Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a unique combination of two unusual breeds — the Donskoy (hairless) and the Scottish Fold (folded ears) — producing a hairless cat with folded ears.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ukraine
Lifespan
9–15 years
Weight
3.5–6.5 kg (8–14 lbs)
Height
23–30 cm (9–12 in)
Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — higher caloric needs than coated cats; high-quality food in frequent meals.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a unique combination of two unusual breeds — the Donskoy (hairless) and the Scottish Fold (folded ears) — producing a hairless cat with folded ears. Developed in 2000 by Ukrainian breeder Elena Biriukova, the Levkoy has an unusual angular, dog-faced appearance quite distinct from the rounder Sphynx. The breed is recognised in Ukraine and by the World Cat Federation but not by CFA or TICA. It carries the health concerns of both parent breeds — the osteochondrodysplasia risk of the fold gene and the skin care demands of a hairless cat.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-sized, muscular, hairless or nearly hairless cat with folded ears — the ears fold forward and downward similar to the Scottish Fold. The head is angular with a flat forehead and prominent whisker pads, giving it a more dog-like or angular appearance than the round Sphynx. Wrinkled skin. Large almond-shaped eyes.
Grooming
High
Shedding
None
Coat Length
hairless
Coat Type
none
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Weekly
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Ukrainian Levkoys are sociable, gentle, and adaptable — they combine the warm-seeking nature of a hairless cat with the calm temperament of the Fold. They are people-oriented and get on well with children and other pets.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
2/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Only
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
20%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
quiet
Stress Signals
hiding, skin irritation, joint stiffness, withdrawal
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Weekly bathing essential for skin oil management. Warm environment — minimum 20°C. NEVER breed fold-to-fold — same osteochondrodysplasia risk as Scottish Fold. Regular joint and tail assessment. Ear cleaning weekly — the folded ear traps debris.
Nutrition Notes
Hairless + folded ears — both welfare risks. Osteochondrodysplasia + skin issues. Not widely recognised.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hairless + folded ears = double welfare concern. Osteochondrodysplasia. Skin issues. Not recognised by most registries. Ukrainian breed. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Osteochondrodysplasia from the fold gene — same risk as Scottish Fold. Skin infections from oil accumulation without fur. HCM. Dental disease. Ear infections elevated due to reduced airflow in folded ear.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Hairless + folded ears = double welfare concern. India: warm climate suits hairless.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Ukrainian Levkoy combines two of the most ethically controversial cat traits — hairlessness and folded ears — in a single breed, making it a subject of ongoing welfare discussion among feline geneticists.
The name "Levkoy" comes from the levkoy plant (stock flower), whose leaves bend forward in a way that reminded the breed's founder of the cat's folded ears.
