A new breed of cat has been registered in the United States, called the Lykoi or werecat.

Origin story

The birth of the breed is considered to be 2010, when a mongrel cat lambed on the farm of Patty Thomas (USA, Virginia). She got two strange half-hairless kittens. Believing that they were similar to the Canadian Sphynx, Patty contacted the famous breeders of this breed, the Gobble couple.

John Gobble became interested in unusual babies. After studying a large amount of information, Gobble came to the conclusion that the kittens are the result of a natural mutation. And I have already consciously received a second brood for future research.

The kittens were examined and no genetic abnormalities or skin pathologies were revealed. And the almost complete absence of fur and heavy shedding are the result of a lack of hair follicles.

DNA tests showed that the kittens have nothing to do with Sphynxes and Devon Rexes.

The Gobbles, making sure that the babies carried the genes of a natural mutation, prepared a breeding system. In the fall of 2011, the first representative of a new breed appeared , which was first called the possum cat because of the similarity of the wool to the fur of this animal. A little later, another name appeared - lykoy, or werewolf cat, due to its non-standard appearance and similarity to mystical creatures from horror films.

These cats are called werewolves because of their unusual appearance.

The breed was officially registered in the USA in 2012 and is recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA). Official breeding of Lykoi, issuance of documents and admission to exhibitions are not carried out by all clubs, but only by those that support the TICA charter.

Horoscope compatibility

In terms of compatibility, this cat breed is ideal for people of the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Aquarius. This is due to the non-standard appearance and personality traits.

Since Sagittarians prefer everything unusual, they will definitely be attracted to this breed. The character of the animal is characterized by traits that are also characteristic of the zodiac - external intransigence is combined with internal complaisance and gentleness. Likoy is restless, playful, intellectually developed, and will become a loyal friend and protector to his owner.

Aquarians love to attract the attention of others with their eccentricity, they easily make new acquaintances and are pleasant to talk to. They are a complete reflection of this sign. Their devotion is akin to that of a dog. Aquarius will not be bored in such a company, and most importantly, comfortable.

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

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.

Character and behavior

The frightening appearance of Lykoi masks their strong attachment to their owners. They like to be the center of everyone's attention. And due to their high intelligence, animals easily remember the rules of behavior in the apartment.

They treat strangers with distrust and rarely let them in, but once they find out that the guest does not pose a threat to the hosts, they make contact. At the hint of danger, they rush at the offender no worse than a dog, and the large size of the enemy does not bother them.

Werecats, especially kittens, are hyperactive, so older people and families with small children should refrain from purchasing such a pet. The attitude towards dogs and other cats is neutral, but Lykoi are natural hunters, so in the apartment you will have to cover the aquarium and hide cages with small rodents and birds.

Breeders have noticed that Lykoi sometimes “pray” - they freeze in the gopher pose, with their paws folded on their chest. They spend long minutes in this position, staring into the vast distance.

Video: Lykoi kittens

How to choose the right kitten

Lykoi is a cat of a rare and small breed, so it is not so easy to buy one. There are only a few nurseries registered with TICA that specialize in breeding these animals, and all of them are located in the United States.

This means that you will have to negotiate with breeders to purchase a kitten resembling a werewolf over the phone, and choose your future pet in absentia.

Before you finally decide and conclude a deal, it is advisable to pay attention to the following nuances:

• availability of documents;
• compliance with breed standards;
• conditions of detention;
• behavioral characteristics;
• health status.

On a note. Little Lykoi differ from kittens of other breeds by the presence of a bald mask on the face and hairless areas on the paws.

Kitten care

Little Lykoi go to new homes no earlier than 12 weeks of age. At this point, kittens that look like a werewolf are already accustomed to solid food, a tray and a scratching post, and also have routine vaccinations. To make Lykoys feel comfortable with their new owners, they are given a cozy bed, bought several toys and given a few days to adapt.

To prevent the inquisitive werewolf cat from being injured, his access to electrical wires, detergents, ornamental plants, small objects, large household appliances, open balconies and windows is blocked.

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

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

Purchasing a kitten

It is almost impossible to buy a Lykoi kitten, since due to its small numbers the breed is bred only in three registered nurseries. Two of them are located in the USA (Oklahoma and Michigan) and one in Russia (Murmulet elite cattery, Moscow). The future owner chooses the gender of the kitten according to his taste.

Kittens are offered for sale at the age of three months. Before this, the breeder gives the baby a primary vaccination and registers it with TICA, where he receives a metric guaranteeing the purity of the breed. Subsequently, the owner exchanges it for a pedigree. The cost of a roan kitten starts from 160,000 rubles, non-standard bicolor and blue kittens are not so spectacular, so they cost less - from 95,000 rubles.

Health

Likoya can hardly be called a cute cat.
Maybe visually Liki seems not quite healthy, due to her strange appearance, but in reality this is not the case. The breed is surprisingly strong and resistant to all kinds of diseases. This fact has been confirmed by repeated genetic and veterinary studies. True, geneticists do not exclude the possibility of some hidden anomalies. So far, nothing has been revealed in this regard.

There is no exact information about the life expectancy of Lykoi, since the breed is new. Based on existing data, demon cats with proper care can easily live up to 15-16 years.

Breeding Features

First, the owner should purchase a pair of Lykoi, then join a special club for breeders. In the case of this particular breed, only entry into TICA will be possible. A mandatory rule is participation in exhibitions, since without this the female will not be officially allowed for breeding.

Choosing a partner

If the future breeder only has a female, he should find a suitable partner for her. The selection criteria are the same for all cat breeds:

• pedigree;
• health;
• the possibility of concluding an agreement with the cat’s owner, which will stipulate all the points regarding the rights of future kittens.

Mating and birth

A cat is allowed to be bred at the age of 1 year, when puberty has set in, a cat - from 14 months. To give birth to high-quality offspring, it is recommended to skip the first heat.

Lykoia females tolerate pregnancy well and can give birth up to 5 times a year, but the cat herself suffers from this (her body only works for pregnancy and feeding) and her future offspring.

Therefore, it is recommended to breed 1-2 times a year to allow the female to fully recover after giving birth. At the first lambing, a veterinarian should be present to provide the necessary assistance to the mother cat, if necessary.

Castration and sterilization

The owner of such a rare pet as the Lykoi should not rush to spay or neuter him, since the number of representatives of the breed is too small. The owner is advised to continue breeding. Mating of a purebred animal is permitted only with a partner of the same breed.

Females of any breed are sterilized at the age of 7 to 12 months, males - up to 1.5–2 years. Young animals tolerate the procedure more easily. In any case, consultation with a veterinarian is required before surgery.

What to feed

The amazing appearance of these cats not only makes a great impression, but also requires increased heat exchange, since the skin, devoid of warm fur, can freeze. Therefore, Lykoi require large portions, unlike representatives of fluffy and even ordinary short-haired breeds. In this case, balance is very important, since excessively large portions can lead to overfeeding. Experts recommend premium food for this breed. When choosing food, you need to pay attention to the expiration date and composition, which in no case should contain wheat, corn and soy. To ensure that your pet receives quality feeding, you need, firstly, to consult with a veterinarian, and secondly, to buy products from internationally recognized brands – such as, for example:

• Hills;
• Royal Canin;
• Acana.

If you choose natural feeding, you need to make sure that your dog receives normal portions of raw, lean meat, offal and ocean fish. Porridge, boiled vegetables, quail eggs and fermented milk products also provide excellent variety to the diet. The list of categorically not recommended products includes potatoes, sausage and smoked meats, pork, river fish, mushrooms, baked goods, sweets and any other food that may be present on the owner’s plate.