Werewolves are also known as “faces”. The word translated from Greek means "wolf". These cats got their name not by accident, because there is an external resemblance to a mystical werewolf. Although in fact they are one of the varieties of the mutation of a domestic short-haired cat.
Likoy is not a "designer breed." These cats have not been specially bred. They appear due to a natural mutation that has arisen in the domestic cat population. They lack the genes of thoroughbred individuals, although many still mistakenly believe that this breed is closely related to the Canadian sphinx.
The history of the breed
The mutation has occurred in domestic cats over the past 20 years. The breed was founded in 2011. Its authors were Johnny Gobble, Brittney Gobble and Patty Thomas. Their cats brought kittens with a very interesting exterior. The Gobble couple conducted a thorough health assessment of the babies to ensure that the unusual appearance of the animals was not triggered by the disease.
In order to prove that the reason for the unusual appearance of kittens is a mutational gene, Johnny Goble crossed two unrelated individuals with the intention of producing the first litter with a characteristic exterior. In September 2011, the first kitten of this breed was born, a girl named Datsiana. To date, faces have not gained wide popularity. There are only 7 werewolf cat breeders in the world.
Character Features
Werewolf cats are very intelligent animals. They are able to independently obtain their own food. Hunters by nature, they will always demonstrate whether they are determined or simply play with prey. This is a convivial breed that loves to be with people. However, they feel quite comfortable playing alone with any toy in the room. You can not be afraid and start several individuals of this breed at once. They get along well with each other.
Sometimes it seems that these cats have the character of a cheerful and energetic dog. They adore active pastime and have an unlimited supply of energy. Werewolf cats protect their masters and toys, but they are able to share when asked. The strong and fearless nature of the cats of the new breed of "werewolves" allows them to rush to the defense of their master without the slightest thought. At first they are careful with any new pet or person, make sure that they do not threaten them or the house.
They established themselves as a hardy, healthy breed that will create more competition for other subspecies in the exhibition hall.
Breed exterior
The new breed, the werewolf cat, has an interesting appearance. These are partially naked animals with a unique color. Woolen coat is a combination of soft white wool and hard black. Color can vary from almost black to white. The more white hair in the coat, the brighter the cat will be.
Partial bald patches are unique to each individual breed. These cats can be almost completely hairless or covered with hair, with the exception of small areas on the body. But most of their coat at least once will almost completely fall out during molting. Around their eyes, chin, nose, muzzle and back of the ears, their hair always remains. On its feet, it is quite rare, often almost absent. The skin is pink, but in sunlight it can darken to black in just a few days. If the amount of sunlight is reduced, the skin will again return to its original color. Judging by the photo, werewolf cats have a truly unusual exterior.
Males are much larger than females. The ears have a wide base, they are tall and sharp. The body is not bulky, but thin. The tail is short. These features give these cats a resemblance to wolves. Kittens are born with a solid black color, and after one to two weeks, bald patches appear.
How to care for a werewolf cat ?
Despite the fact that the werewolf cat is a new breed, it does not require special care. The thing is that the faces came from a simple domestic, not thoroughbred animal. They eat regular food, both natural and dry food. A new breed of werewolf cat is not picky. Her representatives can safely use the same litter and sleep in the same house for rest, as usual domestic individuals. There are no problems with accustoming to the toilet tray. It all works at the instinct level.
Care Features
But there are several simple requirements for caring for a werewolf cat. It is necessary to clean the ears and claws of the pets. Just use a soft cloth and regularly, as it gets dirty, wipe the cat's ears. These animals also need to be protected from cold and sunlight, because their effect on the delicate skin of a werewolf cat is much stronger than, for example, on the skin of an individual of another breed. Due to the fact that the skin of domestic werewolf cats is very delicate and sensitive, they need to be combed very carefully so as not to cause discomfort or injury to the pet.
The coat becomes thicker in the winter. In summer, the skin of domestic cats of the werewolf breed needs additional protection. Scientists studied stray lycoys from wild colonies and noticed that in winter they do not suffer from hypothermia, but in summer from burns.
This breed is not hypoallergenic, so people who are allergic to cats will also respond to face. A small number of people who have allergies claim that their new werewolf cat does not cause any problems with their health, but these are isolated cases.
How to feed a werewolf cat?
To maintain the health of the cat, proper and balanced nutrition is necessary. Remember that for the health of your pet you should adhere to two simple rules:
- Observe permissible food intake, avoid overfeeding.
- Cook a balanced meal.
Remember, if you feed a cat of the new breed “werewolf” with natural food, then you should carefully think through the menu and select vitamins and minerals that will make up for the lack of nutrients in the body. Veterinarians advise you to purchase ready-made feed at pet stores. This will not only positively affect the health and appearance of the pet, but also save your time.
It is important to know that food should not be too hot or cold. Feed the cat should be food at room temperature, this will help in the future to avoid problems with the digestive system of the animal. It is advisable to feed the pet at the same time, so that the animal develops a conditioned reflex.
Health
Werewolf cats have a cheerful disposition, stamina and good health. Breeders claim that a genetic abnormality that causes partial hair loss is not accompanied by any health problems. For the sake of justice, it is worth noting that until today not a single animal has been identified as sick. However, this is a very young breed that appeared several years ago, so scientists and breeders do not have enough data to declare with full confidence that the mutation will not be accompanied by other potential problems.
Since the origin of the breed of werewolf cats is associated with domestic short-haired pets, with the exception of a genetic anomaly that causes problems with hair, their gene pool is considered strong and healthy. It is not associated with any other inherited health problems.
Can a werewolf cat be classified as a pedigree?
Currently, this breed is recognized by TICA (International Cat Association) for registration only, which means that it has passed the first stage of obtaining formal recognition, but at present it cannot be shown at exhibitions. GCCF in the UK today does not recognize this kind of pet.
In our country, few have heard of such animals and even hardly saw a photo of a werewolf cat. But we can safely assume that in the coming years in our country there will be connoisseurs and lovers of this unique breed.