Likoi is a werewolf cat in cat's skin. Breed history, description and character

Modern cat lovers are increasingly turning their attention not only to traditional breeds of furry pets, but also to their rather unusual representatives. It is these originals that include the Lykoi, an amazing breed that is steadily gaining popularity among breeders all over the world. The appearance of Lykoi is so unusual that they are compared to werewolves. Indeed, huge eyes and fur that grows in clumps suggest the exclusivity of these animals and their connection with the other world.

Keeping a pet

These energetic, active cats are not recommended for older people, families with small children and those who keep small pets in the house. Lykoi feel great both in a city apartment and in a country house. Due to the nature of their coat, in the cold season they need insulated clothing, and in the warm season they need protection from ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin burns.

What should a cat have?

Having decided to have such a pet, you need to prepare:

  • Tray with filler. These are very clean animals, so you need to clean it immediately after the cat goes to the toilet.
  • Scratching post. Representatives of this breed experience rapid growth of their claws, so to naturally grind them down and prevent damage to furniture, they need a nail polisher.
  • Bed. It is recommended to place it in a place where there are no drafts and direct sunlight, and where there are no radiators or heaters nearby. The folded skin of this breed is sensitive to high temperatures. Staying in the sun or near heating devices for just 2–3 hours is enough for dark pigment spots to appear on the animal’s skin.


Wall-mounted game complex-scratching post

  • Game complex. Lykoi have irrepressible energy. To direct her in the right direction and avoid destructive behavior, it is recommended to buy or make a cat play set with your own hands.
  • Insulated overalls. If you plan to walk your pet outside, during the cold season it must be dressed in warm clothes that protect it from hypothermia.
  • Harness for walking outside.
  • Bowls for food and water.
  • Maintenance tools. These cats love to be brushed. This should be done with a soft brush, otherwise you can injure your pet’s delicate and sensitive skin. Unlike representatives of other breeds, Lykoys require more frequent washing, because they develop plaque on the bare areas of their body due to sweat. These animals do not tolerate water treatments well, so bathing can be replaced by wiping the skin with wet wipes. To shorten your pet's rapidly growing nails, you will need special scissors or a nail clipper.

Walking and physical activity

Lykoi cats require daily exercise. To provide them with the necessary physical activity, it is recommended to play with them.

Games with household members can replace special gaming complexes. Moreover, the more complex and larger they are, the better. It is not forbidden to walk these pets on the street. However, it is recommended to do this on a harness, otherwise this restless animal will break free and it will not be so easy to catch it. You need to dress your cat according to weather conditions. In autumn and winter it is necessary to use warm overalls.

Feeding an unusual cat

The diet of these animals has some peculiarities. Due to the accelerated heat exchange of food, representatives of this breed require more than most other cats. To satisfy the Lykoi's body's need for food, it is recommended to feed it frequently and densely. However, you should avoid overfeeding your pet, otherwise it will develop obesity and related diseases.

The diet of these animals can consist of both ready-made high-quality feed and natural products. The main thing is not to mix these 2 types of nutrition.

It is recommended to feed these pets at the same time. This approach helps the cat develop a conditioned reflex, and when a certain hour approaches, he will wait at the bowl for the next portion of food.

Description of appearance

Werecats have an expressive and unusual appearance. Since the breed is new, there is no regulated standard yet, but the characteristic features of the Lykoi cat are extremely accurate.

Werewolves of the cat breed are of medium size in build and dimensions are similar to the Canadian Sphynx. The body of the Lykoi is elongated and lean, with a pronounced muscular structure and medium-sized bones. Surprisingly, a genetic test showed that the animals are a type of short-haired domestic cat, and not hairless pets.

A distinctive feature of the Lykoi breed is its coat. The specific absence of down and rather sparse guard hairs look as if the cat has some kind of dermatological disease. Since the fur on the face is completely absent, forming a mask, the resemblance to a werewolf at the moment of transformation is quite realistic.

The standard coat color of a roan cat is black with sparse gray hairs. This color is typical only for horses. Dogs also have black coats with graying, so adults look quite distinctive. The optimal ratio for cat demons between black and blond hairs is 50/50.

Cats have an elongated wedge-shaped head, the nose has a distinct hump. The eyes are large, round, very expressive. Representatives of the Lykoi breed can have any eye color, including gray; the optimal color is gold. The Lykoi cat has large ears located at right angles to the head, the tips are pointed, and the base is wide.

Breed standard according to the TICA federation

Since the breed was not bred artificially, but was formed as a result of a genetic mutation, many phenological organizations did not recognize it. TICA is one of those federations that recognized Lykoev. According to their requirements, the breed must meet certain standards. It was developed in 2012.

Head

Small in size, wedge-shaped, with rounded cheekbones. The frontal area is slightly convex, elongated, not particularly wide.

Muzzle


Likoi is a graceful cat with a penetrating gaze.
Bald in the central part, small in size. The whisker pads are fleshy and without hair. The wide nose is depressed at the border between the bridge of the nose and the forehead. On the same line is a rounded, well-developed chin.

Ears

Wide, far apart ears point at the tips. They are erect. The outside is covered with fine pile, the inside is bare.

Eyes

Huge almond-shaped eyes directed upward along an oblique line. The look is open and welcoming. The area around the eye sockets is devoid of hair, and the whiskers on top are often absent. The iris is colored golden, blue-gray or greenish.

Nose

Lint-free, smooth and leathery to the touch. Located on the same vertical line with the forehead and chin, slightly directed downward. The pillow with nostrils is slightly expanded and round in shape.

Body

The physique is of medium density, muscular and flexible with smooth outlines. The general impression is that the animal is slender and harmonious.

Limbs

There is scanty hair on the paws, as on all limbs. The latter are not particularly long, slender. Paws are small, oval, with elongated toes. The pads are painted dark.

Tail

Shorter than the body, tapering towards the end. Covered with uneven shedding of long hair.

Coat

The coat is not particularly thick, silky, of different lengths (the guard hairs are longer). There is no undercoat at all or very short. The thickness of the fur depends on the season. This is the only breed that has hair that feels similar to human hair.

Color

Acceptable color options depending on class:

  • show – roan (a mixture of black and white hair in a 1:1 ratio, dark inclusion can be from 30 to 70%);
  • brid – resinous or smoky;
  • outcrossing – pure black.

Likoi's kittens are born with a resinous color. The gray hair inherent in the breed appears gradually as it matures.

Character of Lykoi

The Lykoi breed is very young and is not yet on the sales market, so we can judge the character of Lykoi cats only from interviews with the breeders of the founders of the breed.

According to them, Lykoi cats experience three main passions:

  • The first is an amazing love and affection for a person, which does not fit in well with the terrifying appearance of these werecats. They truly adore the company of people and are very friendly and affectionate. But they treat strangers with some caution and wariness. That is why, with a little training, wolf cats cope well with the position of a house watchman or security guard, suddenly and very fiercely attacking an uninvited guest and sending him fleeing.
  • The second passion of the Lykoi breed is increased playfulness. All free time is devoted to games and fun. If only there were more toys and people willing to play.
  • The third passion of cat-wolves is quite surprising (especially when observing the condition of their fur) - they love grooming and are ready to do it forever.

And these amazing werewolves, as breeders joke, sometimes “pray” by taking a gopher pose and folding their front paws on their chest. In this position they can meditate for a long time while looking into the endless distance. And if at this moment you give your hand to the cat, then she always gives her paw in response. Here's a funny observation.

Werecats are always very active and mature much faster compared to other breeds, the same Sphynx, for example.

Lykoi cats are excellent hunters and in this they unexpectedly resemble the lively hunting dachshund dogs. Lykoi, like dachshunds, are always ready to chase

And it doesn’t matter who, an insect, a rodent or a bird. And here they behave very aggressively

Therefore, werecats are unlikely to be suitable companions for other pets: mice, hamsters and canaries. The Lykois will not tolerate such a neighborhood and will definitely solve this problem.

But in general, these shabby-looking animals really behave like real “werewolves”, as needed, becoming like either an affectionate cat, or an exemplary guard dog, or suddenly becoming a wild predatory beast. The creators of the breed do not recommend getting these cats for elderly people, families with small children or those who already have any pets, especially rodents and birds (for their own safety).

Character

The Likoi breed is distinguished by its character. A cat can instantly change its mood - from affection to anger. Especially if a stranger appears in the house. The cat begins to actively defend its territory (no worse than a dog). His priority is protecting his family members. But as soon as the cat realizes that there is no threat, he becomes friendly again.

Lykoi are often aggressive towards other animals. A cat can attack even a large dog. Therefore, it is difficult for pets to get along with other animals. But cats are very kind to their owner and family members, loyal if they feel love, attention, and care.

They love the company of their owners, are not afraid to be alone, they will find something to do. Therefore, they are suitable for people who are rarely at home. The temperament of cats is similar to hounds.

Lykoy has a sharp mind; when he plays, he shows rare resourcefulness and quick wits (for example, when he needs to get a bird out of a locked cage). These qualities are given to cats by nature. The productivity of hunting in wild individuals depends on their dexterity and intelligence. Pets have also retained these qualities. If you walk them outside, do so only on a leash, otherwise they may run away.

Description of Lykoi according to the breed standard

Due to the fact that these cats were not bred by humans, but appeared as a result of a genetic mutation, some felinological federations did not recognize them, because according to their requirements, the cat breed must have accurate information about its breeding. The International Cat Association (TICA) is one of the organizations that recognizes Lykoi.

The standard she established for this breed contains requirements not only for the appearance of its representatives, but also for their character and temperament. In addition, it contains disqualifying characteristics, in the presence of which these animals do not have the right to participate in exhibitions.

Animal appearance

Lykoi cats make an ambiguous and sometimes frightening impression at first glance, so it is not surprising that they are compared to werewolves. You can see what this animal looks like in the photo below. The appearance of representatives of this breed is characterized by the following features:

  • Muscular body of elongated shape and harmonious build. The average weight of such animals is 4–6 kg. Covered with short and stiff hair, the elongated tail is tapered towards the end.
  • Small head. The skull is shaped like a heart. The muzzle is of moderate length with high rounded cheekbones, a small narrow chin and a straight nose. The profile forms a concave curved line running from the frontal part to the bridge of the nose. Large, wide, slightly elongated eyes have a yellow or green tint. Rarely there are individuals with blue-gray eyes. The ears are large, high on the head, erect, widened at the base and pointed at the ends. Their outer side is covered with sparse hair, while the inner side is hairless.

  • The limbs are elongated, thin, with small rounded paws. There are membranes between the fingers.
  • The wool is quite sparse and soft to the touch. Its length varies from short to moderately long. There is minimal or no undercoat. The guard hair covering the body is long. The thickness of the coat depends on the season. Uneven tufts of hair cover almost the entire body of the animal. The nose, area around the eyes and tips of the paws are completely hairless. During shedding, cats lose almost all of their hair. During this period, they seem especially sick and exhausted.
  • Color. The hairs are silver-gray or white at the base and black at the ends.

Character and temperament

One of the main character traits of Lykoi cats is playfulness, which they retain throughout their lives. They are smart, gentle and loyal animals. They treat all family members equally well, but show greater affection to the owner. Kittens of this breed grow up quite quickly.

Lykoi have a developed hunting instinct, so they are always ready to pursue prey. In the absence of other hunting objects, they pursue birds and rodents. These cats can also hunt small pets or livestock.

Representatives of this breed quickly find a common language with their relatives and dogs, but can enter into confrontation with them.

Lykoi are wary of strangers and keep their distance. If this pet thinks that a stranger poses a danger that threatens the life and health of his family members, he will fearlessly rush into the attack. Representatives of this breed are also called werewolves because of how quickly they can turn from cute, meek creatures into determined and evil creatures. However, without a good reason, they never demonstrate this quality of their character. These animals are not at all afraid of even prolonged loneliness.

Character of the breed

Some cat lovers call Lykoi cats in wolf's clothing. Being predators by nature, such a cat exhibits hunting instincts. In nature, Lykoi are very enthusiastic about catching small animals, and at home, for the same reason, it is worth keeping cages with rodents, birds, and even aquariums under close attention. Thanks to the same hunting streak, this cat loves to play. And with high intelligence, she is easy to train.

The character of the Lykoi, no matter how much they are compared to wolves, is very friendly. They value attention very much, but at the first meeting they behave very reservedly and even slightly wary. After making sure that the new person or animal does not pose any threat, they begin to communicate. Based on this feature of the Lykoi’s character, you can safely have other pets at home, and be fully confident that the “werewolf” will find a common language with his new neighbors.

This breed is very devoted to its owner, but without fanaticism. When there is no one at home, the face will not rush about in despair, but will calmly find entertainment for itself and wait for the return of the household in a comfortable psychological state.

Health and disease prevention

Burmilla cat - long-haired and short-haired cats

Despite its strange appearance, which suggests that this cat needs urgent treatment, the cat is in excellent health. This is evidenced by all studies conducted by geneticists and veterinarians. However, the former do not exclude the fact that representatives of the breed may be hiding some anomalies. But so far they have not made themselves felt.

Diseases of Lykoi cats

No hereditary or genetic diseases have been found in Lykoi. But this does not exclude the possibility that they may have all the problems that occur in cats of other breeds. First of all, we are talking about infectious diseases.

How long do they live?

There is no exact data on the life expectancy of Lykoi cats, since the breed appeared recently. But they are considered to be long-livers, capable of living up to 15 years of age with good care.

Character and temperament of a werecat

By nature they are good-natured, sociable and obedient creatures. They are as loyal as dogs to their owners, but they are wary of strangers. Sensing a potential threat from the outside, they can attack and even bite. But then, when they realize that the alien is harmless, they can honor him with their friendly attention.

Werecats love to spend time with their family members, but even when left at home alone they find something to do and never get bored. Even when separated from their owner for a long time, they do not become depressed.


The Lykoi have a highly developed hunter's instinct

They get along well with their brothers, including dogs of an easy-going nature. Conflicts between pets cannot be ruled out from time to time. Due to their hunting origin, Lykoi will not tolerate proximity to small representatives: hamsters, mice, birds. They will definitely become prey.

Breeding and choosing a kitten

Lykoi is a very rare breed, even in its homeland, in the USA. In America there are only 7 official kennels (one of them belongs to the creator of the breed, Britney Gobbles), which operate according to their own special breeding program and do not allow beginners into it. Lykoeys are still crossed with black shorthair cats and cats with a natural mutation in order to strengthen and improve the breed type and avoid impoverishment of the gene pool. For these reasons, Lykoeis are not sold for breeding. For the same reasons, there are no Lykoi nurseries outside the United States.


There are only 7 Lykoi nurseries in the world

However, it is quite possible to purchase a pet Lykoya by standing in line at one of the nurseries. The popularity of the breed is only gaining momentum, so you won’t have to wait long. However, for a pet “werewolf” you will have to pay a considerable amount - from 100,000 rubles.

It is not difficult to distinguish them from other cats. Lykoi kittens look “ragged”; they have large, sphinx-like ears and eyes. Already from birth, Lykoi babies have a hairless mask on their face, and their legs are much less pubescent than their bodies. Their color is the same as that of adults - black and roan. With the kitten you must be given a pedigree and a veterinary passport.


The price for Lykoya starts from 100,000 rubles

Lykoi is an elite breed of cat that is not available to every person. Only a true lover of exotics can appreciate the appearance of cats. However, the character of the extravagant Lykoi captivates absolutely everyone and makes these rare cats more and more popular.

Description of Lykoi

Werecats differ from other members of the family in a number of unique qualities. They concern not only the color of the coat, but also the structure of the body.

Body

The Lykoy breed is distinguished by a regular, but slightly thin build. A slightly elongated body with flexible and strong muscles allows the animals to show both dexterity and power. The tail is long and tapering towards the tip, but it is shorter than the body. The weight of the Lika cat is average according to cat parameters.

Limbs

The well-developed thin paws of a werewolf cat are of medium length. At the same time, the hind limbs of catwolves are slightly shorter than the front ones. The lower part of the limbs is bare. The paw pads are medium sized and slightly oval in shape.

Head

The wedge-shaped head of cats has rounded edges and a slightly elongated forehead. The overall dimensions of the head are average or slightly less than average. The whisker pads on the muzzle are fleshy with soft outlines. The nose is slightly pointed downwards and has a soft rounding.

A prerequisite according to the breed standard is a bald muzzle. If this condition is not met, the cats will be disqualified. The werecat's large ears are characterized by a wide base and pointed tips. The ears are set wide apart.

The eyes, large as a walnut, are located slightly obliquely upward.

Lykoi cats attract attention with an open and piercing gaze. Kittens are most often born with yellow irises. Wool

Wool

The coat is a distinctive feature of the Lykoi cat breed. It is soft, but not dense. Hair length ranges from short to medium. The total number of hairs depends on the time of year. The undercoat is extremely weakly expressed. When comparing the fur of werecats, the most common example cited is the opossum.

The color of Lykoi cats is black with gray hair. In professional language it is called roan: the base of the hair is white or light gray, and the tip is black. If kittens are born in a litter that, along with the roan, have a different shade of fur, then they are left among the purebred ones, but are not allowed to take part in high-ranking exhibitions.

Description and standard of the Likoi breed

Likoi is a partially hairless cat with a roan coat (alternating black and white guard hairs). Due to the newness of the breed, life expectancy is not precisely determined, as is height, but males are much larger than females.

Likoi belongs to the group of short-haired cats.

Table: description of the standard

OptionsStandard
HeadWedge-shaped, with rounded lines from cheeks to nose
MuzzleMedium length, ending with a pronounced rounded chin, vertically aligned with the nose
NoseWide, rounded at the end, pointing downwards
EyesLarge, directed obliquely upward. Grey, blue, green or gold.
EarsSet high, straight, triangular. The outside is covered with sparse hair.
NeckMuscular, medium length
FrameCompact, slightly elongated, thin build, medium bone. The back is curved in the shape of an arc.
LimbsMedium length, may be hairless or sparsely covered with hair
PawsMedium, oval-shaped with long fingers
TailShort, tapering to the tip
LeatherPink, folded, sensitive to high temperatures. It turns black when exposed to sunlight and heat. After a few days without direct exposure to heat and sun, it acquires a natural color.
WoolSoft, without undercoat, short to medium length, grows in tufts. The guard hair is long. Some individuals have no hair on the chest, belly and paws.
ColorGrayish-black or roan. White hair is evenly distributed on a black background throughout the body. The ideal ratio is 50 to 50%.
Weight
  • adult cat - 3.5–4.5 kg;
  • adult cat - 2.0–3.5 kg.

The reasons for disqualification are:

  • absence of hairless glasses and a mask on the face;
  • all coat colors except black;
  • lack of white hair;
  • body completely covered with hair;
  • presence of aggression or cowardice;
  • strabismus;
  • tail defects;
  • congenital mutation of the fingers;
  • blindness;
  • cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) in adult cats.

Before the advent of the Lykoi, only horses could be roans.

Photo gallery: features of the Likoi breed


Lykoei's calling card is a hairless mask and glasses


Lykoi eyes can be any color, but it is preferable for them to be honey-gold


Likoi is the only cat breed in the world that has a roan (salt and pepper) color, or roan.


Kittens are born pure black, white hair appears later, after the first moult


Lykoi's fur is similar to that of an opossum.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

Lykoi are susceptible to standard feline infections, so they should be vaccinated as a preventive measure. The first vaccination against rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis and panleukopenia is given to kittens of this breed at 7-8 weeks.

After 28 days, little Lykoi are vaccinated with the same drug, but with an anti-rabies component. In the future, cats are vaccinated annually.

To prevent diseases transmitted by fleas and worms, representatives of this breed are regularly subjected to antiparasitic treatment. Anthelmintics are given to Lykoyas twice a year, repeated every 10-12 days. To combat fleas, werecats are treated with special drops or shampoos.

Historical reference

The story of the cat Likoi begins in 2010, in the USA, the state of Virginia. As miracles tend to happen, the “phenomenon” of a new breed began in the small and inconspicuous yard of Patty Thomas. An ordinary short-haired cat became the mother of previously unseen kittens, with thinning fur and bald faces. Patti Thomas understood that she was dealing with something unusual, but did not rush things. The woman decided to make sure that there were no cats in the world with a similar appearance.

Given that the kittens were partially hairless, Patty contacted the Gobble couple, a reputable American breeder of Sphynx cats. John Gobble, who knows his business, was in no hurry to start breeding “outlandish animals”; the man also decided to check how unique the kittens were.

Having “studied” authoritative sources from the Internet, John came to the conclusion that the babies, whose photos Patti sent him, are nothing more than a miracle of nature, scientifically speaking - the result of a natural mutation. However, studying reports on the birth of unusual kittens was not in vain; the breeder came across a publication that in the USA, but already in the state of Tennessee, two more unusual kittens were born and their mother was a short-haired cat.

Successful people know that there are no coincidences in life and regard a successful coincidence of circumstances as a call to action. John, who has been involved in breeding since his school years, was determined to find out the reason for the birth of unusual babies and the state of their health. The Gobble family decided that if all the kittens turned out to be full-fledged and healthy, there would be a new breed!

While the professionals were doing the theoretical part, Patty watched the growth of unusual babies. The woman called the kittens Lykoi, for their similarity to horror movie characters. In the future, as a joke, Patty will suggest calling the breed Copossum, from the words cat and possum, however, the funny name will give way to mythical overtones.

John connected all his connections to fully investigate the kittens

Three geneticists worked to study the phenomenon, the kittens were examined for diseases and abnormalities, attention was paid to the health of the animals’ skin, and finally, DNA tests were carried out, proving that Lykoi does not have a common gene pool with the Sphinxes and Devon Rexes. Having made sure that Lykoi carries a unique natural mutation gene, together - four babies and a short-haired domestic cat

Having developed a breeding system, the breeders took action and by September 2011, the first “official” representative of Lykoev was received.

In order to consolidate the achieved results, domestic short-haired cats of suitable color (black and tan) were introduced into the program. In the process of work, the breeders found out that the unique gene is recessive and John Gobble reduced the participation of shorthair cats in the breeding program to a minimum. The breeders had ambitious plans to popularize the breed; a standard was drawn up in 2013, and recognition was expected by 2014. However, Lykoi remains in the provisionally recognized category due to its small population size.

Fans of the Likoi breed in Russia can only wait in the wings; werewolf cats have attracted the interest of many breeders from all over the world, which is a positive prerequisite for the popularization of unusual pets. It is also encouraging that searches are being conducted all over the world for naturally born Lykoi (from outbred parents) who are allowed to participate in breeding work.

Historical path of the breed

The Lykoi breed accidentally appeared in 2010 as a result of an experiment by a lady from Virginia (USA), who crossed a female American shorthair cat with a Sphynx. They hoped that the specimen would be strong in build and bald. The result was amazing - kittens were born with a coat of uneven length, completely absent in some places. Despite their originality, the offspring turned out to be healthy.

Studies were carried out that confirmed the viability of the mutants. In the process, it became clear that there was no genetic connection with sphinxes and other similar felines. The animals inherited the entire set of chromosomes from the short-haired parent.


Feeling threatened, the Likoi are ready to engage in battle with the enemy.
Without thinking twice, the breeders decided to breed such exotic species. And 2 years later they were officially registered as a separate breed of cats. They decided to keep the name of the horror movie character that the owner gave them.

Origin of the Lykoi breed

The history of the Lykoi cat breed began quite recently in the state of Virginia in the USA. In July 2010, American cat breeder Patti Thomas discovered two very strange and somewhat shabby-looking babies among the newborn kittens of an ordinary short-haired cat. The interested and surprised breeder showed these kittens to Sphynx cat breeders, suggesting a Sphynx mutation. Subsequently, DNA analysis refuted this assumption.

In September of the same 2010, breeders had already specially obtained several more kittens with the same characteristics. By that time, a DNA test showed that the observed mutation had nothing to do with sphinxes, rexes or any other breeds of hairless cats and was an unexpected mutation of an ordinary short-haired cat. Further clinical studies have shown that such unusual and somewhat scary kittens do not suffer from dermatological or infectious diseases and are absolutely healthy animals without any dangerous pathologies. Simply, as a result of a genetic mutation, the hair follicles lack some components to create a full-fledged coat structure, which is why Lykoi not only do not have an undercoat, but during seasonal molting they also become completely or almost bald.

Having determined all this, and deciding that cats with such an original exotic appearance could be of interest to many people, the developer-breeders began to create a new breed of cats, calling it with a Greek slant - Lykoi, in full accordance with the repulsive and frightening appearance. However, there was another version of the name of the breed - “copossum”, made up of two words: “cat” and “opossum”. But somehow this name didn’t stick.

The first official registration of the breed with TICA (International Cat Association, USA) took place in 2012. Re-registration of the resulting breed with the possibility of its participation in exhibition championships is planned for 2021.

Currently, there are only 14 litters of these unique, scary animals in the world that were not obtained from the original breeder. Selection work on the breed continues.

History of Lykoi

The first representatives of this breed appeared in the American state of Virginia thanks to Patti Thomas. The kittens were born to a pair of mongrel cats in 2010, and upon seeing them, Patty decided that their appearance was due to illness, or, in extreme cases, a defect. A thorough veterinary examination ruled out the first version, and the woman turned to Gobble cat breeders. As a result of the study, it was found that the out-of-the-ordinary exterior of these kittens is nothing more than a recessive trait, lost in the offspring when mating with other cats. Following this study, DNA testing was carried out, which showed that the Lykoeis did not have the genes of hairless cats such as the Sphynx. Moreover, it was found that this breed is a short-haired domestic cat.

A year later, another pair of Lykoei appeared and were bred in Tennessee. And in 2012, this breed was officially registered by the International Cat Association. The official name of the breed of this standard was recorded, which is translated from Greek as “wolf”. Moreover, the name was chosen by Patti Thomas herself, to whom these cats owe their origin. It must be taken into account that the recognition of the Lykoi as representatives of a new breed is not supported by everyone. For example, this breed has not yet been registered by the Cat Lovers Association.

Cat care

Caring for Likoy cats is in many ways the same as caring for any other animal: feed, monitor their health, and of course love.

Likoy can become your companion during a walk, just don’t forget to wear a harness, otherwise this overactive animal will wriggle out of your hands so deftly that you won’t have time to notice.

They need to be vaccinated, their nails trimmed periodically, their eyes and ears clean, and their skin conditioned, which is very sensitive. Only the fur of this interesting pet requires special attention. After the first shedding, she will remain almost entirely on your floor.

Be patient, the fur will grow back, then it needs to be washed and combed with a soft brush. Your pet will love being brushed and will willingly show her sides.

Lykoei food

The werewolf cat is very energetic, so she needs food accordingly, more and more often. Try not to overfeed your pet to avoid unwanted diseases. The diet of these active and tireless, mysterious creatures must be well balanced.

Health

Based on the results of ongoing research, it is believed that the Likoi cat has amazing vitality; no abnormalities in the cardiovascular and digestive systems have been identified. And yet research continues.

The health of cats depends on the care with which the owner treats them. Since this is a new breed, there is not much data about Lykoi cats, for example, their life expectancy is unknown.

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Feeding

When preparing a diet for Lykoi, you should adhere to several fundamental rules. It is not recommended to overfeed your cat. And for the menu of an exotic animal, it is necessary to select only high-quality food that contains a maximum of vitamins and nutrients. For Lykoi breed animals, it is recommended to give preference to industrially produced feed. Wet food will be a priority, but dry types can also be used. As for the class of products purchased, it must be at least super-premium.

The breeder will need to additionally introduce vitamin complexes into the natural menu. Some breeders note that when keeping cats on regular food, they can pick at the food offered. Cats should have meat and fish, fermented milk products, vegetables and cereals in their diet. The number of meals per day will depend on the age of the cat. Thus, for Likoy kittens aged 2 to 4 months, it is recommended to create a menu with 6 meals a day.

Adult animals can be fed twice a day - morning and evening

If the pet eats natural food, then it should be offered fresh milk with extreme caution. Breeders recommend introducing it into the menu no earlier than 6 months, so as not to cause disorders in the digestive system.

For dogs, it will be mandatory to include boiled eggs and lean meats in the diet; you can offer your pet fruits, except citrus and exotic fruits.

Due to increased heat exchange, it is recommended that animals be given portions slightly larger in volume than cats and cats of other breeds. Among the products prohibited for consumption, it is necessary to highlight:

  • spices and nuts in any form;
  • mushrooms;
  • fatty meats, especially pork;
  • legumes;
  • confectionery;
  • smoked meats;
  • bones from poultry and fish.

Maintenance and care

Lykoi are adapted to living in an apartment, they are clean and tidy. An important point in maintenance is coat care. Bare areas of skin often sweat, so when plaque forms from sweat secretions, they are immediately wiped with a damp cloth or the animal is completely washed. A kitten is taught to wash itself immediately after acquisition, since kittens are afraid of water.

Lykoi shed constantly, regardless of the season, and during the year they can completely lose their hair and grow it back several times.

Animals of this breed are prone to hypothermia, so the beds are located away from drafts. When the temperature drops, put warm cat clothes on your pet.

General recommendations for caring for Lykoyas are the same as for cats of other breeds:

  • As the eyes become sour, wipe them with a cosmetic cotton pad soaked in boiled or filtered water. Tea leaves cannot be used for the procedure.
  • The ears are washed once a week with a special lotion purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Then gently dry with a cotton pad. Cotton swabs are not used due to the special structure of the cat's ear.
  • The claws (only the tips, so as not to damage the pulp) are trimmed with a nail clipper as they grow.
  • Brush once every 3 days, daily during active shedding.

Lykoya can and should be walked, but only on a harness. At any moment, the hunting instinct can be triggered, and the pet can get lost.

Nutrition

For balanced nutrition, high quality feed is selected in accordance with the age of the animal. The final choice of food is made taking into account the recommendations of veterinarians and individual tolerance.

Table: dry food suitable for complete nutrition of Lykoi

FeedClassManufacturerPurposeprosMinuses
Orijen Cat & KittenHolisticCanadaFor adults and kittens, food with a high content of protein (42%) and fat (20%)Suitable for all ages, can be given to nursing catsHigh cost (about 400 rubles per package weighing 340 g)
Acana Grasslands for CatsHolisticCanadaGrain-free biologically appropriate food for all agesPrevents obesity and maintains blood sugar levelsHigh cost (from 360 rubles per package of 340 g)
Purina Pro Plan DelicateSuperpremiumFranceFor adult animals with sensitive digestionNormalizes digestion and stoolMay cause an allergic reaction
Royal CaninPremiumUSA-FranceFor animals older than 12 monthsMaintains healthy skin, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular systemContains cheap fillers (wheat, corn) with low nutritional value
Hill's Science Plan LambPremiumUSASuitable for adult animals prone to allergies and nursing catsReduces the risk of urinary tract diseaseContains corn flour

Photo gallery: dry food for Lykoya


Hill's food is designed for cats with special needs


Acana brand food is as close in composition as possible to natural cat nutrition


Pro Plan Delicate dry food is a complete diet for adult cats with sensitive digestion or special preferences.


The distinctive features of the Orijen brand are the production of biologically appropriate food for domestic cats, which are physiologically no different from their wild relatives, inhabitants of forests, savannas and prairies


Royal Canin creates personalized nutrition so you can easily find the right food for your pet.

The number of feeding kittens per day depends on age:

  • 3–4 months - 6 times;
  • 4–5 months - 5 times;
  • 5–9 months - 4 times;
  • 9–12 months - 3 times.

Adult cats are fed 2 times: morning and evening. Feeding kittens and adult animals differs in portion size and size of food pieces.

With a natural diet, the following products are included in the diet:

  • lean beef;
  • bird;
  • fish;
  • boiled eggs;
  • vegetables and fruits;
  • fresh milk (after 6 months, given with caution, as it can cause diarrhea);
  • fermented milk products.

Due to increased heat exchange, portions for Lykoi cats are slightly larger than for other breeds of cats. But they should not be overfed. It is prohibited to give:

  • chicken, beef and fish bones;
  • pork;
  • legumes;
  • mushrooms;
  • nuts;
  • spices.

Health and disease prevention

Lykoi have high vitality. As a result of the tests, it turned out that the breed is not susceptible to skin, somatic and infectious diseases; the representatives did not have problems with the cardiovascular system. There is no information about the presence of genetic diseases.

The pet must be vaccinated. The kitten receives its first vaccination at the age of 2–3 months. 10 days before the procedure, deworming is carried out. Revaccination (re-vaccination with the same drug) is done after 21 days.

Scheduled deworming is carried out once every 3 months. Treatment for ectoparasites - once every six months.

Organization of toilet space

The pet is taught to go to the litter box from early childhood. To do this, choose a secluded place where the baby can calmly do his business. A tray for a kitten is purchased with low sides, since the baby is simply not able to overcome a high obstacle.

Subsequently, the toilet is selected according to the growth, size and weight of the animal. Filler used is wood, mineral or silica gel for short-haired cats.

Video: the amazing Lykoi breed

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZY-rD9dSm-c

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