Ukrainian Levkoy

Also called Levkoy

Rare breedShort profile

From Ukraine, created around 2000 by Elena Biriukova from Donskoy and Scottish Fold crosses.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium

sociable and friendly

playful and clever

distinctive folded ears

3 1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.3 1

Coloursall colours and patterns (shown on the skin)2

Personality what they are like

Friendly, playful and bright, very keen on human company and usually easy-going with other pets. It can be quite vocal, especially around mealtimes.3 1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Energetic and playful; needs regular games and mental challenges to stay out of mischief.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No brushing needed, but the bare skin needs gentle weekly care and protection from sun and cold.3 2

Home where they are happiest

An indoor cat; keep it warm and out of strong sun, with cosy beds and blankets.3 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.2

Company who they like around

Highly social with people and generally good with other animals.3 2

The story where it all began

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 2005.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

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
3
Its head is described as a soft-edged pentagon.3

Recognised by the official bits

ICFA RUI (Ukraine): Recognised 2005, championship 20101
ICFA WCA (Russia): Recognised 2010, championship 20111
General: Recognised mainly in Russia and Ukraine; not accepted by the major international registries2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Ukrainian Levkoy. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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

Start a free diary

Donskoy

Peterbald

Sphynx

Scottish Fold

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

Russian and Ukrainian cat breeds - Messybeast messybeast.comused for founder, dates, recognition, ears
Ukrainian Levkoy - Omlet omlet.co.ukused for history, name, colours, care, temperament
Ukrainian Levkoy - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, temperament, care

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.