Ukrainian Levkoy Breed: Pictures, Facts, Temperament & Traits

Named after the Levkoy plant, which has bent leaves, the Ukrainian Levkoy cat is a designer breed that was developed in Ukraine by a woman named Elena Biriukova. The Ukrainian Levkoy is a relatively new breed of cat, having been developed in the early 2000s.

Breed Overview

They were developed to have a unique appearance and friendly personality. Ukrainian Levkoys have been recognized by Rolandus Union International in Ukraine in 2005. Since they’re a newer breed, there is plenty to learn about them.

Ukrainian Levkoy Characteristics

Ukrainian Levkoy Kittens

These almost hairless kittens are adorably cuddly and gentle, making them great pets for households with or without kids. However, it’s important to know what to expect from a cat breed like this so you can be sure that you can handle their care needs.

Ukrainian Levkoy kittens are popular in Ukraine, but they are extremely rare in the United States. Therefore, you may have a tough time finding a local breeder and might need to look around to find one to work with. You may even have to locate a breeder in Ukraine who is able and willing to safely transport a kitty to you. The cost will not include veterinarian care, transportation, or necessary accessories. Some breeders do take care of initial vaccination costs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Ukrainian Levkoy Cat

The Ukrainian Levkoy cat is friendly, gentle, and loyal. They enjoy spending their time exploring their surroundings, playing with toys, and interacting with their human family members. They do enjoy snuggling up for a long nap, especially when it’s chilly outside. Owners shouldn’t be surprised to find their Ukrainian Levkoy kitty sleeping under the covers at the end of the bed in the middle of the night. They do have a bit of a stubborn side, which is usually shown by ignoring calls from humans trying to get their attention.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

This interesting cat breed happens to be great for families. They are excitable and active, so kids can help keep them entertained and exercised during the day. These cats are not always on the move, though. They are happy to hang out with adult family members working on the computer or reading a book on the couch. In general, they won’t bother babies, and they are quiet and gentle enough for seniors to care for.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

When it comes to living with other pets, the Ukrainian Levkoy may be able to do so. They are not fond of aggressive cats or dogs and will spend most of their time avoiding pets that are overbearing or too playful. It is important to make sure any pets that you plan to introduce your new Ukrainian Levkoy to are trained, well-balanced, and gentle when it comes to interacting with others. It is a good idea to introduce other animals to this breed while they are still kittens so they learn how to properly socialize by the time that they are adults.

Things to Know When Owning a Ukrainian Levkoy Cat

There is much to consider when deciding whether a Ukrainian Levkoy cat is the right pet for your household. You should know their diet requirements, exercise needs, training abilities, and grooming commitments before making an ultimate decision.

Food & Diet Requirements

Since the Ukrainian Levkoy is hairless, they tend to burn a great deal of energy to maintain their body temperature. Even though they are naturally thin and not as large as many other cat breeds, they tend to eat more than the average cat. You may need to provide your kitty with more food than what the feeding instructions recommend. It’s important to choose a commercial food that has real meat as the first ingredient.

The food that you choose should specify that it meets AAFCO regulations somewhere on the packaging. Many foods are made specifically for certain life stages, so choose one that is suitable for your cat’s age. If in doubt, seek guidance from a qualified veterinarian.

Exercise 🐈

Ukrainian Levkoys are active cats, but they should be kept indoors due to their vulnerability to sun, heat, and cold — and the possibility of them being stolen due to their rarity. However, there are many things that you can do to make sure your Ukrainian Levkoy gets the exercise that they need while living indoors.

First, always make a variety of enrichment activities available to your kitty. Cat puzzles, puzzle feeders, and motorized toys are all great options. Second, make at least one scratching post available in the house. Consider installing small shelves on a wall that your cat can use to jump and climb on. Doing these things will keep your cat fit and healthy, their mind stimulated, and your furniture and curtains from getting ruined.

Training 🧶

This cat breed is smart, and training can help enrich their lives and make your bond stronger. It’s just as important to exercise a cat’s brain as it is to exercise their body. Spend 10 minutes a day on training when your cat is in good spirits and in the mood to interact and focus.

You can even train your cat to use the toilet if you have the time, patience, and understanding to do so. If you do not have training experience or are unsure of your skills, you can always work with a professional cat trainer until you get the hang of things.

Grooming ✂️

Since the Ukrainian Levkoy is considered hairless (most of them have thin, fuzzy hair on their bodies that can be felt but can be tough to see, depending on the lighting), grooming requirements are typically minimal. However, just because there is no need to comb or brush your kitty, there are other things that you should do to keep their bodies clean and healthy.

First, you should brush your feline family member’s teeth once a week or so to ensure that plaque and tartar do not have a chance to build up. Also, since your kitty will spend most, if not all, their time indoors, it’s a good idea to trim their nails with cat nail clippers once or twice a month. You should also clean their ears out weekly with a clean cloth or cotton balls to get rid of built-up debris.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Ukrainian Levkoy is generally healthy, and since the breed is so new, there is not much known about any health conditions that they may be susceptible to developing through genetic or other means. There are a couple of health conditions that all cat owners should be aware of because they are common among all felines, no matter the breed.

Male vs. Female

There is not much difference between male and female Ukrainian Levkoy cats. They are both friendly, gentle, interactive, and loyal. What matters most is which one you prefer having. Keep in mind that these cats are rare, so if you have a specific sex in mind, you may have to be put on a waiting list to get a new kitten. If you are open to either sex, your chances are good of scoring a kitten sooner rather than later.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Ukrainian Levkoy

1. Ukrainian Levkoy Cats Are Hardy

Although the Ukrainian Levkoy cat looks dainty and fragile, they are hardy felines that can handle horseplay with the kids. Their agility gives them the ability to perform impressive gymnastics while playing with toys and on scratching posts.

2. Ukrainian Levkoy Cats Can Be Shy

Although you would never know it by the way that they act around their family members, these cats can be extremely shy when it comes to meeting strangers or dealing with people who visit their homes. It’s a good idea to make a safe hiding space available so they can hide away when they don’t want to be in social situations.

3. Ukrainian Levkoy Cats Are Finicky When It Comes to Weather

Since these cats are hairless (or nearly so), they do not do well in cold weather. The sun and heat can cause sunburn and stroke too. This is one big reason that they were developed to be indoor cats. Cats living in especially cold places can sometimes wear sweaters to maintain their body heat.

Final Thoughts

Ukrainian Levkoy cats are smart, fun-loving, interactive, and interesting cats that should not be overlooked when searching for a new kitten to call your own. However, these are rare cats that can be expensive, and the process of obtaining one can be time-consuming. Do your research, and make sure this breed will work well in your household before deciding to put in the work to find and adopt one.

Featured Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock