The Ukrainian Levkoy, a unique cat with striking appearance and social nature.
The Ukrainian Levkoy, the Striking Cat with Folded Ears
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a rare and distinctive cat breed originating from Ukraine. It is characterized by its hairless or semi-hairless body, wrinkled skin, and especially its inward-folding ears, which give it a unique appearance. This medium-sized cat with a muscular and slender build has large, expressive almond-shaped eyes.
The Ukrainian Levkoy is appreciated for its friendly, affectionate, playful, loyal, and intelligent temperament, making it an excellent household pet.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on November 11, 2025.
My personal tip : The Ukrainian Levkoy is a cat that requires special care due to its lack of fur. It needs regular bathing and skin moisturizing to prevent oil buildup and skin problems. It is a very social cat that does not tolerate loneliness and needs plenty of attention, mental, and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys and opportunities for exploration. It gets along well with children and other pets, even adapting to apartment living.
Do you have a Ukrainian Levkoy ?
Share your experience and photos! Your stories enrich the CatName.com community.
You can share as a guest or create an account to track your contributions.
Identifying the Ukrainian Levkoy : Characteristics of its Coat and Silhouette
The elegant silhouette and distinctive ears of the Ukrainian Levkoy are emblematic of the breed.
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized cat, with a long, muscular, and slender body, and soft, elastic, wrinkled skin.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with a muscular and slender body, semi-foreign type.
Coat: Hairless or with fine down (flocked, velour, brush), without an undercoat, making it sensitive to extreme temperatures. All colors and patterns are accepted.
Head: Pentagon-shaped or rounded triangular, longer than broad, with a stepped (dog-face) profile. Prominent cheekbones and a well-defined muzzle.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, and wide-set, any color, provided it is uniform.
Ears: Large, broad at the base, erect, and folded forward by one-third to one-half of their length, without touching the head.
Tail: Medium-long, mobile, thick at the base, and tapering towards the tip.
Dimensions and Key Information (Ukrainian Levkoy)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
25 – 30 cm
25 – 30 cm
Weight
5 – 7 kg
4 – 6 kg
4 – 7 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized, robust, and agile cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age. It exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with males being larger.
Behavior and Personality : The Affectionate and Intelligent Companion
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a cat with a friendly, affectionate, playful, intelligent, curious, and sociable temperament. It is very loyal to its family and seeks human companionship, disliking being left alone for long periods. It is known to be vocal, especially when hungry, and is demonstrative in its affection.
This cat generally gets along well with children and other pets, thanks to its open and patient nature. Very active, it needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation, enjoying interactive games, exploration, and opportunities to climb.
Origin and History
The history of the Ukrainian Levkoy is recent, with the breed having been developed in Ukraine in the early 2000s (around 2004) by felinologist Elena Vsevolodovna Birjukova. The creation of this breed is the result of a cross between the Donskoy, a hairless cat, and the Scottish Fold, known for its folded ears. The name Levkoy was chosen in reference to a Ukrainian plant with folded leaves, resembling the shape of the cat's ears.
The Ukrainian Levkoy was recognized as an experimental breed by the Ukrainian Feline Association (ICFA RUI) in 2005 and by Russia in 2010. However, most major international feline federations (such as FIFe, WCF, or TICA) do not recognize it due to ethical concerns regarding breeding practices that promote genetic anomalies, such as the folded ear gene potentially affecting cartilage and bones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ukrainian Levkoy
What makes the Ukrainian Levkoy cat unique?
The Ukrainian Levkoy is unique due to its combination of rare characteristics: a hairless or semi-hairless body and inward-folding ears, inherited from the Donskoy and Scottish Fold.
Is the Ukrainian Levkoy cat a good family pet?
Yes, the Ukrainian Levkoy is an excellent family companion. It is friendly, affectionate, sociable, intelligent, and gets along well with children and other pets, but it requires a lot of attention.
Does the Ukrainian Levkoy need a lot of grooming?
Yes, the Ukrainian Levkoy is a high-maintenance breed due to its lack of fur. It requires regular bathing and skin moisturizing to prevent skin problems.
Is the Ukrainian Levkoy a hypoallergenic breed?
While no cat is entirely hypoallergenic, the Ukrainian Levkoy, due to its lack of fur, may be a better option for people with mild allergies as it produces less dander.
What is the life expectancy of a Ukrainian Levkoy cat?
The average life expectancy of a Ukrainian Levkoy cat is generally between 10 and 15 years, or even more, especially if it receives good care and a balanced diet.
