Lykoi vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

This attractive purebred cat is the first cat from Brazil to get international recognition.

It is amazing that this cat goes back to the streets of Brazil as a feral cat. Centuries ago, when the Portuguese arrived in Brazil, they brought cats with them.

It was in the 1980s that a Brazilian cat breeder wanted to transform certain street cats into purebred cats and the Brazilian Shorthair emerged from these efforts. In 1998, the World Cat Federation gave the cat ‘approval breed’ status.

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.

The Brazilian Shorthair is a purebred, medium to large sized cat that can weight between 5 nd 10kg. He is a thick-set cat that is muscular and strong and elegant to look at. The short coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns such as grey, black, orange, white and tan. The coat doesn’t require much grooming, but it is always beneficial to your cat to gently brush him to remove any excess hair there is. This cat has got such beautiful expressive eyes that you feel as if he wants to communicate with you sized cat

Temperament

This is an adaptable cat that is able to adjust to the lifestyle you provide him with. He is an outgoing, intelligent, and inquisitive cat and enjoys the company of his human family, whether that includes children and other pets.

He gives a lot and expects lots of attention back from his humans. He is an inquisitive cat and loves to be going on his own adventures exploring.

He loves life and won’t enjoy a lifestyle where he is expected to lie around most of the day. He is intelligent and can learn tricks, and even though he is an elegant looking cat, he likes being active, spending time outdoors, and putting his hunting skills to the test.

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 Brazilian Shorthair makes a great choice for a loyal feline companion and he is a good looking cat too. They love human contact and love spending time with their human family, getting on well with the children in the home as well as other pets.

They don’t shed a lot either and therefore require little grooming. They’re adaptable pets too and become used to their different environments, loving to explore new places and even meeting new people.

They’re intelligent and can learn a few tricks that you’d normally teach a dog. As an intelligent cat, it loves to be challenged.

With so much going for him, no wonder the friendly, adaptable Brazilian Shorthair cat is such a popular breed as a domesticated house cat.

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.

The Brazilian Shorthair is a robust cat and doesn’t suffer from many health issues.

Like several other cats, one of the common health issues to watch out for with the Brazilian Shorthair is polycystic kidney disease, where cysts form on the kidneys and eventually lead to kidney failure.

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 Brazilian Shorthair has a short coat and won’t require too much grooming, although a gentle brush once a week is enjoyable. It becomes a bonding time with his owner and it keeps the coat free from dust and loose hairs.

Check inside your cat’s mouth and make sure that all his pearly whites are just that. Sometimes a rotten tooth that he can’t tell you about can be a tremendous course of discomfort and pain. Also, check inside the ears for dirt and infection.

You can learn to clean the inside of the ears yourself but if you don’t want to do it, your vet or pet groomer can do these things for you – clip the nails of your pet, check the teeth for dental disease and check inside the ears.

Diet:

Cats are carnivores, so they require animal protein for good health. Wet or dry commercial manufactured cat foods are super convenient and the best ones are excellent for your pet.

If you feel clueless about what to feed your cat, speak to your veterinarian who will guide you on the right food to give your pet. Certainly, your cat will need meat to get the nutrients he so badly needs.

The amount of food your cat needs to eat each day will depend on his age, weight, and activity levels. You want to get the correct amount of food right as obesity is a common health issue with cats and can contribute to a shorter life span. Always make sure your cat has access to fresh, cool drinking water.

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.