Lykoi cats are absolutely unforgettable — they resemble sweet little werewolves thanks to their sparse coats and distinctive furless facial masks. Lykoi means “wolf” in Greek, and they’re also known as wolf cats and werewolf cats. The first Lykoi cats were identified around 2010, so the breed isn’t very old.

It was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2017. Lykoi cats often weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, and they come in several shades, but black is the most popular. Some have pointing and shading, and cats with bits of white in their fur often appear silver. Most have patches of hair, but some are hairless. Lykoi cats often live for 12 to 15 years. They’re affectionate and charming and generally get along quite well with other pets and children. Keep reading for seven incredible Lykoi cat facts.

The 7 Lykoi Cat Facts

1. They’re Not Hypoallergenic

While there’s technically no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat, some breeds produce less of the proteins most often responsible for triggering allergic reactions in humans. Because of their lack of fur, Lykoi cats resemble Sphynx kitties, but they produce plenty of the triggering protein and shed a bit more than most cats. They’re not great choices for allergy sufferers. Devon Rex and Siberian cats are good options for allergy-suffering humans.

2. A Genetic Mutation Causes the Look

A genetic mutation is responsible for giving Lykoi cats their distinctive looks. It’s a recessive gene, meaning two cats with normal coats can have a werewolf kitten if both parents carry a copy of the recessive trait. The first Lykoi cat was discovered in 2010 in a feral cat colony. Two feral Lykoi cats were mated to create the breed, and the trait still appears in feral colonies worldwide.

3. They Do Best Indoors

Because most Lykoi cats have either sparse or no fur, they should be kept indoors. The sun can quickly burn Lykoi cats during the spring and summer, and most don’t have enough hair to keep themselves warm when temperatures drop during the fall and winter. They can even get chilly when hanging out inside, and indoor Lykois often enjoy cozying up in heated cat beds. Some Lykoi owners dress their pets in sweaters and shirts to keep them warm.

4. They’re Not Related to Sphynx Cats

While Lykoi cats are often hairless, they’re unrelated to Sphynx cats. The hairless trait in Sphynx cats stems from a genetic mutation discovered in the 1960s. They have stunningly large eyes and ears. Sphynx cats are often considered good choices for individuals with allergies, but they still produce the protein responsible for triggering most allergies to cats. The breed was recognized by the CFA in 2002. Sphynx cats were the 9th most popular pedigree breed in the US in 2022.

5. They Have Some Feral Characteristics

Because these cats were bred from feral kitties, they often have a few distinctive personality quirks. Most have high prey drives, meaning they love to play, chase, bat, and pounce! They’ve been bred to enjoy human companionship and are happy to be around people. Many are slow to warm up to strangers but generally become accepting of new people relatively quickly.

6. They Shed and Grow Back Hair

Lykoi cats often go through cycles when it comes to their coats. Most go through regular shedding periods a few times each year—much like dogs. Some lose their coats entirely, and others keep a few bits of fur here and there, leading to a shaggy appearance. They then regrow their hair, and the cycle continues. Fur loss in cats is often associated with skin conditions, but it’s a normal process in Lykoi cats. Kittens are often born with full coats.

7. They Have Serious Grooming Needs

Lykioi cats require a bit more in the grooming department than the average short-haired domestic cat because they shed their entire coats twice yearly. Most lack undercoats, which contributes to the patchy look of their fur.  They also require regular brushing and combing to prevent tangles. Regular bathing keeps their skin from becoming overloaded with dirt and oil, and they’re prone to developing feline acne and blackheads. Their ears and eyes sometimes need extra attention.

Conclusion

Lykoi cats make excellent pets. They’re intelligent, affectionate, gentle, and typically quite playful. They look like little werewolf cats, thanks to their furless faces and patchy coats. They haven’t been around for very long, so breeders and veterinarians are still learning if they’re prone to developing any breed-specific health conditions. The first Lykoi cat was found in 2010, and TICA recognized the breed in 2017. Because of their relatively high prey drives, Lykoi cats are best for families who don’t own small pets, like gerbils and Guinea pigs.

Featured Image Credit: Jaroslaw Kurek, Shutterstock