Lykoi Cat Breed

History

Lykois are a naturally occurring breed from the feral cat population in the USA. In 2011, the breed was founded by Brittney Gobble, Johnny Gobble, and Patti Thomas, just after two irrelative litters of kittens were introduced to the founders as unique cats. The Gobbles did careful health assessments to ensure no sickness or disease caused the cat’s distinctive appearance.

To demonstrate it was from a gene mutation, Johnny Gobble bred two unrelated felines to produce the first purposefully bred Lykoi kittens. Since the mother of this litter was a black domestic cat, comprehensive outcrossing with shorthair black domestic cats started. It was identified that the gene was recessive with time, and to continue to decrease genetic inbreeding, several outcrossing with black domestic cats were done.

Aside from the breeding program, there are still several Lykoi cats born to the feral cat population. Lykois were accepted by The International Cat Association for championship competition in 2017. 

Personality

When you are living with a Lykoi, you will instantly notice just how intelligent these cats are. They are very curious and great problem solvers, so you’ll need plenty of interactive cat toys, plus a set of play items that are rotated frequently. Keeping your Lykoi mentally stimulated will bring out the best of this breed's personality.

Lykois’ lineage is from feral cats. And because of this, they have retained their strong prey drive. They enjoy stalking cat toys, other pets and people. So, keep this in mind if you are an owner of small pets like birds, rodents or rabbits. If so, you might want to reconsider owning a Lykoi.

This cat, like other breeds, is not fond of changes. Lykois get nervous and cautious when they are in a new situation, preferring to find distance and observe before immersing. But because of their natural loving nature, they quickly warm up to new people and other pets. Lykois are open to strangers but at the same time remain reserved because they prefer the company of their human companion.

As they are so bright, you can train them to play games of fetch. Lykois are generally an all-around active cat. Make sure you have suitable space and scope for them to fulfil their climbing missions if you're considering adopting a Lykoi.

Their behaviour is generally playful, but they have the tendency to wander off on their own for some time. Due to being a high energy feline, while they don’t mind being petted on their chin, they would typically prefer being “busy” doing their own things than just sitting on their human companion’s lap. Still, when they are tired, Lykoi cats love nothing more than to snuggle up with their human companion and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time. 

Coat & Care

A Lykoi’s coat is thin and may be nearly fully coated when they are born. However, their coats shed seasonally, so there may be times they may appear near naked. Because they lack a considerable amount of undercoat for weather protection, they should be considered only as an indoor cat. If exposed to outdoor weather conditions, Lykois can suffer sunburn or hypothermia.

Because of their lack of hair, this cat’s skin can get oily. Thus, they must be washed frequently, but their bathing should be simple as they do not have much hair. Some cats will need more frequent bathing to prevent blackheads or other tiny “cystic acne” type issues from the excess oil.

Inspect your Lykoi’s ears and eyes as these can be susceptible to infection. For their ears, keep them clean and healthy by checking them for any debris, dirt or wax buildup. Wipe it out using clean cotton balls with a vet-approved ear cleanser. Never use cotton swabs because they can aggravate or damage your Lykoi’s delicate inner ear structure. If you notice any foul smell coming out of their ears, contact your vet instantly for care and treatment, as this can be a sign of infection.

For infection-free eyes, keep them clean by examining them weekly for dirt, stains and discharge. Use a clean, soft cloth with a vet-approved eye cleaner to eliminate any discharge or stains that may result in infection. Just remember to use another part of the fabric to avoid any risk of eye infection.

For their dental health, brush their teeth weekly to prevent tartar buildup and tooth and gum diseases. You can use a pet toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth and mouth well. To keep their nails clean, trim them twice a month or as needed.

Give extra care to their unique coat by ensuring that their litter boxes are clean at all times as dirt, debris, and clumped litter can stick to their fur, which might be hard to remove. Also, while grooming themselves, they may ingest some of this dirty litter, which can cause irritation and blockage in their digestive system.

Lastly, it is best to keep your LaPerm as an indoor pet. As mentioned, this cat breed is prone to hypothermia or sunburn when exposed to weather conditions outdoors. Moreover, it will keep them safe from any cat diseases or other unfriendly circumstances like accidents and animal attacks. 

Children & Other Pets

Because of their high energy and intelligence, Lykois are ideal for families with children and other pets. They are affectionate, playful and active, which is an excellent match for children. They can be trained to play a game of fetch. Just remember to oversee every interaction between a child and a Lykoi to prevent any accidents. Also, remember to give your Lykoi their own space and time to make them happy and content.

Lykois can live harmoniously with other pets such as cats and cat-friendly dogs. Still, because of their strong prey drive, be cautious in showing these cats any small pets such as birds, rodents and small rabbits. As recommended, introduce your pets gradually and in controlled environments when meeting for the first time to make sure that they learn to get along well together.