Ukrainian levkoy

Breed Description

A love for animals can lead to the creation of a new variety. At least this is the premise that the specialists who introduced 7 out of 30 hairless cats with folded ears to the public in 2005 seem to have followed. International experts from the Netherlands and the UK were thrilled with the presented cats and considered them a promising breed for future breeding. These were Peter Paul Murman and Elaine Richardson, international experts, but Russian specialists also welcomed the “newcomers” with enthusiasm. In other words, everything went well.

The new breed was named after the flower “levkoy,” whose petals resemble the shape of its ears, according to the breed’s founder. The foundation breeds were the Don sphinx and the Scottish fold. The offspring inherited the velvety skin from one parent and the distinctive ear shape from the other.

The first kitten appeared in 2004. It was named Primer. However, a tremendous amount of work had been done before its birth to establish the breed. Achieving a stable result requires considering many factors: physical and mental health, the desired exterior traits, appropriate behavior of the offspring, and more. One of the main goals in breeding was to avoid ending up with a hairless Scottish fold or a folded-eared Don sphinx. The result needed to be unique.

Thus, a completely new variety of cats emerged just as envisioned by the Kyiv feline expert: only the tips of the ears are folded (the ears of Scottish folds are pressed against the head), and the skull is flatter and more elongated than that of the Don beauty. Only a significant number of skin folds were inherited from the sphinx. However, it has been noted that within one litter, kittens can be born with fur that is slightly longer or shorter. The body temperature of the levkoy is also reported to be slightly higher than that of other cats.

The year 2004 is considered the year of the “newcomer’s” origin, even though the idea of its creation came much earlier. The medium-sized smooth cat weighs no more than 4.5 kg, while males can reach up to 5.5 kg. They possess a gentle and docile temperament and are considered excellent family companions with a very distinctive appearance. Some fall in love with them at first sight, while others see them as odd-looking, but nobody remains indifferent.

In Russia, a kitten from a cattery can be purchased for 25,000 to 40,000 rubles. The average lifespan of these velvety creatures is 12 to 14 years.

Appearance

Work on solidifying the exterior and character of the Levkoy continues. The WCF standards form the basis of the meticulous work of feline specialists and geneticists. It is worth noting that the lop-eared hairless cats have yet to receive official recognition from authoritative international feline organizations.

However, breeders from St. Petersburg proposed their own version of the standard in 2012. Moreover, it has not undergone any changes since then.

The original, almost alien appearance of the Levkoy can be confusing. The lop-eared Sphynx is one of the first associations that come to mind when looking at it. The almost complete absence of fur, or its extremely small amount, feels similar to velvet. The medium-sized, very flexible yet muscular cat appears fragile due to its delicate bones, with skin covered in folds, curled ear edges, and incredibly beautiful eyes – all of this.

Its elongated body resembles that of Eastern cats, and its friendliness and curiosity strengthen this similarity. However, its character is indeed special. Despite the numerous ads for kitten sales, it’s best to choose a cattery that specializes in breeding Ukrainian Levkoys. There are not many of them, as the breed is still quite young, but it is already gaining popularity in Russia.

Отличительные черты

Голова

In the shape of a modified wedge, not large, rather medium-sized. Slightly elongated: a bit longer than it is wide. When viewed from above, the outlines of a pentagon with rounded corners emerge. On the forehead, the skin gathers into folds, almost like a sphinx.

Морда

Round, fairly dry, occupying only 1/3 of the head's size. The forehead is more flat than convex. All transitions on the muzzle are smooth and rounded. The brow ridges are well-developed, and the chin is strong but not massive or heavy.

Уши

They are the hallmark of the Ukrainian Levkoy. The ears are widely set, upright, with only the tips curled forward, unlike Scottish Folds. Notably, the curl should not exceed half of the total ear size. Most often, the curl occurs in the upper third.

Глаза

Almond-shaped, slightly slanted placement, should often be half-closed, as if a mallow is dozing. The iris should be a richly saturated emerald or sky blue. Other shades are also acceptable, ranging from nutty to brown.

Зубы

Developed, strong chin; the upper jaw's canines should overlap the lower ones, meaning that a correct bite is considered normal. The shortcomings include overbite or underbite (more or less than 2 mm).

Корпус

Medium-sized, slightly elongated. Very lean, with skin folds and strong muscles. The chest is oval-shaped and well-developed, shoulders are not too broad and slightly raised. The spine is very flexible, the back has a slight curve but no sagging. The groin is distinctly defined.

Конечности

Thin-boned, elongated, straight, and quite strong. Completely hairless or "velvety," with characteristic small skin folds. With well-developed muscles, especially in the hind legs. The paw pads are semicircular, fairly large, with long, very mobile toes and rapidly growing claws. The front limbs are often used in a "squirrel-like" manner, for example, to take a treat with the front paws.

Хвост

Whip-like, meaning quite thin and long, noticeably tapered at the end. Mobile, very flexible, during intense excitement, it "lashes" the side of the plant. Folds and thickenings are absent in normal conditions. Completely hairless or with slight fuzz.

Шерсть

Absolutely bare is preferred. However, the following are allowed: - flock, with a wool length of less than 2 mm; - velour, with wool 1 - 3 mm; - brush point, with sparse fur (most often on the tail and paws); - bristly brush can be used for breeding, but is not allowed at exhibitions. Kittens may have a slight fuzz on their heads and faces.

Окрас

There are no restrictions on color. The most common shades are considered to be light ones. Solid colors like cream, white, lilac, red, blue, and chocolate are widely prevalent. In addition to these, there are also tabby, smoky, and bicolor variations.

Character

Despite the breed’s young age, one can confidently say that they have a gentle and affectionate nature. They are very loyal to their owners, always trying to stay close by. They generally get along well with other household pets. Children love to play with “wrinkled kittens,” and this affection is mutual.

Some curiosity drives Levkoy cats to participate in everything happening around them. Their developed intelligence manifests in their ability to analyze unpleasant situations if they find themselves in one. Problems do arise, but they are often linked to the animal’s poor well-being or improper care.

A change of environment may unsettle them a bit, but the Ukrainian Levkoy quickly adapts to a new place and learns to live by different rules.

The breed is noted for its high level of cleanliness, but their desire to be warm shouldn’t be overlooked. Owners usually buy them special insulated suits for cats. However, these delightful creatures cannot be called talkative. They prefer to listen to the gentle tones of humans and respond with a brief meow. Even that is quite precious.

Loyalty is another facet of their character. They behave somewhat like dogs, despite being cats. They love to walk outside, so a harness is essential. A Levkoy may approach and rub its paw against its owner’s leg, seemingly asking to play. If there’s no response, they won’t pester like other mousers do.

A well-mannered cat with folded ears is unlikely to scratch furniture in the house. It is much more enjoyable for them to see various cat accessories around. They usually master a scratching post fairly quickly.Another characteristic is their fear of heights. They would rather keep all four paws on solid ground than climb a tree or shelf. On Zoonika, the best choice of catteries in Russia is available, where you can pick your own “wrinkly cat.” Even the fact that the breed is not universally recognized does not prevent these exotic cats from winning awards at various exhibitions.However, let’s not idealize these cats too much. There are some contentious aspects to their character, such as their unconditional dependence on their owner. At times, this can be quite exhausting, as they require special care. It is highly undesirable to leave them home alone. It’s better to adopt two kittens right away if the owners’ work schedule doesn’t allow them to be with a hairless cat throughout the day. Their hunting instincts are practically nonexistent. While this is a plus, a cat is still a predator and should be a hunter, which the Levkoy is not.

Питомники

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Ukrainian levkoy: питомники

Выбор питомника по городу, породе и отзывам

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На сайте с: 21.03.2026

Chthon

Породы: Ukrainian levkoy, Oriental cat, Siamese cat

Город: Москва

Care and Maintenance

How challenging is it to care for a Ukrainian Levkoy and what kind of attention does it require?

When purchasing something exclusive, one must be prepared for rather delicate handling of the purchase. It’s better to prepare in advance to ensure comfortable living conditions for the pet.

A characteristic feature of these hairless cats is their susceptibility to colds. Any draft can seriously affect the animal’s health. To avoid such troubles, the cat’s bed should have borders. However, a cat house is much preferred. Avoid placing them near balcony doors or windows. Observe your pet; it will show you the coziest spot in your home, so set up its space there. You can place a scratching post nearby. If the animal doesn’t immediately understand its purpose, gently take its front paws and show it how to use the scratching post instead of the wallpaper or furniture. The Levkoy will quickly grasp its benefits and will not disrupt the discipline. Some owners train their cats to use the scratching post by applying a few drops of valerian.

When selecting a litter box, pay attention to its size. A small kitten will need a small box, but as the cat grows, it should feel comfortable and not cramped while doing its business. If you don’t want to replace it later, it makes sense to buy a spacious litter box for a medium-sized cat right away. Look for a removable rim, which will make changing the litter and cleaning the box easier. The height should be within 8-10 cm. Speaking of litter, it’s very important to choose one that your pet will like. It should not have a strong odor, and clumping litter is generally not recommended for kittens. For urban apartments, wood-based litter is nearly ideal. It is eco-friendly, and even if the kitten starts playing with the granules, it won’t harm its health.

Water and food bowls should be placed together, and the Levkoy should always have access to fresh water. When changing the water, rinse the bowl as well, but avoid using detergents. When selecting food, consider your pet’s age and individual characteristics. For example, if the animal has been sterilized or neutered, it tends to gain weight.

For such animals, it’s important to buy food specifically for sterilized cats. Reputable manufacturers include all necessary micronutrients in their formulas, so there is no need for additional vitamin supplements. There is a wide range of super-premium food options for older cats, which is much more convenient than natural food, and dry food helps combat tartar while massaging the gums during chewing.If your pet has no fur, it doesn’t mean it requires less care. It’s not just about preventing hypothermia and colds. The Ukrainian Levkoy sweats, meaning it secretes a significant amount of subcutaneous fat, so special attention is required for its skin care. You need to bathe it using a special cat shampoo. The water should not be too hot, as this might cause burns, nor too cold, which could lead to colds, a tendency of the breed. Right after bathing, wrap it in a soft towel, check that no water has gotten into its folded ears, and dry it thoroughly. Make sure that the temperature in the room with the pet is not low after bathing; the air conditioning should be turned off and the windows closed.Oral hygiene is essential and cannot be overlooked. Brus

Training and Education

First of all, it is important to understand that training and raising a Ukrainian Levkoy is primarily about communication with them. Such close contact further strengthens the already strong bond between the cat and its owner, of course, provided that certain rules are followed.

Very clever “floppy-eared Sphynx” cats easily remember their names and readily respond to them. They love to play with family members and alleviate boredom not only with their extraordinary appearance but also with their antics. Physical activity and practicing commands help improve their psycho-emotional state.

By rewarding your exotic cat with a favorite treat, it is quite possible to teach them commands like “Come here!” or even “Sit.” However, they will learn “No!” or “Stop!” even more easily if you use a stern tone every time they break the rules.

Observing their life at home, you will notice certain character traits in your cat. For example, some may prefer to leap from the chair to the sofa rather than descend to the floor. In such cases, it will be easier to teach them to jump through a hoop. But practice must always be in a playful manner and not for too long. Each time they successfully jump, you can say “Jump!” and ensure you reward them not only with something tasty but also with a gentle tone. Such motivation works wonders.

Of course, if you see that your cat is not in the mood to train, it is better to postpone the session. The same advice applies to surrounding noise. For instance, during a storm or while the TV is on, any training will be futile.

In general, it can be confidently stated that training can be enjoyable for everyone: the cat, the owner, and the audience. Gradually moving from simple to complex, it is quite achievable to obtain the desired results.In conclusion, it is important to note that physical punishment or shouting at a Ukrainian Levkoy is unacceptable. Such treatment will result in a loss of connection with the animal and a damaged psyche for the pet. Restoring the relationship may be aided by experienced zoopsychologists, but a positive outcome cannot be guaranteed.

How to Choose a Kitten

It is impossible to predict what the health and temperament of your Levkoy will be. This breed is quite young and is just starting to gain popularity. Although advertisements for Ukrainian Levkoy kittens are becoming more frequent, it is better to choose a baby from a cattery, of which there are still not many in our country.

Before making a purchase, you need to determine the purpose for which you are getting such a cat. If you do not plan to participate in breeding, you can select any kitten you like from the litter. However, you should inspect it in any case. Obvious health problems can be identified through both external signs and behavior. For instance, if a kitten timidly hides from everyone or is overtly aggressive, this may indicate mental issues or problems within its body.

Cloudy corneas or eye discharge, skin sores, and unpleasant odors from the cat’s ears indicate that you should refrain from purchasing.

If the breeder offers you a package of documents, shows you the parents of the kittens, and is willing to draw up a sales contract, you can confidently proceed with the selection. Don’t forget that the kittens may have slightly more fur on their heads and a higher body temperature. An active and curious Ukrainian Levkoy will surely endear itself to you.

Health and Illnesses

The unusual appearance of Ukrainian Levkoy cats carries certain genetic issues. Although the healthiest cats were always selected during breeding, stabilizing the exterior has resulted in a predisposition to diseases such as:

– cleft palate, a defect of the roof of the mouth;

– blood disorders (including leukemia);

– eye development pathologies (entropion);

– ear-related anomalies: ear reversal, internal folds, varying ear sizes.

In addition to these issues, they are frequently diagnosed with false rabies, allergic reactions to food, and common colds. During the summer, they should avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent sunburn and skin problems. Eczema is common in the breed, so skincare is very important. Any minor cuts or inflammations should be treated with special ointments. Timely vaccinations are beneficial for their health, but parasite prevention is equally crucial.The least number of problems usually occurs when adopting a kitten from a reputable cattery. Typically, these facilities conduct DNA screenings to ensure the purity of their pets’ bloodlines, and you will also receive post-sale care advice from professionals.