Young ‘Werewolf Cat’ Captivates Audience at Owen Sound Show

A young cat named Krakken drew considerable attention at a recent cat show held in Owen Sound, Ontario, over the weekend. Participants showcased their feline companions and decorated their cages with Halloween themes, but Krakken, a Lykoi breed, stood out due to his unique appearance, often referred to as the “werewolf cat.” This breed gained championship status on the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) show circuit earlier this year.

Krakken’s owner, Brenda Frame, expressed pride in her cat’s calm demeanor, saying, “He gets a lot of attention. That is why he is just so calm and sits here with me.” Frame noted that Krakken has been accustomed to the spotlight since he was a kitten. The Lykoi breed, derived from the Greek word for “wolf,” was first discovered in the feral cat community in Virginia in 2010, followed by a similar finding in Tennessee the following year. Initially mistaken for being sick due to their distinctive features, medical tests confirmed that these cats are healthy natural mutations of short-haired domestic cats.

The Lykoi’s eye-catching traits include a roan coat, which is a blend of white and dark hairs, and a sparse covering on their face, creating a mask-like appearance. Krakken, who celebrated his first birthday on October 5, 2023, is currently the only Lykoi in his class on the CCA circuit. Frame remarked on the growing popularity of the breed, noting that she encountered 18 Lykoi at an international cat show in Cleveland the previous weekend.

Frame’s journey with the Lykoi began through her involvement in the cat show circuit, where she first saw the breed’s unique characteristics. Having previously bred Persians, she found the transition to a breed with a single coat refreshing. “His bath takes me maybe five minutes,” she explained, emphasizing how much easier the grooming process is with a Lykoi.

Krakken has already achieved the status of double grand champion within just four months of competing as an adult. Frame described him as a showman who enjoys the spotlight. “When he gets up on the table, you can see him side-eye the people,” she said, illustrating his playful personality.

The No Name Cat Club organized the event, with a Halloween theme to encourage creativity among participants. Prizes were awarded to the top three decorated cages as part of the friendly competition. The show also served as a platform for participants to gather regional and national points, aiming for prestigious titles in the cat show community.

Judging took place across four rings set up throughout the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Cats were categorized into four classes: household pets (non-pedigreed), championship cats (pedigreed and unaltered), premiership class (altered cats), and the kitten class (pedigreed kittens aged four to eight months). After each class was judged, awards were presented based on the judges’ evaluations.

Longtime judge Terry Farrell, who has been involved in cat shows for nearly 40 years, highlighted the detailed standards used for judging. Each breed has a written standard that describes its ideal characteristics, from body type to coat texture. “There are some beautiful cats here today,” Farrell commented, reflecting on the quality of the participants.

Farrell emphasized the significance of human intervention in developing cat breeds, stating, “If it wasn’t for human intervention, none of the breeds at the weekend show would exist.” He noted the uniqueness of designer cats like the Lykoi, which originate from selective breeding techniques.

The No Name Cat Club’s president, Heather Garvie, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of approximately 100 cats representing 30 to 40 different breeds, from the large Maine Coon to the diminutive Cornish Rex. Participants and judges came from various regions, including Quebec and the Maritimes, and some judges traveled from as far as Nova Scotia and New England.

Planning the show is a considerable effort, with Garvie starting preparations in March. The event continued on Sunday, featuring a marketplace with vendors offering a range of products for pets. Admission tickets were priced at $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $6 for seniors and children under 12.

The No Name Cat Club, based in Grey and Bruce counties, welcomes new members and encourages cat enthusiasts to explore their community. For more information about the club, details can be found on their official website.