Extremely rare 'werewolf cat' reportedly found in South African animal shelter

(Image credit: Twitter.com/TimesLive)

published 24 May 2016

An ultra-rare "werewolf cat" is believed to have been discovered by an animal rescue group in South Africa, ABC News reports. Dubbed Eyona, meaning "the one," the tiny kitten is thought to belong to the rare Lykoi breed — a natural mutation that occurs in domestic shorthair cats and makes them "resemble a werewolf."

Since 2011, there have only been 34 known natural Lykoi mutations in the world; Eyona would be the 35th. At this point, there is no DNA test available to confirm he is indeed a Lykoi, although tests have ruled him out of being similar breeds, like a Devon Rex or a Sphinx.

Veterinarian Johnny Gobble and his wife, Brittney, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, established the Lykoi breed and from photos, they think Eyona is one of the rare natural occurrences. "From the photos and the descriptions I have received, I think Eyona is a natural occurring Lykoi. All the Lykoi that started the breed occurred naturally. They came from shelters, off the streets, and rescues. That is why we call them the second chance breed. We have no genetic test for the Lykoi gene yet, but we have a genetic group working on it," Gobble said.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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