The "Lykoi" name:
The name “Lykoi Cat” roughly means “Wolf Cat” in Greek….a very fitting name for these kittens! These cats have the appearance of a werewolf due to their lack of undercoat. The coat varies in thickness/hairlessness based on the individual cat as well as the climate in which the cat lives, Hormones and genetics. Some of the lines including those used in founding the breed shed or molt several times throughout their lives as their hair follicles lack properties needed to sustain a full coat.
The Lykoi Cat is a natural mutation from a domestic shorthair. The mutation has occurred in domestic cats over the last 20 years, but to date, no reports of anyone starting a breed have been made. The founding cats come from two unrelated litters. The first litter came from Virginia and was identified as a possible Sphynx mutation by a rescue, this was later disproved with DNA testing. The mother appeared to be a normal black domestic shorthair. Dr. Leslie Lyons did a complimentary DNA test for the kittens to confirm they were not Sphynx or Devon mutation. They were offered to Brittney & Johnny Gobble who were fascinated by the appearance of these cats!
Upon starting the program Johnny (who is a veterinarian) decided that testing would need to be done to ensure that we are not dealing with disease or disorders causing the hair coat appearance. Infectious disease tests were performed first in his clinic. DNA testing was then done by UC Davis to confirm that the second set of cats did not carry the Sphynx/Devon gene (all results came back proving that NONE of the founding cats have the Sphynx/Devon gene). Additional DNA panels were performed for genetic disease, color, and blood type on all of the founding cats. At the University of Tennessee, dermatologists examined them for any skin abnormalities (and they too fell in love with these cats!). Along with biopsy samples of the skin, the dermatologists could find no reason for the coat pattern.
What they did find is that some hair follicles lacked all the necessary components required to create hair (which is why Lykoi lack an undercoat). They also found that the follicles that were able to produce hair, lacked the proper balance of these components to maintain the hair (which is why Lykoi do molt and can become almost completely bald from time to time). The Gobble’s cardiologist also performed cardiac scans to look for any structural problems with the hearts. In the end, it was found that the cats are healthy and the hair pattern is not from any known disease or disorder. It was determined that it was indeed a true natural mutation and the Lykoi breeding program began! September 14th, 2011 we welcomed the first kitten ever from a Lykoi to Lykoi Cat breeding at Dr. and Mrs. Gobbles residence in Tennessee.
The name Lykoi was chosen because of it’s meaning, means “Wolf Cat” in Greek. Dr. Johnny Gobble sent in all the necessary documentation to TICA to have the Lykoi breed listed as “experimental” (basically letting TICA know they were beginning the process of establishing a new breed) as well as registering the first 5 cats.
In 2015, Brittney Gobble and Cheryl Kerr traveled to Austria where they took the Lykoi before the TICA Board and the Lykoi were passed to “Advanced New Breed” status. In 2016, Brittney , Johnny & Cheryl traveled to California where the Lykoi were advanced to Championship status. In May 2017. We all began showing our Lykoi against all of the other breeds in TICA Championship status.
The Lykoi can be shown in TICA now with Championship qualifications as of September 2016.
All foundation Lykoi were tested by the Gobble's for diseases....skin sample testing, echo-cardiograms (to check heart health), DNA testing, Thyroid testing, infectious disease testing, blood type testing, and organ panel testing.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lykoi are not hypoallergenic, however, with their lack of undercoat and very thin guard hairs most find that they do not have an allergic reaction to these cats compared to a regular furred cat.
They do shed (quite a bit at times when they molt), and can even go bald from time to time. Coat varies in thickness/hairlessness based on the individual cat and the climate in which the cat lives. Remember that their shedding is different from a regular furred cat because they have less hair to start with.
We are always on the look out for other Lykoi that pop up in the feral cat population to learn more about the breed, and whenever possible to obtain these new lines to broaden the gene pool.
Most of the Lykoi that have popped up have been feral, strays, or in shelters. Most of the domestic cats used were also either strays, or even cats set to be euthanized simply because they were available as adults at a time when too many adorable kittens were also available (and we were able to get these kitties with the agreement we would do full health testing, have one or two litters, and then spay/neuter and place them in loving pet homes). The Lykoi breed is based on SECOND CHANCES! These cats are incredible, healthy and so unique. We didn't "create" them, but we are very happy that they are being given a chance to show how wonderful they truly are...not something that should have ever been tossed aside simply for being "different".
There is no charge to be on our waitlist! When you join our list please be sure that the entire family is ready to adopt, and that you are prepared for the adoption fee.
This is Nero. He is one of my studs
Channing was the result of my F1 to F1 breeding. Now he has bred with a DSH to make F1's and one of those girls will breed with Nero (who is unrelated) to make Lykoi kittens. This should happen in 2017. Channing is a beautiful Lykoi with the sweetest personality! In 2017 he should be ready to breed to an unrelated Lykoi female and make 100% Lykoi kittens
All kittens are spayed/neutered prior to leaving...no exceptions! I
We do offer shipping through a pet courier only. The charge is $500.00 anywhere in the US. She can also deliver to Canada (Canada may be a little more expensive). You pay her when you receive your kitten from her.
I do not ship Cargo anymore. With all their added requirements the cost to ship cargo is comparable to ship with the courier. Shipping with the courier is a much better choice since the cabin is temperature regulated and your kitten has a friendly person comforting them the whole way. Of course you can always fly out and I will meet you at my local airport in Ontario, California
LYKOI KITTENS COME WITH -Vet health check, up to date on shots, dewormed, socialized with dogs, other cats and children. A take home pack with a blanket scented from Mom/litter mates, toys, (Organic Lykoi shampoos and sprays formulated for their skin type only for the 1/8/19 litter). Sample food dry and canned that the kitten is currentely on so you can slowly adjust to your own kitten food, shot record, micro-chip paperwork, copy of signed contract and registration papers, text pics /videos as your kitten grows.
Parents are FIV/Felv tested negative every year.
Registration papers are provided with all kittens.
DEPOSITS ARE NON REFUNDABLE - So please make sure everyone in your family is ready for this new addition prior to making a deposit : ) Deposits are $500.00
Fill out the application to get on the litter notification email list. This works better on a tablet or PC. Submission of the application does not always work with cell phones : (
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Go to the "Application page" to get on the kitten notification list for New litters coming soon : )
All breeders will be DNA tested this year through Optimal Selection DNA testing. This will let me know if any of my breeders carry any genetic disorders that they can pass on to their kittens, their blood type and genetic history.
All kittens have deposits at this time. Fill out the application to get notified of an upcoming litter anyday :)