Ukrainian Levkoy
A hairless, folded-eared cat with a distinctive inward-folded, dog-faced look.
The Ukrainian Levkoy was developed in Ukraine in 2004 by crossing the Donskoy (a hairless breed) with the Scottish Fold. The result is a striking cat that is almost or entirely hairless with distinctive inward-folding ears, giving it a uniquely angular, dog-like facial profile. Despite their alien appearance, Levkoys are gentle, playful, and highly social. They need warmth and regular skin care due to their lack of insulating fur.
Key facts
| Origin | Ukraine |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 7–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Weekly skin wipe-down; occasional bath to remove oil build-up |
| Shedding | None |
| With children | ●●●●○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- No shedding — ideal for tidiness
- Friendly and people-oriented
- Perfect apartment size
- Unique, conversation-starting appearance
✗ Things to know
- Ethical concerns over folded-ear gene health risks
- Needs warmth — not suitable for cold homes without sweaters
- Very rare and expensive to acquire
Ideal owner
A Ukrainian Levkoy may suit you well if you:
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Ukrainian Levkoy may not suit you if you:
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Ukrainian Levkoys can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Osteochondrodysplasia (joint deformity related to folded-ear gene)
- Skin sensitivity and sunburn risk
- Temperature regulation challenges in cold environments
Is a Ukrainian Levkoy right for you?
The best way to find out if a Ukrainian Levkoy suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Ukrainian Levkoy a good cat for first-time owners?
Ukrainian Levkoys can suit first-time owners who do their research. Gentle, curious, and surprisingly playful beneath an otherworldly appearance. Make sure you can meet their specific care needs before committing.
Are Ukrainian Levkoys good for apartments?
Yes — Ukrainian Levkoys adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Ukrainian Levkoys good with children?
Ukrainian Levkoys are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Ukrainian Levkoys hypoallergenic?
Ukrainian Levkoys are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Hairless coat means no fur allergens, but Fel d 1 protein is still present in saliva and skin secretions. Better tolerated by many allergy sufferers.
Does a Ukrainian Levkoy suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Ukrainian Levkoy on Wikipedia