No, Lykoi cats are not hypoallergenic. Despite having little hair, they shed more than other short hair breeds. Their excessive shedding means they may spread more dander in your home than most cats. This makes them a poor choice for people with severe cat allergies, but may be an option for people with very mild cat allergies.
If you are thinking about adding a Lykoi cat to your family, keep reading.
What is a Lykoi cat?
The word lykoi, roughly translated, means “wolf cat” in Greek. This breed may have gotten its name because it does look like a feline werewolf.
The Lykoi cat is considered to be a partially hairless cat. They have no true undercoat, and parts of the body, such as the eyes, chin, nose, muzzle, and behind the ears are hairless. Their exposed skin, which feels leathery to the touch, is normally pink but can darken when exposed to the sun.
Most cats will molt some or all of their fur, making them look like they are naked. This is normal for Lykoi cats and is not a symptom of a disease.
Some Lykoi cats are hairier than others, some even look like they are fully-haired. Others are almost completely bald. Breeders actively select black cats but in the mutation, the colors of their coats vary.
The Lykoi’s signature “roan” color is unique to the breed. Made up of a mix of black and amelanistic hairs, their coat may appear silver. They are born black and within a few weeks, the hairlessness and roan coat color develops.
Lykoi are not large cats, but the males are typically larger than the females. Like feral cats, their bodies are lean and strong. Their tails are shorter than their body and their legs are medium relative to their body size.
Their ears are wide set, tall, and pointed, contributing to their signature “wolf look”.
Lykoi cat personality
The Lykoi cats are derivatives of feral cats, and as such, they also inherited their strong prey drive. They love to stalk their toys, other animals, and even their humans. They tend to be cautious when put in a new situation. They would rather scrutinize things first before diving in. Despite this, it will take them no time to warm up to new people and pets.
Even though they have been bred to keep their friendly personality, you have to understand that their wild ancestors are only a few generations separated from them. The traits that helped their feral ancestors survive will help them overcome different situations in their lifetime.
They are a relatively high-energy breed and tend to be more active than other cats. They prefer being kept busy with toys and games or just whatever adventure they plan on taking that day. But that does not mean that they will not lay down next to you for some pets and scratches.
The Lykoi is a new cat breed and has only been developed in recent years, but its strong personality and striking physical features will always make it a hit amongst cat lovers.
Are Lykoi cats hypoallergenic?
No, Lykoi cats are not hypoallergenic, mostly due to their tendency to shed. Like all cats, they carry the protein allergen Fel d 1 on their saliva, skin, and urine. Their excessive shedding means that the allergens in their saliva that transfers to the skin and fur when they groom will become more likely to spread in your home. They are not recommended for people with severe cat allergies, but may be an option for people with mild cat allergies.
How much do Lykoi cats shed?
Lykoi cats shed a lot more than most cats. Despite being partially hairless, Lykoi cats typically molt twice a year and can even shed their entire coat occasionally, leaving them completely bald. During the period of shedding and regrowth the Lykoi’s appearance can transform as their coat regrows in different shades.
What do I do if I want a Lykoi cat but have allergies?
Before getting any cat of your own, make sure that you do extensive research about the breed you wish to get. If you can contact breeders near you, ask them if you can spend time with their cats so you can observe how your body will react when around the breed. This is a vital step because if you do not do enough research on the breed you can risk having to rehome the poor kitty.
Tips on managing allergies
Grooming
Lykoi cats do not need that much grooming because they have very little hair. They are able to groom themselves quite well. When your cat’s coat is relatively thick, you can brush them with a comb just so it does not mat. Bathing is not necessary unless your cat rolled on something dirty or smelly. If your cat hates baths, you can wipe their bodies with a damp towel to clean them.
Diet
Talk to your veterinarian regarding giving your cat a breed appropriate diet. This ensures that the food you are giving your cat is the very best for them. There might be nutrients that the breed specifically needs that cannot be found in most store-bought cat food. Give your cat food rich in Omega 3, as it will help keep their skin and coat healthy. Make sure they have access to fresh, clean water all day to keep them well-hydrated.
Cleaning is key
Vacuum the carpets and fabric furniture in your home, and wipe down smooth surfaces with a microfiber cloth to rid your living spaces of dander and fur build-up. If your budget allows it, invest in an air purifier to help filter allergens from the air circulating around your home.
Keep your cat out of the bedroom
Your body is going to need a break from exposure to allergens. Keep the door to your bedroom closed at all times so your cat does not wander in and spread their dander. This might help you sleep better knowing the room is completely allergen-free.
Wash your hands
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after every physical interaction with your cat. This is to avoid transferring allergens from your hands when you accidentally touch your face.
Medication
Consult with your physician about what type of anti-allergy medication is best suited for you.
Conclusion
No, Lykoi cats are not hypoallergenic as they tend to shed a lot of their fur. They usually molt twice a year, sometimes becoming completely bald. They are not recommended for people who have severe cat allergies, but they may be a good option for those with mild allergies.
In order to manage your allergies be sure to groom your cat properly, give them a breed-appropriate diet, clean your home regularly, keep your cat out of your bedroom, wash your hands after touching your cat, and possibly take antihistamine medication when necessary.
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