Compare
Lykoi vs Sphynx
Two thin-coated, skin-care breeds. The Sphynx is hairless, clinging and common; the Lykoi is a sparse-coated, active hunter that is less of a lap cat.
Verdict
Both breeds need skin care and a warm, indoor life, and temperament decides it. The Sphynx is hairless or covered in fine down, scores top marks for affection and play, and wants company all day. The Lykoi has a sparse roan coat and a bare facial mask, is bonded and loyal but less cuddly, and moults in cycles. Its watch-list covers skin cysts, folliculitis and sunburn. The Sphynx is Common, and the Lykoi is Rare. Choose the Sphynx for an outgoing, attention-loving cat, and the Lykoi if you are patient and want a striking hunter.
Choose the Lykoi if
- You want an energetic, bonded cat with a striking look.
- You will manage its skin and keep it indoors.
- You do not want a cat that clings to you all day.
- You accept a Rare breed, a CFA championship breed since only 2023.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a warm, outgoing, affectionate cat.
- You are home most of the day.
- You want an easier search, since it is Common.
- You will plan for heart, muscle, skin and gum checks.
Where they are alike
Both have thin coats, so both need a warm home and skin care. No breed is hypoallergenic, and both still have the skin and saliva that carry cat allergen.
Side by side
| Lykoi | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Tennessee, United States | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | About 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Often reported as 12-15 years; the breed is young | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Hairless |
| Coat | Sparse, soft roan coat of white and coloured hairs with no undercoat, which moults in cycles | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2023 | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Rare | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 4 |
| Shedding | 3 | 1 |
| Good with children | 3 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 3 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Lykoi's thin coat sheds in cycles, and the skin and saliva that carry cat allergen are still there. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The main cat allergen comes from saliva and skin, not only hair, so a hairless cat can still trigger symptoms. |
| Suits | A patient owner who wants an energetic, bonded cat with a striking look, and who will manage its skin and keep it indoors. | A person or family at home most of the day that wants a warm, outgoing, attention-loving cat and does not mind regular bathing. |
| Less suited to | A cold home, a household that wants a cuddly lap cat from the first day, or anyone who dislikes bathing a cat. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a cat that can live outdoors, or anyone who dislikes skin care routines. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
|
|
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026