PPA QR Code

Home

/

Cat Breeds

/

Ukrainian Levkoy

Ukrainian Levkoy

Origin

🇺🇦

Ukraine

Size

Medium Breed

Ideal Space

Apartment

Ideal Weather

18º-24ºC

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Cost of buying

₹ 1,50,000 - ₹ 3,00,000

Top 5 Traits

Playful

Curious

Friendly

Independent

Affectionate

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 2,800 - ₹ 4,200

A hairless Ukrainian Levkoy cat with wrinkled skin and folded ears looks to the left
written by image

by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 1 Jul 2025

Know All About the Ukrainian Levkoy

The Ukrainian Levkoy is not your typical fluffy lap cat. This breed is lean, hairless (or nearly so), and has inward-folded ears that give it a very distinct and modern look. Developed in Ukraine in the early 2000s by breeder Elena Birjukova, this breed was created by crossing the Donskoy (a hairless cat) with the Scottish Fold, aiming to combine the friendliness of both with a sleek, unusual appearance. The result? A cat that’s striking to look at but incredibly gentle and people-focused. These cats are great companions. They are loyal, curious, and very in tune with their humans. They’re the kind who’ll curl beside you, follow you around, and quietly check in without being pushy.

 

Characteristics

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Shedding amount

Negligible

Frequent

Compatibility with other cats

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Prey Drive

Low

High

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

about image

Price of the Ukrainian Levkoy in India

Cost of buying

₹ 1,50,000 - ₹ 3,00,000

The Ukrainian Levkoy is an extremely rare breed, especially outside of Eastern Europe. In India, they’re almost unheard of in mainstream pet markets and they cost between ₹150,000 to ₹300,000, depending on pedigree, vaccination history, and whether the breeder imports directly from Ukraine or Russia.

 

Shop or Adopt a Ukrainian Levkoy: Make the Right Choice

Whether you're thinking about adopting or purchasing, bringing a Ukrainian Levkoy into your home is a rare but wonderful decision. These cats are gentle, expressive, and full of personality, but they do need a bit of extra care, especially for their skin, joints, and sensitive ears.

 

Nutrition Care for Ukrainian Levkoy Cats

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000

Calories per day

Kittens: 250 kcal

Adults: 300 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Fats

Carbohydrates

Vitamins

Minerals

Amino Acids (Taurine, Arginine, etc.)

Essential Fatty Acids

Fiber

List of foods

Dry kibble

Wet canned food

Chicken (cooked or raw)

Turkey

Salmon

Eggs (cooked)

Sardines (in moderation)

Omega-3 fatty acids

Cat-specific multivitamins

Ukrainian Levkoys are sleek, active, and often hairless (or nearly so), which means they need a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet to keep their muscles strong and their skin in good condition. Their metabolism can be slightly higher than average, especially since hairless cats burn more calories staying warm, so quality really matters here.

 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Best Foods for Ukrainian Levkoy Cats

Getting their diet right helps your Levkoy feel good, look great, and stay playful well into their senior years. Here are a few good options:

 

Foods to Avoid for Ukrainian Levkoy Cats

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Onions and Garlic

Chocolate

Bones

Raw Eggs

Alcohol

Xylitol

Grapes and Raisins

Artificial Additives

Levkoys can have sensitive stomachs and skin, so a clean, high-quality diet makes a big difference. Here’s what to skip:

 
about image

Health

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 500 - ₹ 700

Common Health Issues

Dental Problems

Skin Allergies

Upper Respiratory Infections

Gastrointestinal Issues

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Hyperthyroidism

Obesity

Eye Problems

Activities

Climbing

Exploring

Interactive Playtime

Chasing Objects

Social Interaction

Energy Level

Medium

Exercise routine

30 - 60 minutes

Recognising Stress

Hiding

Decreased appetite

Overgrooming

Changes in litter box behavior

Increased vocalization

Healthcare for Ukrainian Levkoy Cats

Common Health Problems of Ukrainian Levkoy Cats

 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-8 Weeks

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia).

10-12 Weeks

FVRCP.

14-16 Weeks

FVRCP.

12-16 Weeks

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).

16-20 Weeks

FeLV - 2nd dose.

Annually

FVRCP, Rabies.

Every 3 Years

FVRCP, Rabies.

what is the Best Grooming Routine for Ukrainian Levkoys?

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500

Shedding Level

No Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Teeth care

Eye care

Bathing

Nail Trimming

Health Observation

Benefits of Grooming

Prevents Bad Breath

Prevents infections

Cleanliness

Odourless

Quality of life

  1. Brushing: While Ukrainian Levkoys are mostly hairless, some do have a light peach-fuzz-like coat, especially in colder seasons. A soft grooming mitt once a week helps remove dead skin cells and keeps the skin smooth.
  2. Bathing: Unlike fluffy breeds, Levkoys actually need regular baths, usually once every 1–2 weeks, because their skin builds up natural oils that would normally be absorbed by fur. Use a gentle, unscented cat-safe shampoo (look for one designed for hairless cats), and always rinse thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid skin irritation.
  3. Nail trimming: Just like other indoor cats, trim their nails every 2–3 weeks to prevent snags or breaks.
  4. Ear cleaning: Since they don’t have much fur, their ears can get greasy or waxy faster than other breeds. A weekly ear wipe with a soft cloth or cotton pad (not swabs!) and a vet-approved cleaner will help prevent buildup or infections.
  5. Teeth brushing: Regular brushing 2–3 times a week with cat-safe toothpaste helps keep bad breath and plaque in check.
 
about image
written by image

Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

Our cont
 

Compare with similar breeds

Close up of a brown tabby cat with striking green eyes looking slightly to the left

European Shorthair

Compare
Blue eyed Birman cat face closeup dark markings looking forward Birman Cat

Birman Cat

Compare
Close up of a hairless Sphynx cat with wrinkled pink skin and striking heterochromatic eyes

Sphynx Cat

Compare
close up of a Havana Brown cats face reveals its distinctive warm brown coat

Havana Brown

Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Ukrainian Levkoy unique?

The Ukrainian Levkoy is distinctive for its hairless body and folded ears, giving it an appearance that's both striking and unique. Its friendly, social nature also sets it apart from other breeds.

Is the Ukrainian Levkoy hypoallergenic?

While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, the Ukrainian Levkoy is often a better choice for allergy sufferers due to its lack of fur. However, its skin can still produce dander, which is the primary allergen.

What are the grooming needs of a Ukrainian Levkoy?

Despite being hairless, the Ukrainian Levkoy requires regular grooming. Weekly baths are recommended to remove oils from their skin, and ear cleaning, teeth care, and nail trimming are essential parts of their grooming routine.

What is the personality of a Ukrainian Levkoy cat?

Levkoys are gentle, affectionate, and quirky cats that love being around people but aren’t too demanding.

How much does a Ukrainian Levkoy cost in India?

A Ukrainian Levkoy kitten in India may cost anywhere between ₹150,000 to ₹300,000 depending on the breeder and import costs.