Unique breed of felines christened 'werewolf cats' for their feral appearance and dog-like mannerisms

• Tennessee-based veterinarian Johnny Gobble, one of three 'foundation breeders' behind the Lykoi cats, said the first litter was born in 2010
• The new breed has a patchy coat caused by incomplete hair follicles and no hair around its eyes, nose, ears and muzzle - it can eve go completely bald 
• Lykoi cats behave like dog as it has 'a strong prey drive', is friendly and loyal

By Erica Tempesta For Dailymail.com

Published: 28 October 2015

With Halloween just a few days away animal lovers may be clamoring to dress their pets in pint-sized costumes, however one cat breeder is offering a frighteningly adorable felines that look like mini-werewolves all year round. Lykoi cats get their freaky appearance from a natural mutation in a domestic shorthair that gives the felines werewolf features and prevents them from growing a full coat of fur.  And now the eye-catching - and spooky - appearance of the cats have seen a new trend in breeding the type.

Spook-tacular: The unique Lykoi cats have been nicknamed 'werewolf cats' for their unique appearance and dog-like behavior

Moving up: Tennessee-based Lykoi specialist Johnny Gobble and his fellow 'foundation breeders' - his wife Brittney and their colleague Patti Thomas, are championing the breed after testing the cats to ensure they are healthy

Five years in the making: According to Mr Gobble, a practicing veterinarian, the first litter was born in July 2010

Tennessee-based Lykoi specialist Johnny Gobble and his fellow 'foundation breeders' - his wife Brittney and their colleague Patti Thomas, are championing the breed after testing the cats to ensure they are healthy. According to Mr Gobble, a practicing veterinarian, the first litter was born in July 2010. 

'Our founding cats come from two unrelated litters,' he explained. 'The first litter was presented to Patti as a natural occurring Sphynx mutation. The mother was a black domestic shorthair. Upon receiving the kittens, a brother, sister, and their mother, she knew they were not Sphynx. This confirmation was done with DNA testing for Devon/Sphynx gene which the kittens did not have. The Lykoi Cat's name was the inspiration of Patti. She said Lykoi was the Greek word for wolf, and we all thought it was very fitting - "wolf cat."

' 

The animal has no hair around its eyes, nose, ears and muzzle, but has a consistently patchy coat of fur on the rest of its body. 

Halloween favorite: Unsurprisingly, given the time of year, there has been a surge in interest surrounding the cats

Something special: Lykoi cats get their freaky appearance from a natural mutation in a domestic shorthair that gives the felines werewolf features and prevents them from growing a full coat of fur

Perfectly healthy: The cats have been examined by dermatologists to ensure that they don't have any skin abnormalities 

They may look spooky, but Lykoi cats are said to make wonderful pets because of their good nature 

THE LYKOI 'WERECAT'

The Lykoi gets its spooky looks because of a genetic mutation in a domestic shorthair cat, which prevents the curious creature from growing a full coat of fur.

Its name comes from the Greek for wolf and translates as ‘wolf cat. The animal has no hair around its eyes, nose, ears and muzzle as well as a consistently patchy coat on the rest of its body. It behaves like a dog as it hunts for prey and toys and is also friendly and loyal to owners.

Due to incomplete hair follicles, the cat has a patchy coat, molts, and can go completely bald some of the time. A total of 14 litters of kittens not from the original litter.  Mr Gobble decided that testing would needed to be done to ensure that they were not dealing with disease or disorders causing the hair coat appearance. Infectious disease tests were performed first in his clinic followed by DNA testing. 

have been reported and there are just seven breeders registered in the world. 

Dermatologists at the University of Tennessee examined them for any skin abnormalities. Biopsy samples of the skin were taken but they 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,' Mr Gobble explained.  '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.

Mysterious: 'Our cardiologist also performed cardiac scans to look for any structural problems with the hearts,' Mr Gobble said of the cats' unique appearance. 'In the end, we found that the cats are healthy and the hair pattern is not from any known disease or disorder'

Growing breed: 'It was determined that it was indeed a true natural mutation and the Lykoi breeding program began On September 14th, 2011 we welcomed the first kitten from a Lykoi to Lykoi Cat breeding,' Mr Gobble explained

Perfect fit: the cats were given the name Lykoi because it means 'wolf' in Greek and therefore seemed fitting

Random roots: Mr Gobble explained that the mother of the first litter was a black domestic shorthair

Trick-or-treat: While this Lykoi has fur, some cats from the breed become almost completely bald from time to time

'Our cardiologist also performed cardiac scans to look for any structural problems with the hearts. In the end, we 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 On September 14th, 2011 we welcomed the first kitten from a Lykoi to Lykoi Cat breeding.'  

And while Lykoi are cats that look like werewolves, they actually act like dogs. They are described as having a 'hound dog personality' as they like to hunt around the house for whatever they can find.  Like dogs, Lykoi are scent motivated and very intelligent.

Hairloss: The animal has no fur around its eyes, nose, ears and muzzle but has a consistently patchy coat of fur on the rest of its body

Child's best friend: The special breed are said to initially be cautious when meeting strangers, but like most dogs, they warm up quickly and become loyal and friendly

Loyal friends: Lykois are cats that look like werewolves but act like dogs. They are said to have a 'hound dog personality' because they are always hunting around the house 

Always on the lookout: Mr Gobble explained on his website that Lykoi cats are always aware of everything going on around them 

Too cute: Mr Gobble shares testimonials from his happy customers on his website, and many of the Lykoi owners wrote about how friendly and loving their family pets are 

According to Mr Gobble's breeding website, they are 'aware of everything going on around them'. The special breed are said to initially be cautious to when meeting strangers, but like most dogs, they warm up quickly and become loyal and friendly. 

'They can be clingy at times,' he added, 'but generally if you are too busy to snuggle, they will take "no" as an answer and will go on and amuse themselves... as long as they are close enough to keep an eye on you.' 

On the breeder's website, some of his happy customers have written testimonials about their unique cats. 'Wilbur is a joy to our family,' one pet owner named Barb A. said of her pet. 'At the moment, Wilbur is molting, which is very odd to see. From his head to his shoulders he is balding and from his shoulders down, he is furry. Very unique!'

'I recommend a wolfie for everyone!' she added.  

Caped crusader: Mr Gobble noted that these cats can become 'clingy' at times, but they typically will go an amuse themselves if you tell them 'no' 

Play date: Many of Mr Gobbler's customers said that the cats get along well with other humans - as well as other felines 

Seasonal portrait: This Lykoi cat looks adorable as it poses on a small bale of hay while donning a kerchief around its neck 

Not catty: While most cats can be aloof, this breed is known for being affectionate and friendly 

Fascinating to watch: One pet owner said it was interesting to watch her pet Lykoi molt, noting the process left her cat with a 'unique look' 

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