The folded-eared, hairless kittens of the Ukrainian Levkoy breed exist thanks to the work of Elena Biriukova, a cat breeder from Kyiv and owner of the Lada Cats cattery.
Breed History
These unusual Ukrainian Levkoy cats were developed very recently. The breed dates back to 2000. It got its name from the unusual shape of its ears, which look like the folded leaves of the levkoy (stock) flower, and from its country of origin, Ukraine.
Even though the breed is so young, Ukrainian Levkoys have already won the hearts of many people, not only in Ukraine but far beyond its borders.
Breed Overview, Appearance, and Colors
- The head is angular, flat, long, and medium-sized.
- The ears are set wide apart; in folds they’re rounded and folded forward, and in straights they’re upright. Compared with the size of the head, the ears are fairly large.
- The eyes are large and almond-shaped. They can be any color, but blue or green eyes are preferred.
- The Ukrainian Levkoy’s neck is medium length and muscular.
- The body has well-developed muscles, is fairly short, and has a narrow chest. Females are much smaller than males.
- The legs are long and strong, with oval paws and graceful toes.
- The tail is long, very flexible, and tapers to the tip.
- The skin feels warm to the touch and is wrinkly. Hairless cats are preferred, but an even layer of fuzz over the whole body is possible.
- Within the standard, these cats can come in all sorts of colors.
- The average weight is about 11 lb.
Don’t miss our article on the Canadian Sphynx.
Ukrainian Levkoy Personality and Traits at a Glance
| Affection for family | ★★★★★ |
| Shedding | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★☆ |
| Vocality | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with kids | ★★★★★ |
| Friendliness toward strangers | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Gets along with other pets | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
Personality
Ukrainian Levkoy cats are very sociable and friendly. They make contact easily and are easy to train. They’re cheerful and quickly adapt to new living conditions. Levkoys aren’t pushy, they’re patient, and they happily respond to love and affection.
Read about the right diet for a kitten.
Care and Living Conditions
For all their extravagance, Ukrainian Levkoy cats aren’t especially demanding to care for. Since they have no fur, make sure there are no drafts. For feeding, choose foods suitable for sphynx cats (high-quality, energy-rich food, since hairless cats burn more calories to stay warm).
Spending too much time in direct sunlight can also cause problems, namely sunburn. In the cold season, these unusual cats need clothes, like sweaters or onesies.
You can find more tips in our article how to care for a kitten.
Photos
How Much Does a Ukrainian Levkoy Kitten Cost?
It’s impossible to name an exact price for a kitten of this breed, since it all depends on factors like sex and class, whether the ears are folded or straight, and whether the kitten has fuzz or is completely bare. Published US estimates put a Ukrainian Levkoy at about $400–$800, but since the breed is extremely rare in the US, you’ll most likely need to bring a kitten in from a breeder in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe, and international transport can add $1,000 or more.
Where to Buy a Ukrainian Levkoy in the US
The Ukrainian Levkoy isn’t recognized by the major US registries (CFA and TICA), so you won’t find it in their breeder directories. There are very few, if any, active breeders in the US. Your best bet is to contact established Levkoy catteries in Ukraine or Europe that can safely transport a kitten to you. Since the breed isn’t officially registered, always ask for detailed records on the kitten’s parents and health, and check the seller’s reviews.
We’d love to hear your reviews of the Ukrainian Levkoy.
