Oriental Longhair vs Lykoi - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

These cats were first discovered in 2010 in Virginia. It was Patti Thomas who named the breed Lykoi.

It was in 2012 that the cat breed went before the International Cat Association and is now recognized as a Championship Breed.

There is also work being done to expand the cat’s breeding program. It’s a naturally occurring gene in the feral cat population. There are still Lykoi cats born to the feral cat population.

Your Oriental Longhair cat has his foundations in the Siamese breed. The Siamese came from Thailand to the UK in the 1800s.

Sometimes a litter of Siamese kittens produced a long-haired variety but in the 1950s breeders started honing in on these longer haired Siamese cats.

Various crossings took place and Oriental Shorthairs came about. By breeding these Shorthairs with Balinese cats, the Oriental Longhair came about in the 1970s.

The Lykoi varies quite a bit in looks and you get some that are completely covered in hair and some that are actually partially hairless. Strangely, they are born with quite a lot of black fur.

The cat has a solid black roan coat with no undercoat. Even though the cat is partially hairless, it molts a couple of times each year.

People are inclined to think that the little bit of hair would be wiry, when in fact it is soft and silky. It's just that it looks like bristles, but is actually not. People are always surprised by the coat's softness.

The Lykoi has a lean muscular body with large ears and eyes. He is a medium-sized cat and can weigh between 4 to 6kg.

Temperament:

The Lykoi is a friendly, people-oriented cat that is affectionate towards its human owners. This is also a playful cat breed and he is also intelligent and inquisitive.

The Lykoi is fond of his human family and makes a wonderful companion.

The Oriental Longhair is a medium-sized cat with a fairly long, muscular, lean body. The Oriental Longhair actually resembles the Siamese cat.

They also come in an outstanding array of colors and patterns with the coat being long and silky. The coat can be a solid color but you can also find tabby-type coats as well as tipped coats. The cat doesn’t have an undercoat and coat lies fairly flat against the body. You will also hear it being referred to as a semi-longhair.

The tail is attractive and forms quite a bushy plume.

The Oriental Longhair cat has almond-shaped green eyes. If you see the white Orientals, they can have green or blue eyes. They can also be odd-eyed.

Temperament:

These cats are intelligent, curious, and good-natured and they love to talk. Therefore it is important that such a cat breed have a home where there is plenty of company.

They’re active cats too, loving to play and bound and leap. He'll want to willingly join in with some of your games. The cat will certainly need some exciting toys to keep him occupied.

They are loyal cats and become loving and devoted to their human family, getting on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

They don’t like being left alone at all and will prefer to have company, even if it is from another pet.

People who have owned the Lykoi say that they make a remarkable and devoted pet. They want a lot of attention and they’re willing to give attention as well.

They’re social cats and want to spend time with their human companions. A cat that doesn’t receive the love and care it needs can become heartbroken and sick.

If you have one of these cats and your life has changed so that you can’t give it the attention it craves, at least provide it with a feline companion.

Cats aren’t all the aloof creatures they’re made out to be and your Lykoi is capable of making you a splendid companion.

Your Oriental Longhair is such a friendly, lively cat and he makes a splendid companion. It is an inquisitive cat and likes to be part of the activity in the household.

He is a social, talkative cat and has always got a lot to say/ They love the attention of their human family and don’t like being separated too long from them.

When you get one of these cats, you get both an entertainer and a friend.

This cat is vulnerable to being cold and it should essentially be an indoor cat. If your Lykoi cat escapes, it can’t possibly keep warm on its own.

The Lykoi cat has not shown any specific health problems but being hairless, it is vulnerable to respiratory issues. Eye discharge as well as perpetual sneezing are characteristics of a cat with Feline Upper Respiratory Disease.

The cat’s mouth, sinuses, nasal passages, and upper airway are all affected. Your cat will need to get to the vet for a diagnosis and medical treatment. There are vaccines to prevent feline upper respiratory disease.

Any cat can develop this disease and your cat may have trouble breathing.

The Oriental Longhair is generally considered a healthy breed. Because the cat can be prone to some inherited conditions, it is always a wise move to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder.

A couple of these diseases to look out for include Progressive Retinol Atrophy which is a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness.

Also, look out for periodontal disease which is common in many cat breeds.

With the Lykoi’s lack of a coat, it isn’t going to require too much grooming. However, you have to keep a watch on this cat as without hair, he is vulnerable to sunburn and to getting cold.

The cat has oily skin and it’s one cat breed that will need a bath occasionally. Some people recommend it once a week. Use warm water and a special pet shampoo recommended by your vet. Every trace of shampoo will need to be washed off to avoid the skin becoming irritated.

Provide your cat with food and water bowls, bedding, litter box, collar, grooming accessories and toys.

The Lykoi will require his nails being clipped.

Your Lykoi will require a nice warm, soft bed to rest and sleep in.

Cat food is a huge, important decision for any cat, as their very health depends on it. Commercially manufactured cat foods are available as wet and dry. Make sure you always get your cat food from a reliable source.

Some people believe in offering their cat both wet and dry options. Whatever you decide for your cat, remember that it needs to be at least 70% protein as every cat is a carnivore and requires a diet rich in protein.

If in any doubt, rather speak to your veterinarian and ensure that your Lykoi is getting the best food there is to promote good health. Always make sure that your cat has access to fresh cool water night and day.

This is a slim cat and you can easily tell when he has put on weight. Be very careful with how much you feed your cat and what you feed him.

Cats are carnivores and you need to ensure that his diet is rich in meaty ingredients. These cats have long slim legs and extra weight can put pressure on the cat’s joints. Keep your cat lean and healthy. If in any doubt about diet for your cat, speak to your vet, Always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Prepare to have a cat included in your family. Invest in food and water bowls, a cat bed, grooming brushes, toys, climbing tree, scratching post and litter box. A cat box for transporting your pet to the vet is also a good idea.

The Oriental Longhair loves to leap up into high areas so he will need a climbing tree. Try to get your cat out into the sunshine where possible and allow him to climb into a tree.

They’re playful cats and will require some stimulating toys.

The cat’s medium- to long hair will require brushing once or twice a week. When you brush your pet gently but purposefully, he loves it and it becomes a bonding session.

Provide your cat with a litterbox and make sure to clean out the box every day. You can do that by buying a small plastic rake at the pet shop and it keeps the litter nice and even for your pet.

Have your cat neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.