At a glance the quick version
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.31
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.312
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.32
Home where they are happiest
An indoor cat; keep it warm and out of strong sun, with cosy beds and blankets.32
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.32
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 2005.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
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, Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary plan
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?
Furry Diary's plan suggests trimming claws every three weeks. Trim carefully, just the tip; if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo. Furry Diary plan
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 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Ukrainian Levkoy's teeth and ears?
Furry Diary'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. Furry Diary plan
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Donskoy
Peterbald
Sphynx
Scottish FoldLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.