‘Werewolf Cat’ Stuns at Owen Sound Cat Show, Captivates Fans

A unique feline named Krakken captured the spotlight at the No Name Cat Club show held in Owen Sound, Ontario, over the weekend. This young cat, belonging to the rare Lykoi breed, showcased his remarkable appearance without any costume, embodying the nickname “werewolf cat.” The event, which took place on October 14, 2023, was themed around Halloween, prompting participants to creatively decorate their cages.

Krakken’s owner, Brenda Frame, described the attention her cat garners, noting, “He gets a lot of attention. That is why he is just so calm and sits here with me.” The Lykoi breed, which achieved championship status on the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) show circuit this year, is known for its striking features, including a roan coat that blends white and dark guard hairs, giving it a wolf-like appearance.

The first Lykoi were discovered in the feral cat community of Virginia in 2010, later found in Tennessee. Initially mistaken for sick cats due to their unusual looks, they were confirmed through medical testing to be a healthy natural mutation of a short-haired domestic cat. This unique gene mutation results in their distinctive mask-like faces and sparse hair on ears and feet.

Frame, who hails from Niagara, remarked on the breed’s growing popularity, stating that Krakken is currently the only Lykoi competing in his class on the CCA circuit. “I was down at the international cat show last weekend in Cleveland and there were 18 of them there,” she added, illustrating the breed’s increasing presence in the United States. Celebrating his first birthday just days before the show, Krakken has already made a name for himself, having earned the title of double grand champion.

As Krakken participated in the adult class, he demonstrated his showmanship. Frame described him as “quite the showman” who enjoys interacting with the audience. “When he gets up on the table you can see him side-eye the people and then he climbs up the pole and has a good time,” she noted.

Competition and Judging Standards

The cat show featured approximately 100 entries, representing around 30 to 40 different breeds, from the large Maine Coon to the small Cornish Rex. Judges, including longtime evaluator Terry Farrell, assessed the cats based on a detailed standard for each breed. Farrell, who has judged cat shows for nearly 40 years, explained the process: “The judges have a written standard for each breed, usually about two pages long, describing every aspect of the breed, including the eyes, the body, and its coat.”

During the event, prizes were awarded for the best-decorated cages, fostering a spirit of friendly competition among participants. The show includes various classes, such as household pets, championship cats, and the kitten class for pedigreed kittens aged between four and eight months. After individual breed assessments, judges determine the overall best cats within their respective categories, with awards given for positions from first to tenth.

Garvie noted that organizing the show is a months-long process, with preparations beginning as early as March. The event attracted participants from across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, while judges traveled from as far away as Nova Scotia and New England.

Future of the No Name Cat Club

The No Name Cat Club, based in the Grey and Bruce counties, is keen to welcome new members and promote cat shows in the region. The show will continue on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 09:00 to 17:00, offering a marketplace and a range of vendors for attendees. Tickets are available at the door for $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $6 for seniors and children under 12. A family pass is priced at $25.

As the event unfolds, cat lovers can enjoy watching these remarkable breeds while contributing to the growing community of feline enthusiasts. The Lykoi, with its captivating appearance and affectionate nature, may well be on its way to becoming a beloved breed in cat shows across Canada and beyond.