Lykoi Cat Krakken Steals Spotlight at Owen Sound Cat Show

A young cat named Krakken captured the attention of attendees at a cat show in Owen Sound over the weekend. The event, which took place at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, featured participants who decorated their cages with a Halloween theme. Krakken, a member of the shorthaired breed known as Lykoi, showcased his unique appearance, often referred to as the “werewolf cat.” This breed was granted championship status by the Canadian Cat Association in 2023, making Krakken one of the first to compete at this level.

Krakken’s owner, Brenda Frame, expressed her pride as the feline rested calmly on her shoulder. “He gets a lot of attention. That is why he is just so calm and sits here with me,” Frame said. She noted that Krakken has been accustomed to the spotlight since he was a kitten.

The Lykoi breed originated from feral cats in Virginia and Tennessee, with the first discovery occurring in 2010. Initially believed to be sick due to their unusual look, medical tests revealed they were healthy, resulting from a natural gene mutation. Their distinctive features include a roan coat of mixed white and dark guard hairs and sparse hair on their face, ears, and feet.

Frame, who resides in Niagara, shared that she rarely sees Lykoi at CCA shows, noting Krakken is the only one in his class currently. “They are one of those breeds that are just gaining popularity,” she explained. At a recent international cat show in Cleveland, she observed 18 Lykoi participants, indicating a growing interest in the breed in the United States.

Celebrating his first birthday just before the show, Krakken has quickly made a name for himself, already achieving the status of double grand champion. Frame described him as affectionate and playful. “He is quite the showman and he loves showing,” she added. His performance on stage includes climbing and playfully engaging with spectators.

The No Name Cat Club organized the show to foster friendly competition among participants. The top three decorated cages received prizes, adding an element of fun to the serious business of cat showing. Many participants follow the CCA show circuit to earn regional and national points toward prestigious titles.

During the event, judges carefully evaluated the cats across four classes: household pets, championship cats, premiership cats (altered), and kittens. Each class had its own criteria, with judges assessing various breed standards that detail attributes such as appearance and temperament. Longtime judge Terry Farrell has been involved in the cat show circuit for about 40 years. He highlighted the artistry involved in breeding, stating, “Although they look beautiful, to feel them is a totally different thing.”

Farrell noted that without human intervention, breeds like the Lykoi would not exist. He described these cats as “designer cats” that have been developed through selective breeding.

The event attracted approximately 100 cats representing 30 to 40 different breeds, from the massive Maine Coon to the tiny Cornish Rex. Owners and spectators traveled from across Ontario, Quebec, and even the Maritimes, with judges arriving from as far as Nova Scotia and New England.

Planning for the show began months in advance, with Heather Garvie, president of the No Name Cat Club, starting preparations in March. The show continued on Sunday, offering a marketplace with various vendors, and inviting the public to attend. Ticket prices were set at $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $6 for seniors and children under 12, with a family pass available for $25.

As the cat show concluded, it highlighted not only the passion of breeders and owners but also the growing community surrounding the Lykoi breed and the world of cat showing.