Strange AnimalsThe Lykoi, widely known as the werewolf cat, is one of the most visually striking breeds in existence, a cat that looks like it belongs in a horror film rather than a living room. The breed's appearance is the result of a natural genetic mutation that affects the hair follicle, producing a patchy, roan coat pattern in which areas of skin show through sparse or absent fur.
Facial masks where hair is almost entirely absent give this breed the distinctive look that has earned it the unambiguous nickname "the werewolf cat."
The Lykoi is not a hairless cat, nor is it a sick cat. It is a distinct mutation in domestic cats that has been studied by veterinary dermatologists and found to result from a naturally occurring variant gene affecting follicle development. The breed is generally healthy, of normal temperament and distinctive in appearance in a way that no breeding programme has manufactured, it arose spontaneously.
Origins: A Natural Mutation from Feral Populations
The Lykoi did not begin in a deliberate breeding programme. It began with stray cats.
In 2010 and 2011, two separate groups of unusual-looking domestic cats were identified, one in Virginia and one in Tennessee. The cats had sparse, patchy coats, partially bare faces and an unusual appearance that, to anyone unfamiliar with the mutation, could suggest disease (mange, ringworm) rather than genetics.
Johnny Gobble DVM and Brittney Gobble, along with Patti Thomas, recognised that the appearance might be genetic rather than pathological. Dr. Gobble worked with feline geneticists, including Dr. Leslie Lyons, to evaluate the cats. The evaluations concluded that the unusual coat was due to a naturally occurring gene mutation affecting hair follicle development, and the cats appeared otherwise healthy, although the early health checks covered only young cats and were not extensive.
The International Cat Association (TICA) first accepted the Lykoi for registration only in 2012, and the breed began competing as a Championship breed from May 2017.
The Genetics: Roan Mutation
The Lykoi mutation affects the hair follicle's cycling mechanism. Normal cat hair follicles go through growth, transition and resting phases in a coordinated pattern. In Lykoi cats, the coat is linked to variants in the Hairless gene, and some follicles produce hair while others are inactive.
The overall effect is a roan pattern , a mix of pigmented hairs and bare skin, similar to the roan pattern seen in horses and some dog breeds, though produced by a completely different mechanism. The distribution is not uniform: the facial mask area (around the eyes and nose) tends to have the least hair, while the body may have moderate to dense patchy coverage.
Breeders determined that the gene is recessive , and outcrossing with black domestic shorthairs has been used to limit inbreeding. Lykoi kittens are still occasionally born in feral cat populations.
Kittens are born with fur, they are not born hairless. The extent of hair loss varies by individual.
Appearance
The Lykoi's most distinctive feature is its facial mask, the area around the eyes, muzzle and nose that typically has little to no hair, giving the cat a skeletal, otherworldly expression. The rest of the body has patchy, wiry-textured fur interspersed with bare skin.
The coat's texture is unusual, not soft and smooth like most domestic cats, but wiry and somewhat coarse.
Breed standards call for a roan coat, a mixture of fully white and fully coloured hairs. Any colour is accepted, though black is most common.
Physical Characteristics at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body type | Lithe body, wedge-shaped head |
| Coat | Patchy roan; wiry texture; facial mask area often nearly bare |
| Colour | Roan; any colour accepted, black most common |
Moulting Cycle
Lykoi cats go through distinct moulting cycles in which they shed much of their coat and appear nearly completely bald, then regrow fur. This cycling is more dramatic than in normal cats and follows the hair follicle's irregular cycling pattern.
An owner who acquires a Lykoi during a fully-furred phase will be surprised when the cat subsequently sheds almost all its coat. This is normal and expected. The timing and extent of moulting vary widely between individuals and may be influenced by genetics, hormones, climate and age, cats in colder climates tend to have thicker coats.
Temperament
Despite the dramatic appearance, the Lykoi has a normal domestic cat temperament, curious, playful and affectionate. Breed descriptions by owners and breeders consistently emphasise:
High prey drive. Lykoi cats show particularly strong hunting and stalking behaviour, even compared to other active cat breeds. This may relate to the feral backgrounds of the founding cats.
Affectionate with family. This breed forms strong bonds with its household and welcomes contact and interaction from trusted individuals.
Cautious with strangers. Initially cautious with unfamiliar people, the Lykoi is not aggressive but takes time to warm up.
Playful throughout life. The breed retains high play drive into adulthood.
Health
The Lykoi is generally healthy, with few breed-specific health conditions, but its skin needs attention:
- Exposed skin needs sun protection in outdoor cats, and Lykoi can be sensitive to temperature and prone to sunburn
- A 2020 study found folliculitis and larger sebaceous gland area in Lykoi, and cysts and blackheads are common, so owners are advised to take care with grooming and bathing
Given the youth of the breed, ongoing health monitoring is important.
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Frequently asked questions
The Lykoi’s unusual appearance results from a naturally occurring gene mutation, linked to variants in the Hairless gene, that affects hair follicles. Some follicles produce hair while others are inactive, creating a patchy roan pattern. The facial mask area, around the eyes and muzzle, typically has the least hair, giving the cat a skeletal, masklike expression. Lykoi also moult heavily and can appear almost completely bald at times.
The Lykoi’s distinctive look comes from a genetic mutation, not from parasites or mange. At first, the cats appeared to have mange or ringworm, but genetic testing revealed a natural gene mutation. The breed tends to be generally healthy, although skin care is important since folliculitis, cysts and blackheads have occurred and bare skin burns easily from the sun.
Lykoi cats are not hairless, they display a roan pattern where fur and bare skin alternate in patches. Each cat carries a variable amount of fur that changes as they moult and regrow. Kittens are born with fur. Cats living in colder climates develop thicker coats.
The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Lykoi for registration only in 2012, and the breed began competing as a Championship breed from May 2017. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) also accepts the breed.
The Lykoi has a normal domestic cat temperament despite its unusual appearance. The breed is curious, playful and affectionate with its family. It is described as having a strong prey drive and stalking behaviour. It is initially cautious with strangers but not aggressive. The breed retains playful energy well into adulthood.
The areas of bare skin in Lykoi cats require some attention. Outdoor cats should be protected from prolonged sun exposure to reduce sunburn risk on exposed skin. Owners are advised to take care with grooming and bathing, as Lykoi can have oily skin, cysts and blackheads. The breed should be kept warm in cold environments as the sparse coat provides less insulation than normal cat fur.
References
- Gobble J, et al. "Characterization of the Lykoi cat mutation." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2017;19(3):320-328.
- Lyons LA, et al. "Feline genetics: clinical applications and genetic diversity of cats." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2012;42(5):1111-1127.
- International Cat Association (TICA). "Lykoi Breed Standard." TICA Official Publication, 2023. tica.org
- Robinson R. Genetics for Cat Breeders. 3rd ed. Oxford: Pergamon Press; 1991.
- Lorimer HE. The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds. New York: Lorenz Books; 2004.
- Buckley RM, et al. "Werewolf, There Wolf: Variants in Hairless Associated with Hypotrichia and Roaning in the Lykoi Cat Breed." Genes. 2020;11(6):682.