Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Lykoi breed appeared relatively recently and immediately drew attention due to its unusual “werewolf-like” appearance, from which its name originates. Mentions of cats with partial hair loss existed in natural domestic cat populations long before, but the Lykoi as a stable breed was formed in the United States in the early 21st century. Breeding began with kittens discovered in 2010 in Tennessee, which displayed a unique mutation causing sparse fur and a distinctive facial structure. Veterinary studies confirmed that the mutation was not linked to disease but was a natural genetic variation. This allowed breeders to stabilize the trait and begin official selective breeding, leading to recognition by international organizations.
General Appearance
The Lykoi cat gives the impression of a unique animal with a characteristic “wild” appearance. The overall look is slender and muscular, medium in size, combining elegance with agility. The body is well-proportioned, with a strong bone structure and balanced lines. The head is wedge-shaped with a clearly defined muzzle and high-set ears. The coat is sparse, with areas of partial or complete baldness, creating the breed’s signature “wolf-like” look. Eyes are large, slightly almond-shaped, giving an attentive and inquisitive expression. The harmony of lines emphasizes the rarity of the phenotype while retaining the agility and grace typical of domestic breeds.
Important Proportions
The Lykoi’s body must remain well-balanced, with no part appearing exaggerated or underdeveloped. The head should harmonize with the size of the body and limbs; the wedge shape and facial proportions highlight the breed’s distinct characteristics. The chest is medium in width, ensuring easy breathing and flexibility. Legs are of medium length, proportionate to the torso, giving a graceful gait and excellent jumping ability. The tail is equal to or slightly shorter than the body, flexible, and continues the line of the back. The coat alternates between sparsely covered and thicker areas, producing the breed’s unique appearance, which must be symmetrical and evenly distributed.
Temperament and Character
Despite their unusual appearance, Lykoi cats are friendly and affectionate. They seek human attention, adapt easily to household life, and show high intelligence and curiosity. Lykoi form strong bonds with their owners, displaying loyalty and trust, while maintaining a moderate degree of independence. They are gentle companions that coexist peacefully with other animals and children, though they may assert mild dominance. The breed is valued for its balanced temperament, playfulness, and calmness even under stress.
Head
The head is medium-sized, wedge-shaped, with smooth contours and proportional harmony to the body. The forehead is slightly rounded, with a gentle transition to the muzzle. Cheekbones are defined but not broad, emphasizing the breed’s wild expression. The muzzle is slightly elongated with rounded lines and a well-shaped outline. The chin is firm and aligned with the nose, neither protruding nor receding. The profile is straight or gently curved at the bridge of the nose. The overall head shape creates a distinctive and expressive look unique to the breed.
Facial Features
The face of the Lykoi is strikingly expressive. The nose is straight, medium in length, without a hump, and smoothly transitions to the forehead. The nose leather is medium-sized and dark-colored, harmonizing with the coat. Cheeks are taut, creating a lean impression that enhances the “wolfish” look. Whiskers are long but often sparse or partially absent, a characteristic feature. The chin is rounded, well-developed, and aligns with the nose line. The face should balance wildness with soft, natural harmony.
Eyes
Eyes are large, expressive, almond- or slightly oval-shaped, and set at a slight angle, giving an intense, “feral” expression. The color ranges from golden to bright yellow or greenish shades, with rich tones preferred. Eyes are wide-set, emphasizing the wedge-shaped head. The gaze of the Lykoi appears alert and observant yet gentle and intelligent. The eye contour must be clean, avoiding excessive roundness or narrowing.
Ears
Ears are medium to large, set high and wide apart, slightly tilted forward to accentuate alertness. The base is broad, with gently rounded tips. The inner surface is sparsely haired or nearly bare, which is typical for the breed. The outer ear may have thin or uneven hair. Ears should be mobile and proportionate to the head, neither too large nor too small. Correct placement is essential for the breed’s characteristic expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular yet graceful, smoothly connecting the head to the shoulders. It broadens toward the base, enhancing the impression of strength while preserving elegance. The neck may have sparse or absent hair, adding to the breed’s distinctive appearance. It must not be too short or overly long; the lines are soft and fluid. The neck contributes to the breed’s balanced and alert silhouette.
Body
The body is medium in size, elongated, and muscular but not massive. The back is straight and strong, the chest moderately wide and deep. The abdomen is firm and tucked up, providing agility. The bone structure is solid yet refined. The body’s smooth lines and sparse coat accentuate the Lykoi’s “wild” appearance. The cat should give an overall impression of balance, strength, and grace.
Tail
The tail is medium to long, flexible, and well-proportioned. It tapers gently toward the rounded tip and continues the body line naturally. The hair on the tail matches the coat—sparse, sometimes thicker in sections, or partially bald. It should be mobile and free of kinks or deformities. Too short or overly thick tails are undesirable.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are medium in length, slender yet muscular, with straight alignment. Shoulders are smooth and well attached to the body. Paws are oval, of medium size, with flexible toes and strong claws. The limbs should balance elegance with strength, providing stability and agility.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the cat a graceful gait and excellent jumping ability. Thighs are muscular, knees well-defined, and hocks strong. Paws are oval and compact. The legs must appear straight when viewed from behind and maintain smooth proportionality with the body.
Gait and Movement
The Lykoi’s movements are light, flexible, and smooth, combining elegance with silent precision. The gait is graceful and elastic, reflecting the natural agility of a hunter. The body remains balanced and coordinated, with the tail aiding in equilibrium. Movements should appear confident and effortless, without stiffness or clumsiness.
Coat
The coat is the defining feature of the breed—sparse, with alternating areas of thin hair and baldness, giving a “werewolf” look. The texture is soft to slightly coarse, without a dense undercoat. Hair may be minimal or absent on the face and limbs. Seasonal variations in density are acceptable. Common colors include black and gray with silvery tipping, enhancing the wolf-like image. The coat must emphasize the breed’s natural wild aesthetic.
Size
Lykoi cats are medium in size. Males are larger and more muscular, weighing 3.5–7 kg, while females are lighter, 2.5–5 kg. Height is moderate, maintaining elongated, well-balanced proportions. The overall impression should be of a strong, athletic cat—neither too small nor overly heavy.
Faults
Minor faults include disproportionately large or small ears, overly narrow or wide muzzles, weak chins, or incorrect eye shape or color. Insufficient musculature, flat or narrow chest, short or excessively long tail, or uneven coat density are also considered faults. Behavioral deviations such as excessive shyness or excitability are minor defects but not disqualifying.
Disqualification
Serious defects leading to disqualification include congenital or acquired health issues affecting vitality (heart, respiratory, or skeletal disorders), major asymmetry of the head, tail deformities, strabismus, or total blindness. Extreme aggression, pathological fear, or inability to be handled disqualify a cat from shows. Complete absence of coat (totally hairless) or dense full fur (loss of breed type) is also disqualifying.
Important Notes
Judges must recognize that the Lykoi’s sparse coat and partial baldness are natural genetic traits—not signs of illness. Absence of whiskers or fur patches on the face and limbs is normal. Regular veterinary monitoring is required to rule out skin diseases. Seasonal coat changes are acceptable. Only cats with verified ICCF documentation confirming origin and health may participate in breeding or shows.
Conclusion
The Lykoi holds a special place within the ICCF system as a breed combining wild aesthetics with affectionate temperament. These cats are resilient, intelligent, and loyal companions. At ICCF shows, they are judged according to established standards emphasizing correct proportions, movement, and coat characteristics. Only cats with official ICCF documentation confirming lineage and compliance are eligible for shows and breeding. The Lykoi thus represents both a rare and valuable genetic treasure within modern felinology, embodying the balance between natural uniqueness and domestic harmony.
