact same genetic mutation were adopted from a facility. These cats were discovered by Patti Thomas, who co-founded the unique breed of cats.
Amazingly, this cat breed is a new addition to feline genetics as a whole. Surprisingly, these genetic mutations don’t seem to have previously existed, or at least been bred accordingly. Instead, it appears that when Patti Thomas located these cats, they were truly unique, and the breed that stemmed from them remained just as unique.
More recently, in 2017, the breed was given official status by The International Cat Association and recognized as a championship breed. This surprising accomplishment happened incredibly swiftly by all accounts, and the Lykoi became cemented as an official cat breed.
Similarly, the Cat Fanciers Association also recognizes the Lykoi – and by giving this wolf cat recognition, did much to cast it into the limelight of cat breeders everywhere.
Interestingly enough, the Lykoi cat is created by a naturally occurring gene mutation in the population of feral cats. Although the Lykoi lineage was determined entirely by the initially found Lykoi cats, they soon discovered that these beautiful creatures occasionally originated from feral cat litter.
These cats are sometimes accepted as official Lykoi and can become new members of the breed if determined similar enough. So what makes this cat so special?
What Makes This Cat Special
So what makes the wolf cat so special? What is it about the almost mangled and undoubtedly semi-haired cat that people seem to love and find so alluring?
To put it bluntly, people have fallen in love with the werewolf-like appearance of this cat. Although there’s no doubt that this cat is just that, and it goes without question that many would describe it as actually looking more similar to a timber wolf than a cat. After all, wolves are the namesake of this cat.
This cat has the aesthetic that many people love. After all, an almost mangled grey or black fur and a shoddy yet savage appearance could be considered an alluring aesthetic and style.
Ultimately, the Lykoi cat doesn’t have to be a wolfdog, it just has to resemble it, and it does that extremely well. That said, appearance isn’t the only reason people have grown to love this cat breed. Admittedly, that does seem to be the original reason the popularity of this breed spread, but there’s something else at play too.
These cats have great personalities. That much is clear. But personality isn’t the only thing that makes this a great cat.
People love the active intelligence that stems from this breed, and this carries the breed into popularity beyond just the looks.
Speaking of the looks, though, what does the werewolf cat look like? What makes this special cat unique, and what about its appearance do people love?
What Does the Werewolf Cat Look Like?
Although it may seem pretty obvious, many may be wondering in more detail what the werewolf cat, or Lykoi, looks like. Although everyone knows that it takes a wolf’s appearance or resemblance, what is more information about this unique breed that is part of how it looks?
The cat itself is overall gray or black in appearance. Although there’s no deciding factor or specific guidelines on the coat beyond some general requirements, it usually appears to be a darkish-gray, which is the cat’s general guiding factor.
Remember, this cat breed is ultimately based on the werewolf. So anything that makes it look more similar to a lycanthrope is going to make it more popular and will be more likely to be supported by the breeders.
Another important factor of the physical appearance of the Lykoi is that it is officially considered to have no true undercoat. Although many cats have a fur undercoat and an overcoat, the Lykoi breed is devoid of this factor.
The exposed skin of the werewolf cat will usually feel leathery in texture and can look either pink or darker depending on how much exposure your cat has had to the outdoors. An interesting visual aspect to note about the Lykoi is that it “molts,” meaning that it experiences the loss of fur and hair, similar to that of poultry. It may be shocking to many people, and they may recoil and wonder if this is unhealthy for the cat.
Surprisingly, though, scientists have determined that there’s nothing wrong that causes this – no disease or anything else. Instead, this is an entirely natural process that the Lykoi goes through, and although it’s something for owners to be aware of, it doesn’t lend to any negative except increased shedding.
The Lykoi cat has wide and pointy ears, adding a lot to the wolflike appearance of the cat. Imagining the glow from the eyes of a Lykoi cat, emerging from the darkness with its wolflike features, is undoubtedly enough to understand why these cats were named after the lycanthrope.
Beyond this, however, the cat tends to be smaller to medium in appearance. Although these cats don’t adhere to as strict size guidelines as some other breeds, they originate from feral domestic shorthair cats, meaning they tend to be around the size of those felines.
The personality of the Lykoi
Because the Lykoi is a descendant of feral cats, it’s straightforward to imagine the personality of these natural hunters, although it doesn’t remain authentic in all cases. Without a doubt, you can imagine that a descendant of a feral cat will be more likely to be active and a “hunter”, a cat that focuses much more on energetic playtime than a lush cat that enjoys sitting on your lap.
This breed is much more cautious, and although they’re reasonably fast to warm up to new friends, they may be careful at first. If your Lykoi is cautious about somebody, expect them to evaluate the situation before engaging with your friend or guest at the house.
Keep in mind that this is a fundamentally newer cat breed, which means there will be many traits that haven’t been entirely eradicated from the hereditary line.
Although these cats have been carefully selected to have a friendly, welcoming, and loyal personality, they are still descendants of feral cats, and this can present issues that any potential owner needs to know. Although the Lykoi is a loyal breed that enjoys their share of affection and grooming, they are an equally as active breed that needs speed.
Vroom vroom.
Do you still think you can handle a Lykoi? Well, one of the few remaining questions is exactly how good of pets a Lykoi cat would make.
Do Lykoi Cats Make Good Pets?
Although the Lykoi can undoubtedly make a good pet, it’s crucial to remember that some requirements come into play when raising a Lykoi.
For one, these cats will get along with their families – but due to their dynamic nature, they may not mesh well with little children. Because of this, it’s important to strictly monitor any time your Lykoi may have with your child, and be sure to train your cat as best as possible to obey when around kids.
Ultimately, raising your cat around older children may be ideal.
Beyond this, a Lykoi definitely can make a good pet. When introduced cautiously, the Lykoi can get along with your other cats and dogs without a doubt, meaning you won’t have to worry about that. Just teach them right.
How Much Is a Lykoi?
So how much exactly does a Lykoi cost? Although this varies, you can find one of these felines in multiple places.
If you’re buying a kitten from a feeder, the average cost is around $1,500 depending on where you locate it and buy it.
There’s a chance you can find a Lykoi at a shelter, though, and this may only cost between $50 and $200, depending on the fees you have to pay.
Ultimately, there are currently long waiting lists due to the newness and popularity of this breed. The price will most likely decrease in the future.
Is the Wolf Cat Right for You?
So, is the wolf cat suitable for you? Is this unique and predatory cat breed one to add to your household or something you should stay away from?
Ultimately, it depends entirely on the person who wants to buy the cat. There are some general guidelines and factors that you need to be aware of before purchasing a Lykoi cat. You must ensure you won’t get frustrated with your kitty. Although many would love to own a cat with as cool an aesthetic as the Lykoi, it’s entirely different to deal with their energy.
This animal may very well be cute, but it does have energy and that “feral instinct” that any owner will have to deal with and overcome. Because of this, it’s crucial to avoid buying a Lykoi if you’re not confident you can deal with an energetic or semi-feral cat.
Beyond this, it’s essential to consider that your cat may shed, and in some cases, much more than you would find ideal. If this is the case, you have to be willing to pick up after your cat, clean your house, and remove the fur from wherever it lands.
Ultimately, however, the wolf cat is an incredibly fun breed to own – one that has an awesome personality and offers a unique and new style to the many existing cat breeds. Buying a Lykoi may very well be the best decision you could make – as long as you’re confident you can handle your feline.
From Wolf to Cat: Summing Up
Overall, the Lykoi (or wolf cat) is an extremely interesting breed of cat. With a great personality, an incredibly unique physical appearance, and a beautiful hair coat, this cat breed may very well only increase in popularity. From its acceptance into The International Cat Association to the Cat Fanciers Association, this breed has only increased in popularity in the short time it’s been around.
Although true Lykois originally came from the feral cat population – and occasional new Lykoi come from here as well – this natural mutation has become a sought-after aspect of many a kitten.
There’s no doubt, however, that the Lykoi cat is an energetic, intelligent, and playful cat that can’t be found lacking in any aspect. Although there’s no chance this breed is something beyond a genetic mutation – and this can bring skepticism into the door – many breeders and owners love their Lykoi cat.
It may be scary with its dark grey and black fur, and many people would say it looks like a werewolf or wild wolf. This cat doesn’t even resemble a domestic dog.
Maybe that’s the appeal, though. The Lykoi cat looks like it originated from the wild side, and that’s part of it that people can’t get enough of. There’s no question that this breed has gained surprising popularity in the short time it’s been around, and there’s no question it’ll gain more as time goes on.
