Lykoi

Temperament

The Lykoi is often compared to a dog: it is curious, alert and active, and in a new situation it first watches everything. It is often reserved at first with unfamiliar people and places, but once it settles in, it forms a very strong bond with its owners and likes to keep them company in everyday life. It enjoys hunting games and needs a daily dose of exercise and mental challenges, because it gets bored quickly. It has a marked prey drive, so small or timid animals in the home may not feel comfortable around it. It is usually not loud unless it feels neglected, and then it may demand attention. For a family that enjoys an engaging cat and has time for it, it is a rewarding companion, though not a typical couch potato.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Talkativeness

quietchatterbox

Indoor-only life

needs outdoor accessgreat

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Lykoi for?

The Lykoi may suit experienced owners who have time for play and regular skin care, live in a home without rodents or birds and can accept the cat’s unusual, ever-changing look. It is not a good choice as a first cat or for a home where the animal would spend a lot of time in the sun. The sparse coat offers no protection for people with allergies: the cat sheds heavily.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Lykoi’s coat is sparse with no undercoat, and the amount of hair changes with the growth cycle: at least once in its life the cat sheds most of its coat and can look almost bald. During that time, gently combing the coat a few times a week is enough. The skin can be oily, so the cat needs an occasional bath with a mild cat shampoo, but not too often, so as not to dry the skin out. Check the skin regularly for blackheads, flaking or ingrown hairs. A Lykoi should live indoors or use a shaded outdoor enclosure, because it sunburns easily and too much sun speeds up shedding. It responds well to puzzle toys and hunting games. Skin-support supplements should only be given after consulting your vet.

Health and breed-related conditions

The CFA records no breed-specific diseases in the Lykoi and stresses that the cats have undergone extensive genetic testing. The look does come at a price, however. A 2020 study found lymphocytic mural folliculitis, which is responsible for the sparse coat, in every cat examined; it shows up as flaky skin on the head, neck and belly, and sometimes as sores on the lips and eyelids. Larger sebaceous glands lead to oily skin, blackheads and cysts; breeders consider this a cosmetic issue, while critics point out that it lowers quality of life. The sparse coat increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer and makes the cat sensitive to temperature. PetMD gives a lifespan of 12–15 years.

• lymphocytic mural folliculitisA 2020 study found it in every cat examined; it shows up as flaky skin on the head, neck and belly.
• skin sensitivity to sunThe sparse coat exposes the skin to sunburn and raises the risk of skin cancer; too much sun speeds up shedding.
• blackheads, cysts and ingrown hairsLarger sebaceous glands lead to oily skin and blackheads; hairs can become ingrown during shedding.
• dental diseaseAs in all cats; regular brushing and checkups are recommended.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

The first cats with this look were spotted in 2010 in Virginia, and a year later a similar pair was found in Tennessee. Johnny and Brittney Gobble and Patti Thomas began breeding them, and on September 14, 2011, a kitten named Daciana was born, the first deliberately bred Lykoi. Genetic studies showed that the trait is recessive and unrelated to the mutations behind the Sphynx’s hairlessness or the Devon Rex’s curls. The name comes from the Greek word for wolf, and from the start these cats’ looks reminded people of a werewolf. TICA granted the Lykoi championship status in 2017 and the CFA in 2023, and that same year FIFe added the breed to its list of preliminarily recognized breeds.

Fun facts

• The name “Lykoi” comes from the Greek word for wolf.
• The first deliberately bred cat of this breed was born on September 14, 2011.
• According to the CFA standard, the ideal Lykoi has about 50% white hairs mixed among the colored ones.
• The Lykoi mutation is not the same one that causes the Sphynx’s hairlessness.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. 1CFA – Lykoi breed profilecfa.org
2. 2PetMD – Lykoipetmd.com
3. 3Wikipedia – Lykoien.wikipedia.org
4. 4FIFe – Recognised breeds (Lykoi: preliminary 2023–2027)fifeweb.org
5. 5WCF – Breed standards shorthairwcf.de

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.