For centuries, the appearance of cats has remained intact. It is one of the most popular domestic animals that, despite having several breeds, generally looks more homogeneous than dogs.
However, in 2017 a new breed of cats was identified that broke that homogeneity. It is about the wolf cat, also called Lykoi (which in Greek means wolf), and which received its name precisely because it had more wolfish than catlike features.
In accordance with ZME Science, the wolf cat appeared 20 years ago in Tennessee, United States. At first glance it is easy to confuse it with a common cat that suffers from some type of disease. Wolf cats have less fur than a traditional cat; even at some point in their life they can lose it completely, although later it will grow back.
The wolf cat is a mutation of a traditional one, which despite its similarities is not related to another similar species (sphinx cat). The mutation is due to a recessive gene, therefore its appearance is very rare. Today, its existence is mainly due to the fact that there are people who are dedicated to raising and producing these cats through other specimens.
However, scientists warn that the intentional breeding of wolf cats “perpetuates a mutation that would most likely be eliminated by natural selection.”
Scientists who have studied the Lykoi say that it does not have a first layer under the coat, present in all mammals and that it allows “to regulate the temperature and be a camouflage to protect itself from predators, as well as to prevent diseases.”
For now, it is not clear if these animals are more prone to diseases due to their particular skin, but that will be known as time passes and more studies are done. In any case, the wolf cat seems very appropriate for those who suffer from allergies caused by the fur of pets.
Editor’s Recommendations
es.digitaltrends.com