Ukrainian Levkoy: description of the breed, character, care and maintenance, feeding, pros and cons

Ukrainian Levkoy is a cat breed that cannot be confused with any other. This is one of the types of hairless cats, moreover, this breed is fold-eared.

Ukrainian Levkos were obtained by crossing Scottish Fold cats with Don Sphynx cats.

Ukrainian Levkoy is a “fold-eared” sphinx.

The breed got its name in honor of the gillyflower flower, since the ears of these cats look exactly like this flower.

Work on this breed began not so long ago - only in 2000.

The credit for the founding and development of this breed belongs to the breeder and felinologist Elena Vsevolodovna Biryukova, who runs the Ladacats nursery in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The first nursery exclusively for Ukrainian Levkoys - HELEN GRIGS - was built on October 14, 2007 in St. Petersburg. In a relatively short time since the appearance of this breed, by 2010 there were already more than a thousand individuals of Ukrainian Levkoys in Russia.

The birth of the first Ukrainian Levkoy occurred on January 21, 2004, the kitten was named Levkoy Primero.

Ukrainian Levkoys are very loving. They love to sit on the laps of their owners, warming them with their hot body and purring deep inside, as if a small motor is hidden inside this cat. These cats are very curious.

In the house they will definitely choose one favorite place for themselves and will spend a long time watching all the actions of the household members from there. Ukrainian Levkoys are very playful and active; they will always happily play with a ball thrown at them or chew on a squeaking plush mouse.

Ukrainian Levkoy.

In addition, this breed is not vindictive or aggressive, and is not at all capricious.

These cats quickly adapt to any conditions, get used to new acquaintances and get along well with other animals in the house.

There is nothing special about caring for lefties. Like most hairless cats, they should be protected from cold and drafts, and also fed more often, due to the high energy expenditure required to maintain a high body temperature.

You should also protect your pet from trying to climb onto high cabinets, and even more so from trying to jump from there. The physique of these animals is very fragile, and your pet can harm itself if it jumps from a height. During the summer, it is best to keep your Ukrainian Levkoy away from prolonged exposure to the sun as their skin is very sensitive.

Brief history of the breed

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a completely new breed. The idea to create a unique variety of cats came to Kiev resident Elena Biryukova back in 2000. Before starting breeding work, she simply drew bald, fold-eared animals. Thanks to these sketches, the woman understood which breeds could be used to obtain a new look.

The first Ukrainian Levkoy kitten was born in the Lada cats nursery in the winter of 2004. The parents of the almost bald, big-eyed, fold-eared baby were the Don Sphynx and the Scottish Fold. The kitten received the nickname Levkoy Primero and later gave birth to numerous offspring.

In 2007, cats of this breed made their debut in the WCF ring, and 3 years later they became full participants in the Ukrainian championships according to ICFA RUI.

Origin of the Ukrainian Levkoy breed

The Levkoy breed is the result of the selection work of a breeder-felinologist from Kyiv. In 2000, Elena Biryukova began creating the Ukrainian Levkoy Sphynx breed.

To achieve the desired results, two completely different breeds were crossed - the Scottish Fold and the Don Sphynx. The animal adopted characteristics from both parents. The cat inherited the body structure from the Sphynxes, and the special shape of the ears from the second relative.

The creator of the breed had an association that the ears of these animals and their delicate skin resembled white violets, with another name being gillyflowers. So the name Levkoy was given to a representative of the breed who was lucky enough to become its founder. The cat was born in January 2004, and the breed was registered in the same year.

In 2007, the first nursery of this breed was built in Russia. At the moment, the number of representatives of the breed in the CIS countries is growing, but the breed can be

Interesting Facts

Despite the limited history of this unusual breed, a lot of interesting things have already happened to it:

The name of the Ukrainian Levkoy was not invented immediately. The creator of the breed saw in these cats similarities with dragons and lions. But when the felinologist looked at the petals of the gillyflower flower, which resemble cat ears, she realized that the problem of finding the name of the breed had been solved.
This type of cat has an alternative name - Ukrainian Sphynx.
Levkoys have a slightly higher body temperature than their “woolly” counterparts. Normally it reaches 40 degrees. Therefore, the skin of Ukrainian Sphynxes is very hot to the touch.

History of the origin of the breed

Ukrainian Levkoy cats were bred quite recently, just over ten years ago. This happened thanks to the persistence and patience of a felinologist from Kyiv, Elena Biryukova. Breeding work began in the early 2000s, and the first “fruit” of genetic experiments appeared four years later. The Ukrainian Levkoy kitten was just as the breeder had planned for it - with an extraordinary appearance, good health and a good-natured character.

The parents of this amazing creature were representatives of two very different, luxurious breeds: the Don Sphynx and the Scottish Fold. The puzzle into which the animal's genes are put together is unique - both ancestors passed on unique, dominant traits to the Ukrainian Levkoy. Thus, from the hairless relatives from the Don, the feline Kyivians inherited their body structure and peculiar coat, and from the Scots - lop ears.

The small, strangely flattened ears of Ukrainian sphinxes seem to be sculpted from pastel-colored mastic. This touching feature of the animal’s exterior evoked an association among the creator of the breed with the graceful, carved petals of the summer flower, the gillyflower. The skin tone and its delicate, velvety structure of the Ukrainian gillyflower, according to Biryukova, make it look like its namesake plant. This is how the poetic name for the exotic species was born.

The first appearance of the Kyiv cat aroused keen interest and attracted the attention of not only the curious public, but also serious experts. At the moment, hairless, fold-eared cats of the Ukrainian Levkoy are recognized in Ukraine, Russia and some CIS countries. However, the young breed cannot be called world famous, because only a few hundred individuals live outside the above-mentioned states. So far, international felinological organizations have not determined the standard for left-handed cats, but they treat them favorably and allow them to participate in exhibitions. About ten Ukrainian sphinxes hold the champion title.

Breed description, standards, appearance

Ukrainian Sphynxes are hairless, fold-eared cats with a muscular body and soft, hot skin. An experimental breed standard was adopted in 2012. It provides not only a complete description of the Ukrainian Levkoy, but also a list of defects that affect its breeding value:

semi-erect ears;
undershot;
shortened tail;
elongated, weak and light body;
deep-set small and straight-set round eyes;
hump on the back of the nose;
narrow head.

Disqualifying faults include:

straightened ears;
smooth coat;
hard, unbending tail;
undershot more than 2 mm;
missing lock on the fangs;
turning of the eyelids.

Dimensions and weight

Fold-eared Sphynxes are considered a medium-sized breed. The Ukrainian Levkoy cat weighs between 4-5.5 kg. The cat's weight reaches 4.5-6 kg.

Anatomical characteristics

According to the experimental standard, which contains a detailed description of the breed, the Ukrainian Levkoy looks like this:

The head is wide in the skull, in the form of a modified wedge, angular, with pronounced cheekbones and eyebrows, a stepped profile, developed jaws, a not too long rounded muzzle and a strong chin. The vibrissae are thick, curled, and may be broken or absent.
The eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, slanted. Levkoys have any eye color.
The ears are small in size, folded in the middle, slightly erect or almost bent to the head. Each of them has 1-2 horizontal folds. Some Ukrainian Sphynxes have straight, wide-open ears with tips pointing to the sides.
The body is moderately stretched, dense, with developed muscles, a deep groin line, marked by the stomach, broad chest and croup.
The limbs are long, with rounded paws, strong bones and flexible toes.
The tail is mobile, strong and straight. It tapers towards the tip and can be covered with individual hairs or thick, delicate, slightly wavy fur.
The skin is elastic, with many folds on the neck, head, armpits and groin.

Also find out what other cat breeds have curled ears.

Depending on the presence and quality of hair, Levkoys are:

hairless - they have no hair at all;
velor – with fur 1-3 mm long;
flock – with pile up to 2 mm;
brush point – with sparse growth;
bristly brush - used in the breeding program, but does not participate in exhibitions.

Color

The Ukrainian Levkoy standard does not provide for any color restrictions. The most common color options in the breed are:

plain (white, cream, red, lilac, chocolate, blue and black);
smoky;
bicolor;
tabby

Appearance

Levkoi weigh about 5 kilograms. Life expectancy is 12-14 years. Height at the withers is about 30 centimeters. Males are larger, females are smaller and more graceful. Vibrissae are absent or present in small quantities.

A photo of a Ukrainian lefty cat clearly shows that little has been adopted from the Scottish Fold breed into its exterior. Fold ears are the only thing that reminds us of the kinship of these animals.

However, the standards of the second relative are not completely identical in this breed.

Here are the similarities and differences between the Don Sphynx and the Levkoy:

Peculiarities. Levka. Don Sphynx
Body type. Muscular but graceful. The chest is not large, oval in shape. There is a bend along the back line. Strong build, wide chest and croup. The back is straight.
Paws. Long, strong with oval shaped feet. The same muscles as the descendants, but the legs are shorter and the feet are rounder.
Head. From a top position, the shape of the head resembles a pentagon with pointed features. The appearance of the head is in many ways similar to the left-handed one.
Ears. Large, widely spaced. The tips of the ears are rounded and curved, but among the representatives of the breed there are those with straight ears. The roundness at the tips is also present, but the distance between the ears is smaller and there are no bends.
Eyes. Identical to the eyes of their predecessors, but the shape of the eyelid is slightly different. Large, almond-shaped.
Chin. Similar to the appearance of the ancestors, but more graceful
Strong. Wool and leather

Most often there is no wool, but among Ukrainian Levkoys a velor coat is acceptable. A variant of the coat is heterogeneous - most of the body is bald, in places there is hard, curly hair. Leather with folds.

The skin features are the same as those of the Levkoy, but wool can only be present on growing individuals.

Character and temperament

Ukrainian Sphynxes are distinguished by their gentle, affectionate and obedient disposition. Kind, loving and very curious cats try to keep abreast of all events and do not show distrust of strangers.

Decisive and sociable Ukrainian Sphynxes need to communicate with people and know how to listen. They are able to respond to their owner's remarks with a loud meow and will become attentive interlocutors for older people.

The loyalty of Ukrainian Levkoys allows them to be compared to dogs. Cats of this breed subtly capture the owner's mood and do not bother with demands to play at the wrong moment.

The friendly and non-conflict nature of Ukrainian Levkoys allows them to easily find a common language with children and calmly get along under the same roof with other pets.

Levkoy care and maintenance

Nature has rewarded this breed with quick wit and great intelligence. If the owner starts raising a pet during adolescence (at 3-4 months), the animal will grow up clean and tidy. Levkoys quickly get used to the tray, scratching post and other useful things. With a competent approach to the issue, you can raise a sensitive and unusually obedient cat.

Since the breed was bred artificially and is exotic, such cats should be cared for a little differently than ordinary ones. Here are some important details about caring for your pet:

High quality shampoo. Although they do not need to be combed, due to the abundant secretion of sebum, they will have to be bathed more often than long-haired dogs.
A balanced diet and active play are essential to ensure adequate energy production for the health of your Levy.
Standard hygiene procedures include cleaning ears and teeth, trimming nails.

With good care, Ukrainian Levkoys live 10-14 years.

Diseases of the Sphynx Levkoy

It is difficult to name a disease to which the Ukrainian Levko . But this does not mean that a representative of the breed will necessarily have a certain illness.

Things to watch out for:

Sudden changes in temperature. Due to drafts, respiratory and urinary tract diseases are possible.
Problems with the cardiovascular, nervous or circulatory system.
Overeating or poor nutrition can cause digestive problems.

Conclusions about the breed

global $ads_google;
//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> So, who is the Ukrainian Levkoy :

Little family member. The cat is friendly, polite and equally kind to all household members. Gets along well with children and other animals, including small rodents. Almost never starts quarrels.
A whimsical flower. The Kiev Sphinx is distinguished by its original and sometimes painful beauty. Due to its uniqueness, it requires special care, love and care.
A sociable and cheerful alien. This charming combination was inherited by the left-handed cats from the Don hairless cats. Communication with such a pet will not leave anyone indifferent.

The Ukrainian cat is a priceless find. He can be different: silent and talkative, sensitive and frisky, businesslike and playful. But always loving and attentive.

How to choose the right kitten

It is advisable to buy a Ukrainian Sphynx from a certified nursery or from a trusted breeder. In order not to make a mistake in choosing a kitten, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

availability of pedigree and veterinary passport;
conditions of detention;
appearance;
health status;
behavioral features.

A Ukrainian Levkoy kitten should have pronounced cheekbones and eyebrows, developed jaws and skin folds on the neck, head, groin and armpits.

On a note. A completely bald kitten will cost more than its littermate covered in light fluff. But there is always a possibility that the Ukrainian Levkoy, which has a brushy coat from birth, will “undress” with age.

Kitten care

No responsible breeder will give a kitten to a new home before it is 3 months old. Therefore, the owners receive a fully vaccinated and fairly independent pet. They can only wait until the kitten adapts to the changed conditions and set the limits of what is permitted.

To prevent the curious little Levko from being injured, small objects, indoor plants, detergents and electrical wires are hidden from him. Also, for safety reasons, the kitten should not be left unattended in rooms with open windows or balconies.

Description of the Ukrainian Levkoy

global $ads_google;
//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> The Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized animal with a long body. To some, the Sphynx may seem delicate and even sickly, but, in fact, these pets have a slender, strong body with thin, strong paws, an arched back and a flexible, movable tail - a whip. The backbone of the Levkoy is lighter than that of the Scottish, but not as light as that of the Sphynx. A gutta-percha cat weighs about 5 kilograms.

Breed experts say that male Levkoys can be easily distinguished from female cats. The cats are distinguished by the special Cossack bearing of a larger, more developed camp. Females are usually more affectionate and have a softer character. Particularly patriotic lovers of this type of pet even draw a national parallel: in terms of behavior, the cat is a daring lad, the cat is a modest girl.

The flat, elongated, sharply defined head sits firmly on a short, dense neck. The facial features and expressive facial expressions make the Ukrainian Levkoy look like an alien guest: a narrow, wrinkled forehead, sharp cheekbones and clear brow ridges, a wide but neat nose, broken or twisted mustache.

The ears of the Kyiv Sphynx are large, rather large in relation to the skull. Set wide apart and bent either 1/3 or 2/3, not touching the head. Relative to the size of the skull, the ears are quite large. Within the breed, due to the structural features of the location organs, two types are distinguished: folds and straights. The former have rounded ears, the latter have straightened ears. Both representatives must participate in mating.

The unique charm of Levko is given by the soulful gaze of slightly slanted, barely open almond-shaped eyes. It seems as if a bright, even, mysterious light is pouring through them from somewhere inside. The shades of the Sphynx's iris can be very different, but cat lovers give preference to pets with eyes the color of lush grass or deep blue.

From the Don ancestors, the Ukrainian Levko inherited the gene for hairlessness. Despite this, it happens that kittens of the hairless breed at birth are covered with short, light fluff or thin curly fur, like a rex. But after a year or two, some throw it off, others remain with a velor “spraying” or “brush” - a hard, thin coat. The palette of their colors is wide and variegated.

The entire graceful body of the left-handed dog is covered with thin folds of skin at the bends (between the ears, neck, axillary area, thighs). It feels hot and smooth to the touch. This combination of external features of the pet gives its image extravagance.

Care and maintenance

Due to the lack of wool, Ukrainian Levkoys are very cold and do not tolerate direct contact with the sun's rays. A warm, bright room with good air circulation is optimal for keeping them.

During the cold season, it is advisable to dress cats of this breed in warm clothes that do not restrict movement. In general, caring for Ukrainian Levkoys is no different from caring for Sphynxes and comes down to keeping the ears, eyes, teeth and skin clean.

Read in detail about “How to properly keep a hairless cat.”

Hygiene procedures

In order for a Ukrainian Levkoy cat to look neat, she is provided with complete care:

To prevent the animal from injuring itself, its claws are regularly shortened with a nail cutter - only the light translucent tips are removed. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a month. And so that the cat does not spoil the furniture upholstery, he is taught to use a scratching post.
The ears of the Ukrainian Sphynx are cleaned twice a month with cotton pads soaked in alcohol-free lotion. Then the surface of the Levy's ears can be lubricated with Vaseline or greasy cream.
Cat's teeth are brushed regularly with a small amount of non-foaming toothpaste applied to a soft brush. At the same time, Ukrainian Levkoy can be given dental treats.
The cat's eyes are wiped daily with a special damp cloth or cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion.

Grooming

The delicate hairless skin of the Ukrainian Levkoy has numerous sebaceous glands. They produce a specific secretion that accumulates and begins to emit an unpleasant odor. Therefore, the skin of the Ukrainian Levkoy requires careful, and most importantly, regular care.

To get rid of skin secretions, the cat is periodically wiped with damp alcohol-free wipes or bathed using special shampoos. Upon completion of the procedure, the body of the Ukrainian Levkoy is lubricated with cream to prevent the cover from drying out.

On a note. Ukrainian Sphynxes do not like water, so from childhood they are accustomed to bathing procedures. To reduce stress, line the bottom of the bathing container with soft terry cloth.

It is recommended to periodically treat the tail of the Ukrainian Levkoy with degreasing agents. In cold weather, it can become overgrown with sparse hairs, which can be removed with tweezers.

Tray

Ukrainian Levkoys are smart and clean cats. They quickly get used to going to a certain place to relieve themselves. A deep tray with high sides is suitable as a toilet for Ukrainian Levkoys. And the type of filler depends on the individual preferences of the pet.

Feeding and care

The owners note that the animal is extremely clean. Accustoming to the tray and scratching post occurs at a young age and without any particular difficulties. Artificial selection of the breed makes caring for levkoys different from caring for a purebred pet.

How to care for a cat:

Choose the right shampoo. Since there is no hair, a left-handed comb is not useful, but the animal needs water treatments more often than its furry relatives. The frequency of bathing is approximately once a month. It is important not to dry out your skin with the wrong shampoo.
Your pet needs to have its ears cleaned and its nails trimmed.
Drafts are very dangerous for a cat. In the winter season, Levkoys are cold and it is better for them to wear clothes so as not to catch a cold. Some cats can do without costumes and a fairly warm bed.
Digestion is gentle, do not overfeed, nutrition should be dosed. Young animals are fed 5 times a day, adults - 3 times a day.
To avoid injury, it is better not to give the animal the opportunity to climb high cabinets.
During walks, your pet should not be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time - burns may occur.

The diet of Levkoy should contain the following products:

Chicken eggs;
Not fatty meat;
Kefir, cottage cheese;
Vegetables and fruits;
Various porridges.

Since cats are carnivores, they need more meat food than other foods.

Natural food can be replaced with good quality dry food, preferably premium. It is better to select dry food with a veterinarian, especially if your pet has any health conditions.

Properly chosen dry food can not only fully replace natural nutrition, but also becomes a good prevention of caries and tartar.

Feeding the cat

Representatives of the Ukrainian Levkoy cat breed have an accelerated metabolism and excellent appetite. They are prone to overeating, so it is recommended to feed them strictly on a schedule.

Complete diet

Like cats of any other breed, Ukrainian Levkoys are fed both natural and industrial food.

In the first case, the pet’s diet should contain the following products:

lean meat;
offal;
sea or ocean fish;
sour milk;
cereals;
vegetables;
quail eggs.

To prevent digestive problems, spices, fatty meats, starchy vegetables, river fish, sweets, sausages, baked goods and any dishes from the host’s table are completely removed from the Levkoy menu.

With the industrial type of feeding, the cat is given premium or super-premium drying, which does not contain harmful components. This could be products from the following brands:

Arden Grange;
Bosch;
Hills;
Pronature;
Farmina.

History of the breed

The Ukrainian Levkoy breed appeared as a result of crossing the Don Sphynx, which is a carrier of the mutant gene for hairlessness, and the Scottish Fold, which has the gene for folding ears. Work on developing a new breed began in 2000 in Ukraine with the selection of suitable genotypes. The main credit for the appearance of this breed belongs to E.V. Biryukova, who now runs her own nursery in Kyiv. Breeding of Ukrainian Levkoys is carried out only in the heterozygous variant for the dominant lop-eared gene. In a pair of parents, only one of them can have fold ears.

Levkoy received its name due to the shape of its ears, reminiscent of the plant of the same name.

On January 21, 2004, the ICFA RUI commission registered the first representative of the Ukrainian Levkoy breed, which received the name Levkoy Primero. And after 3 years, the first nursery for breeding Ukrainian Levkoys “Helen Grigs” appeared in Russia (St. Petersburg).

In 2008, felinological organizations of the former USSR registered more than 200 cats of this breed on their territory and several dozen outside it, including individuals in the fourth generation, and by 2010 the number of Levkoys increased to a thousand.

Since September 2010, the international felinological system ICFA RUI has allowed Ukrainian lefties to take part in the Ukrainian Championship among purebred cats and become champions, and also granted the right to participate in “Best in Show” competitions. The Russian organization WCA gave a similar right to this breed. In the same year, about 20 Ukrainian left-handers won championship titles.

According to the FIFe and WCF classifications, the breed standard remains unrecognized, so lefties cannot be champion title holders. However, they can receive expert assessments confirming that the animal meets the breed standard.

The development of the breed continues, so it is possible that over time it will be recognized by other felinological organizations in the world.

Education and physical activity

Ukrainian Sphynxes are highly intelligent cats that are easy to train. Representatives of the breed easily learn the rules of behavior in the house and are able to analyze what is happening.

Curious and active Levkoys are happy to walk on a leash and willingly run after balls or chase a wind-up mouse. True, unlike cats of other breeds, Ukrainian Sphynxes are afraid of heights. Therefore, it is not necessary for them to arrange a corner with multi-level platforms.

Characteristics of Levkoys

Ukrainian Levkoy cats are intellectuals in the full sense of the word. They behave in a cultured and reserved manner. Hairless cats themselves will never create trouble, and if they accidentally find themselves in an uncomfortable situation, thanks to their innate ingenuity and caution, they will get out of it with dignity.

Sphynxes from Ukraine are easy to teach simple tricks and even commands. The cat learns something new with interest and real pleasure. The owner who prefers the “gingerbread” method instead of the “stick” method in training and shows patience will be rewarded with significant successes for his feline companion. Representatives of this breed receive emotional support from praise. Approval and support pushes them to accomplish other feats.

Ukrainian Levkoys are gentle, sensitive creatures. They have a hard time withstanding criticism, not to mention physical punishment, which can cause serious harm to their health. When communicating with these bald creatures, it is worth remembering their fragility and vulnerability. In any, even extreme, case, a person, if desired, will be able to find a common language with his understanding smaller brothers. But, regardless of laziness or busyness, the potential of the Ukrainian lefty needs to be developed daily.

An inquisitive Kiev resident loves to communicate with family members and take an active part in family affairs. An exotic cat loves outdoor games and is literally thrilled by affection, but will not bother its owner with its endless love. The pet will wait until the person is free and will be able to pay attention exclusively to him. Levkoys like it when people talk to them, and they themselves are attentive, talkative interlocutors.

Health and susceptibility to disease

Ukrainian Levkoys are predisposed to the following congenital pathologies:

neuromuscular disorders;
defects in the structure of the eyes;
congenital blood diseases;
"cleft palate";
Denovo – there are folds on the kitten’s ear linen, and the curved tips diverge to the sides, creating the effect of a cut ear;
“twisted ear” - the tips of the ears are curled back;
“bent ear” - a reduced ear flap with a hanging tip.

Representatives of the breed are also prone to the following diseases:

tumors;
mastitis;
uterine hernia;
hypovitaminosis;
metabolic disease;
dermatomycosis;
leukemia.

Appearance of the Levkoy

Ukrainian Levkoy belongs to the medium type, close to light. The animals are long-legged, elegant, very flexible and graceful, and have a number of their own external features. The body and neck are muscular and of medium length. The chest is not wide, oval. The back line is slightly arched. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced - cats are larger than cats.

The head is of medium length, modified wedge shape. When viewed from above, the head resembles a soft pentagon, slightly longer than wide. The skull is flat. The forehead is low, slightly convex. The rounded muzzle of the Levkoy has pronounced cheekbones and brow ridges. The narrow stepped profile has a significant transition to the forehead in the eye area. The chin and nose form a vertical line. The nose is long, the chin is strong and neat. Vibrissae may or may not be present.

Large, almond-shaped, somewhat slanted eyes are not wide open. Any eye color is acceptable, but deep green or blue is preferred.

The ears are quite large, wide and high set. For straights they are ordinary, but for folds they are curved down and forward by half or a third. The tips of the ears themselves are soft and rounded.

The limbs are long and strong. Paws are oval with long movable toes. There are membranes of skin between the fingers.

The tail is long, flexible, tapering towards the tip.

Hair is completely absent, but a 3-centimeter brush (velor fluff) can be observed throughout the body, and hair remains on the points of all representatives of this breed. Individuals of the brush variation are suitable and necessary for breeding, having a tougher, crimped coat throughout the body with possible areas of baldness on the head, neck, back, as well as cats with soft, crimped “synthetic” hair.

The skin is in abundance, but dense and elastic. Forms folds on the head and between the ears, above and below the eyes, on the neck, under the arms and in the groin.

Any color is allowed, without dividing “tabby” according to the pattern.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

To prevent feline infections such as panleukopenia, calcivirosis, rabies and rhinotracheitis, the Ukrainian Levkoy is regularly vaccinated with a complex drug. The first vaccination for a kitten of this breed is given at 7-8 weeks, repeated after 28 days. In the future, Levkoy is vaccinated once a year.

To prevent diseases carried by parasites, the Ukrainian Sphynx is systematically sanitized. Antihelminthic drugs are given with levkoy twice a year, repeated after 10-14 days.

Pros and cons of the breed

Ukrainian Levkoys, like cats of all other breeds, have not only advantages, but also disadvantages:

pros	Minuses
Original appearance	Low temperature intolerance
Receptivity to learning	The need for constant skin care
Sociable and affectionate character

Ukrainian Levkoys are unusual hairless cats that look more like alien creatures. They have a sociable and playful disposition and will become a true friend to anyone who is willing to spend time caring for their delicate hairless skin.

Character and temperament of the Ukrainian Levkoy

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a very friendly hairless cat breed. Animals are quite sociable and easily become attached to humans. These cats have intelligence, delicacy and an inquisitive mind. They get along well not only with children, but also with other pets, including small rodents.

Levkoys are devoted to their owners, easily make contact, are not vindictive , adapt well to various living conditions and learn quickly. Despite their gentleness and cheerful disposition, they are determined, but are not subject to either aggression or whims .

Levkoys are patient ; they can watch their owner for a long time, sometimes reminding them of themselves with a light touch of their paw, quiet meowing and other actions.

Levkoy kittens have short hair on the face, limbs and tail, which disappears by the age of two years.

quite active and playful , so they need to be provided with high-quality and interesting toys.

Inquisitive naked people will definitely examine your bag that you bring from the store or a new item that appears in the house. They are interested in literally everything, but especially what you are trying to hide from them.