Lykoi vs Asian - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

Known also as the Malayan, the Asian cat is likened to the Burmese but just with different coat patterns and colors.

This particular cat breed was developed in 1981 in the UK. Apparently there was a mistake mating between a Lilac Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian and kittens from these were born in 1981.

So beautiful were they that a breeding program started with new coat colors and patterns. The breed got the name ‘Asian’ with all the varieties reaching GCCF Championship 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 Asian cat is medium-sized and muscular. The male cat is somewhat bigger than the female and weighs roughly 5 – 7kg while the female will weigh roughly 3 – 5kg although most times, there is not much difference in size between the males and females.

The attractive cat has a round head and wide-spaced ears with large green eyes. It’s a slender cat, but athletic with slender legs and medium thickness tail. Asian cats come in a wide range of colors such as fawn, chocolate, black, blue, cinnamon. The coat is short, fine, and silky and the Asian doesn’t require too much grooming.

Temperament:

These are friendly, playful cats and they get on well with children if the children are kind, gentle and respectful with him. This is a fairly dependant cat and he will actually follow his favorite human being, crying out for attention.

The Asian is a social cat and can fit well into different homes. However, because it is a social cat, they require an owner that is willing to spend time with them. They’re cats that are sensitive to the moods of their owners and make excellent companions.

They’re adventurous cats and enjoy exploring and traveling, voicing their opinion on different things as well. The Asian thrives on the attention it gets from their human owners. It’s a sociable cat and is quite talkative too.

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 Asian cat is such a sweet animal – gentle and affectionate and also very sociable. They are also curious and intelligent and vocal enough to let you know their needs. They're strong-willed if they want something.

The Asian makes an excellent companion for singles, couples, families or the elderly. They also get on well with children and with other pets in the home.

There are quite a few Asian cat varieties and each one promises to make you an excellent companion.

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 Asian cat can reach up to 15 years of age with good care.

Although there are no specific health issues with this cat, because of it being associated with the Burmese, it may be more susceptible to diabetes mellitus than other breeds.

There are many cats in modern times developing diabetes mellitus – where they are unable to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar. If the disease goes untreated it can lead to dehydration, vomiting, depression, weight loss, and even death. Your cat will be thirsty and urinating more frequently. There are various treatments and the diet for the cat will need to change too.

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.

Grooming:

To take care of the cat’s shiny coat, you can gently brush your Asian every week, not more, as they are short-haired cats, they’re not heavy shedders and they are low maintenance.

Diet:

Age and general health will influence the way you feed your Asian cat. You’ll want to be feeding your feline friend the very best food there is as this will contribute towards his good health.

If you opt to feed your cat a commercially manufactured cat food, higher protein levels in wet foods might be better for your carnivorous pet. You don’t want to provide your cat with a high protein diet that is deficient in amino acids.

That is why it is important to research cat foods and their ingredients and get to know what are the most important ingredients for your cat to be getting. At all costs, avoid your cat becoming obese.

Make sure your cat has access to fresh cool water to maintain his body temperature.

General:

Check your cat’s teeth, as he can’t convey to you that he is in pain – you need to check inside his mouth. Redness inside his ears might be indicative of an ear infection.

Whenever your cat seems to be ill, get him to the vet.

Provide your cat with a litter box that is kept hygienically clean.

Provide your cat with food- and water bowl, a brush for grooming and warm, dry sleeping basket.

Have your Asian neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.

Make sure your cat’s vaccines are up to date.

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.