Friendly, playful and bright, very keen on human company and usually easy-going with other pets. It can be quite vocal, especially around mealtimes.312
how to spot oneUkrainian Levkoy coat and colours
hairless or nearly hairless
A medium, long-bodied cat that looks both lean and muscular, with soft, stretchy skin that folds into wrinkles. Its large, high-set ears fold forward and down at the tips without touching the head, and the angular head with a stepped profile gives it a rather dog-like look.31
Comes inall colours and patterns (shown on the skin)2
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Ukrainian Levkoy. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BathSkin oils build up without fur to absorb themevery 2 weeks
Ear checkClean waxy ears gentlyevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksUkrainian Levkoy exercise needs
Energetic and playful; needs regular games and mental challenges to stay out of mischief.2
where they are happiestUkrainian Levkoy at home
An indoor cat; keep it warm and out of strong sun, with cosy beds and blankets.32
who they like aroundUkrainian Levkoy with people and other pets
Highly social with people and generally good with other animals.32
the hands-on bitsUkrainian Levkoy grooming and care
No brushing needed, but the bare skin needs gentle weekly care and protection from sun and cold.32
what goes in the bowlUkrainian Levkoy food and feeding
Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Ukrainian Levkoy, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, weight and activity. Ask your vet for a tailored schedule.
What should an Ukrainian Levkoy eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic and xylitol; your vet can give you a full list.24
Does an Ukrainian Levkoy need baths?
Yes, Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every two weeks because skin oils build up without fur. Also protect their bare skin from sun and cold.32
How often does an Ukrainian Levkoy need brushing?
The Ukrainian Levkoy is hairless, so no brushing is needed. Instead, give their bare skin gentle weekly care.32
How do I trim an Ukrainian Levkoy's claws, and how often?
Pet Wiki's plan suggests trimming claws every three weeks. Trim carefully, just the tip; if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.
How much play does an Ukrainian Levkoy need?
Your Levkoy is energetic and playful, so daily play and mental challenges are important to keep them happy and out of mischief.2
How do I look after an Ukrainian Levkoy's teeth and ears?
Pet Wiki's plan suggests checking ears weekly and cleaning any wax gently. Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least every other day, to keep them healthy.
How long does an Ukrainian Levkoy live?
Lifespan varies by individual health and care. Ask your vet for typical ranges for this breed.
Is an Ukrainian Levkoy good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Ukrainian Levkoy is friendly and usually easy-going with children and other pets, especially if socialised early.32
Can an Ukrainian Levkoy be left alone?
This breed is very social and keen on human company, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. Ask a good breeder or vet for advice on leaving them.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchUkrainian Levkoy health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Ukrainian Levkoy. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Osteochondrodysplasia (fold-ear gene)
The Scottish Fold gene that folds the ears also affects cartilage and bone, and can cause painful, stiff joints, thickened legs and lameness, worst in cats with two copies of the gene. Wikipedia (Ukrainian Levkoy) describes FD gene osteochondrodysplasia and leg exostosis in fold-eared Levkoys; the breed is built on Scottish Fold crosses ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Ukrainian Levkoy costs
Running costs for a Ukrainian Levkoy, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is named after the levkoy (stock) flower, whose bent leaves resemble its folded ears.2
2
Litters include both fold-eared and straight-eared kittens.3
The breed's name comes from the folded leaves of the Levkoy plant (also known as stock or gillyflower), which inspired the cat's distinctive folded ears.5
I wake up and stretch my long, naked body. My human is already up, and I meow a cheerful good morning. I follow them to the kitchen, my favorite place, especially at mealtimes. I'm very vocal about that. After eating, we play with a puzzle toy; I'm so smart, I figure it out quickly. Then I lounge on the warm windowsill, but not for long, I need attention. I chat with my human, then play with my furry sibling. In the evening, I cuddle on the sofa, purring loudly. My skin loves gentle rubs, and I bask in every moment of being adored.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganUkrainian Levkoy history
Elena Biriukova developed the Levkoy in Ukraine from about 2000 by pairing Donskoy females with Scottish Fold males, later adding Oriental and non-pedigree cats. The look was settled by around 2004, and Ukrainian and Russian cat clubs recognised it from 2005.12
Donskoy
Peterbald
Sphynx
Scottish Fold