Halloween is just around the corner! Pop into almost any store this week, and you’ll see all sorts of products with vampires, spiders, skulls, mummies, plenty of Halloween candy and decor, and, of course, werewolves. And guess what? There’s a new werewolf on the scene, and she’s pretty cute. In this article, a veterinarian discusses Halloween’s newest mascot … the Lykoi, or werewolf kitty.
Basics
Besides her name, appearance, and possible fixation on full moons, the Lykoi breed is just like any other cat. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, should weigh about 6 to 8 pounds, and are well-skilled at wrapping their humans around their paws. And granted, Fluffy may not howl at the moon, but she isn’t shy when it comes to speaking her mind. As you would expect, Lykois cherish kitty luxuries, such as comfy beds, scratching posts, and catnip. (No word yet on how they feel about silver.)
Coat
Fluffy is, well, kind of skimpy where fluff is concerned. In fact, most Lykois have thin coats. Many have little to no fur around their mouths, eyes, and noses and some have no hair at all! (Unsurprisingly, these bald kitties often get mixed up with Sphynx kitties.) Not unlike other hairless cats, these lovable felines get cold pretty fast. This is one reason we recommend keeping them indoors … especially when the moon is full. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t shed hair. The Lykoi actually sheds a lot for a cat that doesn’t have much hair to begin with!
History
Werewolf myths are quite popular around this time of year, and they’ve been around for centuries. Some of the oldest legends go all the way back to ancient Greece! (Fun fact: the name Lykoi derives from Lycos, the Greek word for wolf.) Even though the Lykoi may not be that old, kitties with the Lykoi look have been observed in feral cat colonies for quite a while. Back in 2011, breeders matched two of them up. This was the first step in Fluffy’s journey to getting recognized as an official breed. And that journey didn’t take very long: the International Cat Association granted the kitties official status just one year later, in 2012. Speaking of cats gaining recognition, did you know there’s a day dedicated to celebrating cats on the internet? Learn more about Internet Cat Day and how it showcases the impact of felines in the digital world. Today, the Lykoi is still quite rare with fewer than 100 show-standard ones registered worldwide. We still have lots to learn about these kitties, but you can take comfort in knowing that you don’t need to worry about changing into a werecat if Fluffy bites you.
Do you have questions about your feline friend, whether they’re a rare Lykoi or a common housecat? Our Vet Wellness and Pet Vaccinations service offers comprehensive care for all types of cats. We provide regular check-ups, necessary vaccinations, and personalized health plans to keep your feline companion healthy and happy, regardless of their breed or coat type. Contact us, your animal clinic in Waterdown, ON, today.
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