The Lykoi, a name derived from the Greek word for “wolf,” is a captivating breed born from a natural mutation within feral cat populations. This partially hairless breed is distinguished by a truly unique coat, setting it apart from all other feline companions. Its distinctive appearance is a result of three key traits: the absence of an undercoat, sparse guard hairs on the legs, feet, and facial mask creating a “werewolf-like” look, and roaning – a pattern of intermixed white and colored guard hairs. The overall impression is a striking cat with an elegant, semi-foreign body. Large, bright, walnut-shaped eyes, combined with the partial hairlessness around the eyes, nose, muzzle, and chin, lend the Lykoi an almost mythical, werewolf-like visage. Their coat, varying in density and roaning depending on the cycle, feels rough yet is surprisingly soft and silky to the touch. High-set, erect ears atop a triangular head with rounded contours further enhance their image as curious and inquisitive creatures.
Head Characteristics
Face (Muzzle/Chin/Nose)
The face of the Lykoi is a moderately foreign type. The muzzle is of medium length, featuring fleshy, gently rounded, hairless whisker pads with a distinct break for whiskers. The muzzle culminates in a well-developed chin, vertically aligned with the nose. This chin is full but neither projecting nor receding. The nose is hairless and leathery to the touch, with a slight downward curve at the end. When connecting with the hairless areas around the eyes, nose, muzzle, and chin, it contributes to the distinctive mask-like appearance.
Head Shape
The head is a modified wedge, characterized by rounded contours extending from the nose to the cheeks and ears. A slightly rounded forehead contributes to its overall shape, which is slightly longer than it is wide.
Ears
The ears are tall, open at the base, with rounded tips. They are set high on the head and positioned vertically and erect, adding to the breed’s alert expression.
Eyes
Lykoi possess large, walnut-shaped eyes that slant upward, conveying an open and engaging expression. Hairless rims around the eyes are considered desirable.
Profile
The profile presents a slightly rounded contour from the top of the head to the brow. A smooth, concave curve extends from the brow down to the bridge of the medium-length nose, with no harsh stop.
Body Structure and Features
Structure and Size
The Lykoi’s conformation strikes a balance between a slightly slender, semi-foreign body type and foreign elegance. Males may exhibit slightly more proportion and size. The neck is medium in length, neither thin nor excessively muscular.
Musculature
The breed displays solid musculature, demonstrating strength without appearing overly bulky.
Legs and Feet
The legs and feet of the Lykoi are sparsely haired. They are of medium bone and length, with feet appearing refined and oval-shaped. The toes are notably long in appearance.
Tail
The tail is typically shorter than the body and tapers to a point.
The Unique Lykoi Coat
The coat is the most defining feature of the Lykoi breed. It is crucial to distinguish between the undercoat, guard hairs, and roaning. The Lykoi should entirely lack an undercoat. Guard hairs cover the body but are sparse or absent on the legs, feet, the back of the ears, and the facial mask (around the eyes, nose, muzzle, and chin). This combination gives the Lykoi its characteristic grizzled appearance due to the amelanistic (white) guard hairs intermixed with colored hairs.
Coat Texture
The undercoat must be completely absent. Guard hairs are short to medium in length and possess a soft, silky texture. The ideal coverage of guard hairs on the body ranges from 50% to 100%, with variations occurring due to molting and the hair growth cycle.
Mask
The facial mask is a key characteristic, featuring a hairless area that connects the nose, muzzle, eyes, and ears, reinforcing the breed’s werewolf-like appearance.
Allowances and Penalties
The degree of guard hair sparseness can vary, from nearly hairless to almost fully coated, depending on the cat’s molting and growth phases. Kittens under 8 months may have proportionally smaller eyes. Male cats are permitted to develop stud jowls, and males may be substantially larger than females. Pigmentation spots can appear on the skin due to sun exposure (tanning). A penalty is applied if less than 30% of the body is covered in guard hairs.
Lykoi Colors and Patterns
Colors
All colors and patterns are accepted in the Lykoi breed, with solid-colored cats often displaying the characteristic coat most dramatically. The roaning pattern, caused by amelanistic hairs, will vary in appearance depending on the base color.
Color and Roaning
Colored and amelanistic hairs are intermixed throughout the coat, with each hair being either colored or white from root to tip. The ideal range for amelanistic coverage is between 30% and 70%, varying with the depth of the coat color.
Lockets
White lockets, buttons, and belly spots are permissible.
Color Class Numbers and Outcross Breeds
For reference, the Lykoi Color Class Number is 8700 for all colors. The Lykoi allowable outcross breed is the Domestic Shorthair. Longhair Lykoi can be registered for breeding and shown in the Exhibition class.
Disqualifications
Evidence of illness or poor health, a visible tail kink, or aggressive behavior that endangers a judge are grounds for disqualification.
