Lykoi
The "werewolf cat" — partially hairless with a wild appearance.
Lykois have a striking partial-hairlessness pattern that makes them resemble miniature werewolves. They lack hair around the eyes, nose, and other facial areas, and their body coat sheds and regrows in cycles. Despite their wild look, they are affectionate, playful, and bond closely with their families.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 6–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Bathe occasionally, brush gently weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Truly unique appearance
- Affectionate and playful
- Healthy active breed
- Conversation starter
✗ Things to know
- Very rare and expensive
- Skin care required
- Cyclical shedding can be heavy
Ideal owner
A Lykoi may suit you well if you:
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Lykoi may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Lykois are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Lykoi right for you?
The best way to find out if a Lykoi suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Lykoi a good cat for first-time owners?
Lykois can suit first-time owners who do their research. Affectionate, playful, and inquisitive. Make sure you can meet their specific care needs before committing.
Are Lykois good for apartments?
Yes — Lykois adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Lykois good with children?
Lykois are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Lykois hypoallergenic?
Lykois are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Lykoi suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Lykoi on Wikipedia