Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed

The Ukrainian Levkoy cat breed is a relatively new and unique addition to the world of feline companions. This breed is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by its hairless body and folded ears. Originating in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Levkoy has quickly gained popularity among cat enthusiasts for its striking features and charming personality.

The breed's name, "Levkoy," is derived from the Ukrainian word for "lion," which aptly describes the breed's regal and majestic appearance. Despite their hairless bodies, Ukrainian Levkoys are not completely bald - they often have a short, soft coat of hair that adds to their charm. Their most striking feature, however, is their folded ears, which give them a unique and distinctive look.

In addition to their captivating looks, Ukrainian Levkoys are also known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are affectionate and playful cats that thrive on human companionship, making them wonderful pets for households looking for a loving feline friend. Whether you are drawn to their unique appearance or their sweet temperament, the Ukrainian Levkoy cat breed is sure to capture the hearts of cat lovers around the world. 

Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed Overview 

Meet the Ukrainian Levkoy, a rare breed of hairless cat that was created by crossing hairless Donskoy females with Scottish Fold males. Breeder Elena Vsevolodovna Biriukova is credited with developing this unique hairless breed. The Ukrainian Levkoy was officially recognized by the International Cat Fanciers Association (ICFA) and Russian United Cattery (RUI). This new breed has characteristics similar to both the Sphynx and Oriental breeds, with an angular body, almond-shaped eyes, and whisker pads.

Ukrainian Levkoys are known for their affectionate and playful nature. The Levkoy makes a wonderful kitty companion and loves playtime with plenty of toys. It’s also worth mentioning that these hairless cats love attention and interaction with their human family. If you’re considering adding a Levkoy to your home, you’ll also need to provide a cat-friendly environment and lots of love and attention.

Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed Temperament 

Elena Vsevolodovna Biriukova is credited with creating the Ukrainian Levkoy breed by crossing a hairless cat with another cat that had inward-folding ears. The result was a medium-sized cat with long and flat ears that were set wide apart. The Ukrainian Levkoy is known for its unique wrinkle and straight ears. This breed was recognized by the ICFA RUI and WCA, with the breed standard being accepted by both organizations. Breed information and breeding guides are available for those interested in getting a Levkoy.

The Levkoy’s temperament is described as trainable and affectionate, making them a great addition to any household. When it comes to nutritional needs, the Levkoy cat benefits from a diet rich in real meat. Their icfa WCA and rolandus union international breed characteristics set them apart from other breeds. It's important for breeders to be paying close attention to the needs of these unique cats.

Personality of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

The Ukrainian Levkoy cat breed is known for its unique appearance and playful personality. Created by breeder Elena Vsevolodovna Birjukova, these cats have a medium size and typically have little to no hair. The breed is accepted by the ICFA RUI and has become popular among cat enthusiasts. One distinctive feature of the Levkoy is its folded leaves in the ears and wrinkled skin, giving them a one-of-a-kind look. Like other hairless breeds, Levkoys are prone to getting cold easily, so they often enjoy warmer environments or a thermal bed to cozy up in.

Levkoys also require breed-specific mental stimulation, including toys and playtime to keep them entertained and happy. Their unique appearance with bent leaves in the ears and pointy tails make them stand out from other cat breeds. They also have curly whiskers that add to their distinctive look.

The purrsonality of a Levkoy cat might vary, but they are generally affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human companions. Felinologist Elena Primero has noted that Levkoys thrive on human interaction and are known to be playful and friendly. They are a unique and fascinating breed that continues to gain popularity among cat lovers around the world.

Physical Attributes

Body of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Body of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a slender and elegant body structure. They have a unique hairless coat that requires special care to keep their skin healthy. The breed is characterized by their muscular build and long limbs, giving them a graceful and athletic look.

Head of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Head of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed is one of the defining characteristics of this unique breed. They have a distinctive appearance with a long, slender head and large, almond-shaped eyes. The head is wedge-shaped when viewed from the front, and the ears are large and pointed, adding to their elegant and sleek look.

The Head of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed is complemented by a straight profile and a strong chin, giving them a regal and statuesque appearance. Their head is held high with an air of confidence, making them stand out among other breeds. Overall, the head of the Ukrainian Levkoy cat is a key feature that sets them apart from other cats.

Ears of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Ears of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed are unique in appearance, with large, pointed ears that give them a distinctive look. These cats are known for their erect ears that are set high on their heads, adding to their elegant and regal appearance. The ears are proportionate to the size of the head, giving the Ukrainian Levkoy a sleek and graceful look.

Eyes of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Eyes of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed are one of their most distinctive features. They are almond-shaped and medium in size, giving them a captivating and unique look. The color of their eyes can vary from yellow to green, adding to their mysterious and elegant appearance.

Legs and Paws of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

The legs of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed are long and slender, giving them an elegant appearance. Their paws are small and oval-shaped, with distinctive webbing between the toes. This feature allows them to be efficient swimmers and agile climbers.

Tail of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Tail of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed is unique in its appearance, featuring a flexible curve that resembles a shepherd's crook. This distinctive trait sets the breed apart from other cats, giving it a graceful and elegant look. The tail of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed is covered in a thin layer of fine fur, adding to its sleek and polished appearance. Despite its delicate appearance, the tail is strong and agile, allowing the cat to move with grace and precision.

Coat of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Coat of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed is unique due to its characteristic lack of fur. This breed is known for its wrinkles and folds on their skin, resembling that of the Sphynx cat. The coat of the Ukrainian Levkoy cat breed requires special care to prevent skin irritation and sunburn. Regular bathing is recommended to maintain their skin health.

Color of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

Color of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed can vary, but they are typically seen in shades of white, gray, and black. Their unique hairless coat allows their skin color to be more prominent, ranging from pink to dark gray. Some Ukrainian Levkoy cats may also have spots or patches of different colors on their skin.

History of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat Breed 

The history of the Ukrainian Levkoy cat breed began in the early 2000s when a Ukrainian breeder named Elena Biriukova decided to create a new and unique breed of cats. Biriukova crossed a kitten from a Don Sphynx with a cat that had folded ears and a hairless body, resulting in the distinctive appearance of the Ukrainian Levkoy. The breed gets its name from the levkoy plant, which has attractive, folded leaves of the levkoy plant that resemble the cat's folded ears. These cats are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them great companions. Elena kept her breeding plans a secret by storing information about the levkoy cats in a cupboard, which added an element of mystery to the breed's origin.