Lykoi: Werewolf Cat Is Like A Hairy Sphynx Breed, But Are Vet Johnny Gobble’s Wolf Cat Kittens Unhealthy? [Video]
The Lykoi cat breed is well-known as the werewolf cat among feline aficionados. Similar to the Sphynx cat breed, these so-called wolf cats are a mix of bare skin and dog-like hair. A vet named Johnny Gobble has made a business putting up Lykoi for sale on the internet, but if you want to own your own werewolf cat you better get in line now.
In a related report by the Inquisitr, a Pixie-Bob cat is the result of a romantic interlude between a domestic kitty and a vicious bobcat.
The first Lykoi kittens were born in 2010 based upon a breeding program by Johnny and Brittney Gobble. The name Lykoi cat is derived from lycanthrope and literally means “wolf cat” in Greek, which is very fitting considering their appearance. The werewolf cats have a unique genetic mutation which causes their fur to come and go, similar to how mythological werewolves transform between states.
“Lykois bear a mutant gene variation that interferes with their hair growth, robbing the animals of much of their undercoat and leaving them with hair follicles that are either unable to produce hair at all, or that can produce it but not maintain it,” explained blogger Ian Chant in Nautilis. “While they do have hair, it is sparse, and often missing entirely around the face and paws, lending Lykois a lean, slightly mangy look, with eyes that, unhidden by fur, give the illusion of being much larger than normal.”
According to KOMO, Dr. Gobble says the Lykoi cat breed is also similar to dogs in another way.
“I like to compare the Lykoi to hunting dogs; they are extremely loyal to their owners, very scent motivated, and very intelligent,” Gobble said. “Lykoi love both human and animal companionship and as long as introductions are done properly, they fit right in with their new family members… the two legged and the four legged kind!”
The health of the Lykoi cats may be of concern to prospective owners. Like the Sphynx cat, the werewolf cat needs to be closely monitored for oils building up on their skin. If not taken care of properly, the Lykoi can be susceptible to mite infestations, although Dr. Gobble told The Inquisitr that the breed does not have ear issues as reported in years past. In addition, the animals cannot handle cold weather very well, and if the werewolf cats are housed outside they will need ready access to a heater during the winter.
Since the Lykoi breed is based upon a genetic mutation, you might suspect that the wolf cats may have other health issues. Fortunately, this potential issue has already been tested.
“DNA testing was done by UC Davis to confirm that these cats do not carry the Sphynx/Devon gene. We also performed a DNA panel for genetic disease, color, and blood type. At the University of Tennessee, dermatologists examined them for any skin abnormalities,” the Lykoi website stated.
Johnny Gobble has also been very cautious with regard to creating the Lykoi cat. Using his own clinic, the vet has tested the wolf cats for all sorts of potential medical problems. The doctor says the cat breed has a clean bill of health at this time, but since it has been only five years he can’t say for certain whether or not the werewolf cats will develop health problems as they age.
“It’s way too early,” Gobble explained. “A lot of health problems won’t show up until a cat is 6 or 7 years old, and we don’t have any Lykois that old yet.”
Would you buy a Lykoi cat?
[Image via Imgkid.com]
