If you have ever heard or seen a lykoi, you were surprised because it looks like a wolf, which leaves no one indifferent. It is one of the most recent breeds of domestic felines and, in fact, it is still in the process of being fully admitted as a breed, since there are still few specimens in the world. This feline is rapidly gaining popularity, especially in North America, where it emerged and, therefore, where it is best known today.
Keep reading this AnimalPlanet tab to learn everything you need to know about the lykoi, a breed with incredible looks and character that begins its history in the United States.
Origin
- America
- United States
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Big ears
- End
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 5-6
Life expectancy
- 18-20
Character
- Active
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Curious
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Short
Origin of Lykoi
The lykoi started to be seen in 2010, with two unrelated litters that almost happened at the same time, but one was born in Virginia and the other in Tennessee.The origin of this feline breed is found in the United States of America. The appearance of this breed is due to a natural mutation of the domestic short-haired cat. Although over the past 20 years some kittens have been observed with certain differentiated characteristics, they did not appear to belong to any other breed than those of ordinary shorthair cats until there was one completely different After this birth, we started to breed them so that they become a race in their own right.
Although the mother was an ordinary black cat, the cubs were born with this strange fur and hairless parts and for this reason it was thought that they might have a genetic relationship with the sphynx. Veterinary and genetic studies were carried out at American universities because the owners feared that they had a he alth problem. It has therefore been excluded that it is any disease as well as the fact that it would be from the same family as the sphynx.They therefore have no genetic relationship with hairless cats or other similar animals, such as devon rex.
" On the other hand, it is interesting to note the name that has been given to these new felines, as it was chosen to honor their appearance and yes, Lykoi means wolf in Greek. Indeed, although they are in no way related to wolves, their fur and their eyes make us think of them so much that they have been nicknamed the wolf cat."
At present, there are only a few dozen wolfcats in the world. In order to establish a solid breed, the breeders count on the help of the University of Tennessee to avoid the appearance of diseases and genetic problems.
Physical characteristics of the Lykoi
Physically, as you can see from the attached images, this is a breed with a stylized body, very distinctive coat and yellow eyes which together give it that lupine look.
These are normal-sized domestic felines, since they weigh between 3.5 and 7 kg, with males being larger than females. Their head shape is a little triangular, their eyes are large and yellow, their color intensifies as they grow older, and their noses are always black.
Its coat is short and roano in color, that is to say that its base color is black or gray and it has white hairs and tufts which gives it a kind of mixed coat and a little messy. In addition, his hair type is soft although it has a harsh or rough appearance.
A curious fact is that when they are born, they have very little or no hair on their muzzle, eye area, belly, ears and sometimes also on their legs. As their fur grows it will eventually cover all those parts of the body, it will at least be lighter in those places, but there are adult specimens that don't really have the hair on their face and neck. belly.
Lykoi character
Although its appearance may seem somewhat fierce, and may even command respect from some, the Lykoi has the typical character of any other domestic feline. People who have lived with some of them describe them as very affectionate, gentle, friendly, playful, playful, very intelligent, quite naughty and very active. They have a marked hunting instinct and are somewhat suspicious of those they do not yet know, so they take a little time to approach and make themselves known. From a character point of view, some guardians ended up comparing them to dogs.
These felines are like that from the moment they have been accustomed to living with people and other animals, which has been done until now since there are so few of them specimens.
Lykoi Care
The care of his coat requires normal brushing, having short hair two brushings / week will suffice except during moulting periods during which it will have to be brushed every day.As cats clean themselves, there is no need to wash them extra, it will prevent us from damaging the natural protective layer of their skin. It is advisable to give him a bath only when the animal is very dirty. In this case, it is advisable to use a shampoo, a cloth or wet wipes to clean it dry. If we use a shampoo to wash it with water, it should be made for cats and never for humans or other animals.
As far as the diet of this feline breed is concerned, it will have to be of quality because otherwise we will start to see he alth problems appear due to nutrient deficiency. It is important that we adapt their diet to their age, physical activity and state of he alth. In addition to commercial kibble, you can also feed it with BARF food or homemade recipes.
In addition, as with any other domestic cat, care should be taken to ensure that its ears, eyes, claws and mouth are clean and free of injuries.However, it may be necessary to wash its eyes, teeth and ears and file its claws, especially one of them breaks.
Wolf cat he alth
At the moment, as has been proven in its short existence, its life expectancy is estimated to be comparable to that of a common cat. It is therefore estimated that it can reach a maximum of 20 years.
So far, no disease or condition specific to this breed has been detected and no tendency for any specific he alth problem has been detected, however, their he alth has been shown to be excellent. So the problems they may encounter are those that affect any other domestic cat, i.e. they may suffer from some of the most common diseases in cats.
Thus, to prevent any disease, it is essential that the cat's vaccination schedule is followed and that internal and external deworming is also respected, both if the animal spends all its time at home and s he has access to the outside.Finally, to take good care of his he alth, we advise you to take him to the vet every 6 to 12 months to make sure that everything is fine.
Lykoi pictures
