Felis catus
Lykoi Longhair
The Lykoi Longhair is the longhaired division of the Lykoi (Werewolf Cat), a breed with a naturally occurring mutation causing partial hairlessness and a distinctive patchy roan-like coat. TICA granted championship status to the shorthair Lykoi in 2017; a longhair division is in TICA's registration programme. The standard describes a medium-sized cat with the unique Lykoi coat pattern in a semi-long expression.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- Lykoi mutation first identified 2010 by Johnny Gobble and Brittney Gobble; TICA championship 2017 (shorthair)
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- Roan (black and white mixed) — the natural Lykoi pattern; other colours also occur
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Lykoi mutation was first observed independently in feral Virginia cats and a Tennessee shelter cat in 2010, identified by veterinarian Johnny Gobble. The mutation causes partial alopecia — cats shed and regrow their coats cyclically, and the lack of undercoat and some guard hairs produces the distinctive roan 'werewolf' appearance. Veterinary studies confirmed no underlying disease; the mutation is cosmetic. TICA granted championship to the shorthair in 2017. A longhair division has been identified within the Lykoi gene pool.
Standard
The TICA standard for the Lykoi describes a medium-sized, lean cat with a wedge-shaped head, large round eyes, and large prominent ears. The defining feature is the coat: a mix of guard hairs and areas of hairlessness producing a roan or patchy appearance, most pronounced around the eyes and muzzle. The longhair division applies the same mutation to a semi-long coat, producing longer roan guard hairs with the same partial hairlessness. Roan is the natural pattern; other colours also occur.
Coat Cycle and Appearance
The Lykoi's distinctive appearance changes cyclically. Kittens may be born with full coats that then partially shed to reveal the roan pattern; adult coats fluctuate in density seasonally. Some individuals appear more hairless in winter than summer; others shed to near-hairlessness and regrow. Each Lykoi's coat is unique. The longhair division retains the same cyclical shedding and roan pattern expression in a semi-long coat, making each individual's appearance particularly variable across seasons.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Lykoi look like a werewolf?
The Lykoi mutation causes the coat to lack undercoat and to have fewer guard hairs, particularly around the face and extremities, producing a hairless mask and a roan body. The cat also sheds more heavily than typical breeds and can appear partially bald at certain coat phases. These features together create the distinctive 'werewolf' appearance.
Is the Lykoi related to the Sphynx?
No. The Lykoi's partial hairlessness results from a different gene than the Sphynx's complete hairlessness. The two mutations are independent; crossing a Sphynx with a Lykoi does not produce a predictable coat type.
Do Lykoi Longhairs require special skin care because of the partial hairlessness?
The areas of the Lykoi's skin exposed by the partial hairlessness — typically around the muzzle and eyes — require occasional gentle cleaning to remove oil build-up, as the lack of hair in those areas reduces the self-grooming barrier. The skin is not delicate or easily irritated; it is normal feline skin simply exposed due to the coat mutation. Sun protection for light-skinned Lykois kept outdoors is advisable.
