Lykoi

The Lykoi was first discovered in 2010 when an unusual-looking brother and sister cat were found in a shelter. They had a recessive gene that gave them a roan coat. The Lykoi is a rare breed but becoming more popular.

If you love playful, inquisitive energy in a cat, Lykois might be for you. They’re highly intelligent and might brush up against you all day long trying to engage you in play. They do best in a quiet home, either with no children or older children who can respect a Lykoi’s demands. Small children might accidentally let them out of the house, which can be risky.

They love mental stimulation and crave it more than physical—think of them as academics rather than athletes. They’re fairly adaptable and don’t climb or hide excessively. They’ll enjoy a cat tree, scratching posts, toys and games, and of course, your undivided attention.

Definitely an indoor cat, the Lykoi’s sparse coat won’t do well in extreme weather. They don’t enjoy getting cold and wet because they can’t self-insulate, and they even risk getting sunburned on warm days, and sadly there’s no such thing as sunscreen for cats. They could potentially do well with a fenced-in or secured backyard or access to a sheltered cat run.

Part of the Lykoi’s charm comes from its disheveled appearance. Their fur won’t tangle, but this haphazard hair pattern can make it harder to spot scrapes and injuries. They shed their full coat, so brushing them once or twice a week is enough to stay on top of it. While they might protest, it’s a good idea to bathe them once a month to keep their exposed skin clean and free of oil buildup.

The Lykoi has an active mind that does well with lots of entertainment in the form of food dispensing puzzles, fetch games, and other cat games.

Attention-seeking Lykois will want a home where owners can be devoted to their demands and they are best suited to quieter homes with older or no children. They can easily develop behavioral issues if their mental stimulation needs aren’t met, or in loud, chaotic, and busy households. They do well with other pets, and socialization pays off for this breed.

The cost of a Lykoi from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.