Why is the Lykoi called the wolf cat?

The Lykoi’s roan coat, sparsely furred face, and occasional molting and regrowing of their fur has earned this breed the name wolf cat (sometimes also called the werewolf cat). The cats have a strong prey drive and a big appetite, Hurley says, further adding to their reputation as the wolves of the cat world.

How much does a Lykoi cat cost?

Lykoi kittens cost $1,500–$3,000 because they’re a niche breed. Sometimes, a cattery retires a show cat or a breeding cat; in such cases, you might have the chance to bring an adult Lykoi home for less money.

Yes, Lykoi cats are rare, largely because cat fanciers didn’t deliberately set out to develop this breed. Instead, “Nature created the mutation,” Sellick says, “and dedicated breeders took on the responsibility of developing and preserving it.” These breeders are part of a small network.

Lykoi

Updated September 8, 2026

The Lykoi is a rare cat breed with well-known nicknames: the wolf cat and werewolf cat. A genetic variance gives these cats a coat that is both light and dark with sparse, wiry guard hairs and no undercoat. And while these cats are lively and active, they’re much better house companions than their nickname suggests.

Temperament

Inquisitive, Sociable, Active

Weight

6–12 pounds

Life Expectancy

12–15 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

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Lykoi (meaning “wolf cat” in Greek) look a little like a, well, wolf, or maybe even a werewolf. Thankfully, their personalities are anything but.

These cats are generally very friendly and sociable—though they are known to make a beeline for anything that moves, including your feet. Plenty of enrichment and interactive toy play can help redirect that prey drive elsewhere, so guests’ feet don’t become the target.

Lykoi Characteristics

Remember: Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Vocal Level

Likes to be Picked Up

Likes to be Pet

Lykoi Appearance

Lykois are immediately recognized by their unique coat, which comes from a natural gene mutation that occurs in domestic shorthair cats.

According to the breed standard, three features are specific to Lykoi cats: A lack of undercoat; sparse hair on the ears, face, legs, and feet; and a mix of white and colored hairs (known as roaning).

A Lykoi’s appearance also changes depending on the cat’s life stage and whether they are molting—what Lykoi enthusiasts call “wolfing out” when the cat sheds their coat. Otherwise, Lykoi are similar in size and characteristics to other Domestic Shorthair cats.

Ears
The high-set ears are large and triangular, with pointed tips.
Eyes
Lykoi cats have large, oval to round eyes that are usually gold, yellow, or green. The skin surrounding the eye is hairless, giving these cats an especially wide-eyed look.
Nose
The nose is leathery and matches the coat color. The bridge of the nose is hairless.
Coat Length
The breed standard allows for a short- to medium-length coat, but longhair Lykoi cats are possible, too. The coat is sparse, especially on the face, ears, legs, and feet.
Coat Color
A black roan coat is the only accepted color for showing under The International Cat Association (TICA) breed standard, but The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) breed standard allows for a coat in any color with a roaning pattern.
Tail
These cats have a tapering tail that comes to a point.

Lykoi Temperament

For most people, their first brush with a Lykoi is seeing photos of the breed. But spending time with one makes a long-lasting impression.

“Their appearance gets people’s attention, but it is usually their personality that wins them over,” says Brandi Sellick, a Lykoi breeder at LegendNLore cattery. The Lykoi cat has proven to be more than a curiosity, earning a reputation as a sociable and smart companion.

These cats are typically outgoing and vocal. Connie Hurley, a veterinarian and breeder at Faolan Lykoi, sums up their typical personality as “intelligent and curious, agile and exploratory.” She adds that these cats will vocalize with chirps, trills, growls, and meows for your attention (or food).

And while some cats can be aloof, a Lykoi won’t hang out in the shadows—unless that shadow is yours. They bond closely with human family members and tend to follow you around the house, much like a dog.

While they often enjoy being in your company, they’re a bit more finicky about cuddling. “In general, they enjoy attention, but don’t like to be smothered,” Hurley says. “Some prefer to be near you but not hugged tight.”

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Lykoi

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How to Care for a Lykoi

Lykoi cats thrive when they receive your daily attention and affection. These cats are playful, and frequently enjoy a game of fetch or other interactive game with their favorite human. Lykois may need to be bathed more than other cat breeds, but their coat is low-shedding for most of the year (when they are not molting).

The thin but soft coat doesn’t need much in the way of regular brushing, but you might need to use a soft-bristle brush to collect loose hair when your Lykoi is molting. How often these cats molt can vary based on age, seasonal changes, fluctuating stress and hormone levels, and differences between individuals.

Outside of molting periods, this is a very low-shedding cat breed. Because the breed only has slick, stiff guard hairs and no undercoat, you won’t have the typical problem of loose cat hair clinging to your clothes and furniture.

But while most cats need very infrequent bathing, you’ll need to suds up your Lykoi a bit more often because these cats don’t have much hair to absorb natural oils. Without regular bathing, their skin can get very oily and their pores may become clogged.

Lykoi cats with a very thin coat will need the most frequent bathing routine. (Some Lykoi cats have more hair than others, and it can even vary depending on where they are in their molting schedule.) For any Lykoi, you’ll want to watch for oily residue that can build up, especially around the ears and nail beds, and use cleansing wipes as needed.

“Some cats can tend to have more grease production than others,” Hurley says. “The more oils they collect, the more grooming is required in the form of cleansing wipes, ear cleaning, and bathing.”

The best diet for Lykoi cats is a high-quality cat food that focuses on animal protein sources. When comparing cat food diets, you’ll have your choice of wet food, fresh food, and dry food formulas. If you have specific questions about which type of food is best for your Lykoi, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Lykoi kittens must receive the right nutrients for their rapid growth and development. Pick a kitten food formula that meets AAFCO recommendations for nutrition to ensure they’re getting everything they need.

As your Lykoi approaches adulthood, begin feeding an adult food formula. When making a diet change, it’s usually best to transition your cat’s food over seven to 10 days rather than making an abrupt switch.

Since Lykoi cats tend to be very food-oriented, some pet parents have found that they “wolf” down (pun intended!) meals too quickly. If that’s the case for your cat, consider using a slow feeder.

It’s also important that you don’t let them “talk” you into too many extra treats. As with any cat, table scraps, treats, and extra meals can quickly lead to excess weight. Obesity in cats puts your feline friend at a higher risk for health problems like diabetes.

If your Lykoi is gaining weight, cut back on treats and, with help from your veterinarian, take other steps to help your cat lose weight safely.

Lykoi cats like to be occupied. Sellick says these felines are easy to train and enjoy having a job to do. “Our Lykoi learn to walk on a leash, play fetch, and participate in agility courses.”

Tracing its roots to community cat populations, this breed is fast-moving with a naturally high prey drive. Many Lykoi cats love to chase moving targets, Hurley says. Because of that, it’s usually easy to encourage these cats to get regular activity—and you’ll want to do so: A bored Lykoi will invent their own fun and might start scratching, climbing, or knocking things over.

Lykoi cats frequently enjoy chaser toys, lasers, or cat wheels. Many will also play fetch, bringing you their favorite small toy for you to toss on repeat.

The best home for a Lykoi cat offers plenty of opportunity for play and interaction. These busy kitties need mental stimulation and the chance to chase and pounce on toys. “Because they tend to be social, curious, and people-oriented,” says Sellick, “many actually enjoy being part of an active household where there is plenty happening around them.”

If you’re frequently gone during the day, even Lykoi cats who don’t struggle with separation anxiety will be ready to greet you when you walk through the door. Once you’re back, give them dedicated playtime so they get a physical and mental outlet.

Their exuberance can overmatch more timid kitties, so keep that in mind if you already have a cat at home. Otherwise, Hurley says Lykoi cats are adaptable to new environments and other pets, as long as they receive good socialization.

Lykoi Health

Lykoi cats are generally healthy and have a lifespan of 12–15 years, although some may live into their late teens or beyond.

Genetic health problems are not widely known in Lykois, but their unique coat does make their skin more vulnerable to several conditions—so pet parents should be especially vigilant about cleaning and protecting a Lykoi’s skin.

Cysts: Lykoi cats have shallow hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out more easily. These hairs can become trapped in the follicle, sometimes leading to cysts. A good bathing routine and regular brushing while your Lykoi is molting can help remove loose hair. Use a brush with soft bristles that won’t scratch your cat’s skin. For a quick check, run the bristles against the skin of your forearm: If it’s uncomfortable to you, it’s too rough for your cat.
Lymphocytic mural folliculitis: An immune-mediated condition seen in Lykois that can cause itchiness and scabby or crusty skin. Treatment may involve medications to suppress the immune response and antibiotics if an infection is involved. A separate condition, tentatively named cutaneous adnexal polycystic syndrome, has also been recently recognized.
Skin sensitivities: Because the Lykoi’s coat is characteristically sparse, these cats have skin that is more exposed and therefore more prone to irritation—similar to what a hairless cat like a Sphynx would experience. Sun exposure can cause freckles, sunspots, sunburn, or changes to the skin pigmentation. “It’s best to keep them out of the sun when possible, though they do love a good sunny window,” Hurley says. You can help prevent your Lykoi from getting sunburned by applying UV film to windows, outfitting your cat with UV clothing, applying a pet-safe sunscreen, and providing them with warm spots to rest away from the sun.

Lykoi History

The Lykoi breed is a relatively new breed that has grown rapidly, thanks to intense interest in the breed’s unique appearance and personable demeanor.

In 2010, a Domestic Shorthair cat gave birth to a litter that included two kittens with a sparse, wiry-looking roan coat. The kittens were given to Dr. Johnny Gobble, a Tennessee veterinarian. In short order, more kittens with a similar appearance were found in Tennessee. Genetic testing confirmed the kittens weren’t a hairless breed—like the Sphynx—but instead carried a distinct mutation. After also ruling out medical issues, the first planned Lykoi litter was bred in 2011.

Since then, Lykoi cat breeders have been refining and preserving the breed with dedicated breeding programs. The Lykoi cat breed was registered with TICA in 2012 and received full Championship status in 2017. The following year, the breed gained registration status with CFA, and full Championship status followed in 2023.

FAQs

Yes. Lykoi cats are smart and friendly, so they’re considered great pets. However, these cats are not always what pet parents expect.

“The Lykoi are from feral cat lines originally, so they exhibit traits that favor survival in the wild,” Hurley says. They often like to chase your feet (or anything else that moves) and despite being very sociable, they don’t always want to be cuddled.

This content was medically reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Lykoi

Lykoi