Lykoi
The “werewolf cat” with a sparse, roan coat
The Lykoi, whose name comes from the Greek for wolf, is a very young breed. It was developed in the United States in the 2010s from cats found with an unusual coat in Tennessee and Virginia. The coat is a natural mutation, and no werewolves or wolves are involved.
It looks like a small werewolf, with a personality that is anything but fierce.
Lykoi at a glance
- Origin
- USA
- Size
- Small to medium
- Weight
- Usually 2.5 to 5 kg
- Lifespan
- Not well established, as the breed is very young
- Coat
- A roan mix of black and white hairs, sparse around the face, legs and body
- Colours
- Black roan is the main colour
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 4 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 2 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A small to medium cat with a lithe, athletic build, a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and eyes that are usually gold or green. The coat is roan, a mix of black and white hairs, with little or no hair around the eyes, muzzle, ears and legs, which gives the werewolf look. The coat can moult heavily and even become almost bare for a while, then regrow.
Personality
Playful, clever and loyal. Lykoi are known for being strongly attached to their families, enjoying games and hunting toys, and getting on with other pets. They can be wary of strangers at first.
Care and grooming
Keep them warm, and check the skin, which is exposed in places. Sparse patches mean they can get sunburn and may need washing if the skin gets oily. Provide play, climbing and company. Ask your vet about skin care.
Health to know about
The breed is so young that long-term health data is limited. The sparse coat means the skin needs more attention, and there are some concerns about skin and dental health. Ask breeders about health testing, and remember the claim that Lykoi are hypoallergenic is not reliable.
Could suit
- People who want a rare, unusual-looking cat
- Homes with other pets
- Owners ready for extra skin care
Think twice if
- If you want a widely available breed
- If you want a very low-maintenance coat
- If you want a predictable look as a kitten
“I am not a werewolf. I am a very well-dressed cat who sheds on a schedule.”
Name ideas for a Lykoi
- Wolfie
- Luna
- Lupin
- Remus
- Fang
- Shadow
- Howl
- Ash
- Ghost
- Sirius
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Is a Lykoi part wolf?
No. The “werewolf” look comes from a natural coat mutation in domestic cats.
Do Lykoi lose all their hair?
They can moult heavily, and look nearly bare for a time before the coat regrows.
Are Lykoi hypoallergenic?
No. Cat allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur.
Are Lykoi rare?
Yes, it is a very young and rare breed.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
