The Ukrainian Levkoy is unlike any cat you’ve ever seen. With its slender, muscular frame, folded ears, and almost hairless skin, this rare feline stands out for its futuristic look and gentle charm.

Bred in Ukraine, the Levkoy combines unique beauty with an affectionate, people-oriented personality that wins hearts everywhere. Ready to learn more about where this extraordinary cat came from and why it’s become such a fascinating breed to cat lovers worldwide?

Origin and History of the Ukrainian Levkoy

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a relatively new and distinctive cat breed that originated in Ukraine, developed through careful selective breeding by felinologist Elena Biriukova. Biriukova began the breeding program in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating a cat that combined the gentle, folded ears of the Scottish Fold with the hairless, elastic-skinned traits of the Donskoy (Don Sphynx). The first Ukrainian Levkoys that met the desired breed standard appeared around 2004, marking the official establishment of this unique feline line.

The Donskoy Cat contributed the hairless gene, giving the Levkoy its smooth or lightly coated skin and characteristic wrinkles, while the Scottish Fold passed down the folded ear trait, which gives the breed its distinct, forward-folding ear shape. To strengthen the genetic diversity and overall health of the breed, Oriental and non-pedigree domestic cats were also included in the early breeding program.

Although the Ukrainian Levkoy has gained popularity among cat enthusiasts for its unusual appearance and affectionate temperament, it remains a rare and regionally recognized breed. It is not currently recognized by major international cat organizations, such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). However, in 2005, the breed was officially accepted by the ICFA RUI (Rolandus Union International), a regional feline association based in Ukraine and Russia, marking an important milestone in its development and recognition.

Temperament and Personality

Affection and Sociability

Levkoys are exceptionally loving and people-oriented. They often act more like dogs than typical cats — following their owners around, greeting them at the door, and even wanting to be part of daily activities. They crave closeness and physical affection, enjoying snuggles, petting, and gentle handling. Because of their strong attachment, they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long hours, so they do best in homes where someone is around most of the time.

Activity and Playfulness

Energetic, curious, and clever, the Levkoy loves to explore and play. These cats enjoy puzzle toys, interactive games, and climbing structures that challenge their minds and keep them physically active. Their playful nature continues well into adulthood, making them fun and entertaining companions.

Compatibility

Friendly and adaptable, Ukrainian Levkoys generally get along well with children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs. They’re patient and gentle, which makes them a great choice for multi-pet households or families with young kids — as long as everyone is respectful and kind.

Vocalization

Levkoys are known to be fairly vocal cats. They use their voices to communicate needs, affection, or curiosity — especially when they want food, attention, or playtime. Their soft, chirping meows and expressive nature make them charming conversational partners for anyone who enjoys a talkative feline.

Physical Characteristics and Breed Standard

Size and Build

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized cat with a long, slender, and muscular body. Their build is graceful yet athletic, reflecting both elegance and strength. The breed exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger and more robust than females.

• Weight (approximate):
  • Males: 11–15 lbs
  • Females: 8–12 lbs
• Lifespan: 15–20 years

The overall body structure is elongated, with a broad, oval chest and slightly arched back. Their legs are long and proportionate, ending in small, oval-shaped paws.

Head and Facial Features

The Levkoy’s head is one of its most distinctive features. It has a long, angular wedge shape with a “stepped” profile, meaning the muzzle has a noticeable break from the forehead, giving a slightly dog-like appearance. Prominent cheekbones and angular brows enhance the breed’s sharp, expressive look.

• Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted, providing an alert and intelligent expression.
• Muzzle: Short in proportion to the head but well-defined.

Ears

The Ukrainian Levkoy is famous for its lop-eared appearance, with ears folded inward and downward.

• Folded ears: Characteristic of the breed and contribute to its unique look.
• Straight-eared Levkoys: Occasionally born; these cats are important in breeding programs to reduce the risk of cartilage and joint issues associated with folded ears.
• Size and placement: Ears are large, set high on the head, and spaced wide apart.

Skin and Coat

The Ukrainian Levkoy has a hairless or nearly hairless coat, though some may have fine peach-fuzz (flock or down) or very short, soft hair.

• Skin: Soft, elastic, and abundant in wrinkles, especially around the head, neck, and shoulders.
• Wrinkles: A hallmark of the breed, giving a textured, sculpted appearance.
• Whiskers: Often curly, but they may be broken or snapped short.

Their unique skin texture and coat require special care, including regular bathing and protection from sun and cold.

Ukrainian Levkoy Cat: Complete Color Guide

Permissible Colors and Patterns

Unlike many other cat breeds that restrict coat colors, the Ukrainian Levkoy is very flexible in terms of skin color and patterns. All colors and combinations are considered standard, allowing for a wide range of individual variation. Patterns such as solid, bi-color, tabby, tortoiseshell, and colorpoint are all acceptable.

Common Levkoy Skin Colors and Patterns

Because these cats are hairless, the visible skin pigmentation is what defines their coloring. Common types include:

1. Solid Colors:
   • Black
   • White
   • Blue (grey)
   • Red (ginger)
   • Cream
   • Chocolate
   • Lilac/Lavender
2. Bi-Color / Van:
   • White skin with patches of any other permissible color.
3. Tabby Patterns:
   • Mackerel, classic, or spotted tabby patterns may appear as variations in the skin pigmentation.
4. Pointed (Colorpoint) Patterns:
   • The body has lighter skin pigmentation, while the extremities—ears, mask, paws, and tail—show darker tones, similar to Siamese or Himalayan cats.
5. Tortoiseshell and Calico:
   • Patches of red and black (or their dilute versions such as cream and blue) may appear in combination across the skin.

Eye Color

The eye color of a Ukrainian Levkoy is independent of skin color, giving each cat a further layer of uniqueness. Accepted eye colors include:

• Green
• Blue
• Gold
• Odd-eyed (each eye a different color)

This remarkable variety in skin and eye coloration means that no two Ukrainian Levkoys are ever exactly alike. Combined with their distinctive folded ears, wrinkled skin, and elegant build, these color variations make the breed visually captivating from every angle.

Health and Care Considerations

1. General Health

Overall, Ukrainian Levkoys are considered a healthy breed, but as a relatively new breed, comprehensive long-term health data is still limited. They may inherit some conditions from their parent breeds:

• Scottish Fold lineage: potential kidney issues and cardiomyopathy.
• Donskoy lineage: predisposition to dental issues, hip dysplasia, and occasional joint concerns.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor for these potential problems, catch health concerns early, and maintain preventive care such as vaccinations, parasite control, and routine bloodwork.

2. Skin and Coat Care

Due to their hairless or near-hairless coats, Levkoys require more attention than furred breeds:

• Bathing: Monthly baths with a mild, cat-safe shampoo help remove excess oils that can accumulate on their skin.
• Moisturizing: Applying veterinarian-approved moisturizers can prevent dryness and maintain skin elasticity.
• Sun Protection: Hairless cats are prone to sunburn. Provide shaded areas, limit direct sun exposure, or use pet-safe sunscreen when outdoors.
• Temperature Regulation: Without fur, Levkoys are sensitive to cold. Heated beds, thermal blankets, or sweaters may be needed in cooler climates.

3. Dental Health

Dental care is particularly important for the Ukrainian Levkoy, as they may inherit susceptibility to dental disease from Donskoy ancestors. Regular teeth brushing with feline-safe toothpaste, dental chews, and routine vet dental exams are recommended to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral issues.

4. Nutrition

Proper nutrition supports both overall health and the maintenance of healthy skin:

• Protein-Rich Diet: Hairless cats have higher metabolic needs, so a diet rich in high-quality animal protein is essential.
• Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin health and coat condition.
• Dental Support: Diets designed to promote dental health can help prevent inherited dental issues.
• Always provide fresh water and consult with a veterinarian for breed-specific dietary recommendations.

5. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Ukrainian Levkoys are intelligent, playful, and highly curious. Mental and physical stimulation is critical for preventing boredom and promoting healthy development:

• Provide interactive toys, climbing structures, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders.
• Playtime with their human companions fosters bonding and satisfies their social needs.

6. Social and Emotional Care

Levkoys are extremely affectionate and thrive on human companionship. They can become anxious or depressed if left alone for long periods. To support their emotional well-being:

• Consider adopting another pet for companionship if your household is often empty.
• Provide daily interaction, grooming, and play sessions.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior and enrich their environment.

7. Grooming and Handling

Handling Ukrainian Levkoys is generally easy due to their friendly and social temperament:

• Gentle daily handling helps maintain comfort and strengthens bonds.
• Check ears regularly for wax build-up or infection, as folded ears may trap debris.
• Trim nails regularly and monitor paw health, particularly in active cats.

8. Environmental Needs

A safe, indoor environment is best suited for the Ukrainian Levkoy:

• Maintain stable indoor temperatures due to sensitivity to cold.
• Provide soft bedding, warm spots, and cozy resting areas.
• Ensure areas for climbing and exploration to satisfy their natural curiosity and playful instincts.

With proper care, Ukrainian Levkoys can thrive as healthy, affectionate companions. Their unique requirements—including skin care, temperature regulation, dental health, and social stimulation—are manageable with attention and consistency. By prioritizing these aspects, owners can ensure a long, happy, and engaging life for their distinctive and lovable Levkoy cats.