Lykoi

USA · 2010

The ‘werewolf’ cat — patchy coat, big personality

SizeMedium6–12 lb
Life span12–15 years
CoatPartly hairless
Typical price$1,500–$3,000

Lykois have a patchy, roan coat and bare skin around the eyes and nose, from a natural mutation first bred in Tennessee in 2010. They look like little werewolves.

At a glance

EnergyNon-stop
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldFriendly
TalkativeQuiet
GroomingEasy
SheddingAverage
With kidsGood
With petsGood
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneShort gaps

Life with a Lykoi

They are active and curious and hunt toys with real focus, almost like a dog. Once they know you, they are affectionate. The coat molts, and some go nearly bald for a while before it grows back.

Great for
  • Active people who want something truly unusual
  • Homes with other cats
  • People fine with a coat that keeps changing
Think twice if
  • You need a kitten soon — very rare, with long waits
  • You want a calm, decorative cat
Care tips
  • Wipe the skin and clean the ears weekly; bathe if oily.
  • Keep them warm when the coat is thin.
  • Lots of play.

Health

A young breed; early health studies found them healthy. Their skin and ears need regular care.

Ask the breeder for
  • Parents’ vet records
  • Skin check at the kitten’s vet exam
Typical US price$1,500–$3,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Lykoi kittens

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Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.