Who would have thought that a cat breeder from Kiev would be able to create her own breed - lop-eared and hairless kittens, which are called Ukrainian Levkoy.

Story

This breed appeared quite recently (2000), and it deserved this name due to its appearance - the shape of the ears of cats resembles an unusual levka flower, and they are named Ukrainian after the country in which they were bred. Despite the fact that the breed is very young, it has managed to spread to all corners of the globe and win universal love.

Appearance of the breed

Representatives of this breed have a very peculiar and "alien" appearance. The soft lines of the animal's torso are bordered by an angular head and a completely unique profile (protruding cheekbones and eyebrows).

1. The head of cats of this breed is slightly angular, having an average size.
2. The ears are spaced far apart, but depending on the species, the shape of the ears can vary from rounded-curved to completely straight. Compared to the head, the ears appear to be quite large and sometimes not quite proportionate.
3. The eyes of these cats are very large and expressive, have the shape of almonds. Among the color of the eyes there are various shades, but cats with blue or gray eyes are usually popular.
4. The neck of cats of this breed is very powerful and muscular and not very long.
5. Their body is very developed, has good muscles. Cats of this breed are quite short, and their chest is not particularly wide. Cats are much smaller than cats.
6. The paws of the Ukrainian Levkoy are very graceful and long.
7. The tail of these pets has increased flexibility, is long, has a narrowing towards the tip.
8. Skin temperature is hot. The skin is wrinkled to the touch. As a rule, species without hair are very popular, however, among cats of this breed there are also those who have a light fluff distributed fairly evenly throughout the body.
9. Cats can have completely different colors within a single standard.
10. On average, cats of this breed weigh around 5 kilograms, but due to the large difference between the size of the female and male, the latter can reach 6 kg in weight.

Character

Cats of this breed can be excellent companions. They are very sociable and easily make new acquaintances with representatives of other breeds. These are incredibly kind animals, they have a good tendency to easily adapt to external conditions, and they also tolerate moving to new places well. The main difference between these animals is their incredible patience. Cats can wait a long time for the owner to pay attention to them, and if this happens, they respond with mutual affection and tenderness.

But do not think that for all their softness of character and good disposition, these cats are completely weak-willed. This is an erroneous opinion, because these animals are feline, which means they love to be in front of everyone and be the center of discussion. This breed is ideal for people who feel an urgent need for true friendship and camaraderie. These cats, winning the love of the owner, will always be with him.

The intelligence of cats of this breed

If you plunge a little into history, you can see that these pets borrowed their mind and excellent intelligence from their predecessors - sphinxes. They are very intelligent animals that are able to maintain their composure and dignity in many situations without perplexing the owner. Another great feature of these cats is that they can be trained, as well as walk with them on a leash. These cats may well learn to execute many commands. This breed can be safely considered one of the best that can be trained.

These cats, unfortunately or fortunately, do not have independence. Since this species was created by man, he constantly needs society. Cats of this breed are very fond of receiving praise from their owners for various actions. They are very obedient and affectionate, which makes them the best friends of families.

Activity

Levkoy are distinguished by activity, which does not border on annoying at all. They are happy to participate in various activities that the owners can offer them, but they will never waste their energy on harm. To share their rest next to a person for them is the highest good.

Mobility and playfulness

These amazing creatures can hunt anything: from various insects to all kinds of toys and candy wrappers on a string. In these cases, they take a very active part and sincerely have fun with the owners, hide and run.

Communication with these animals is necessary like water or sleep for all living organisms. So, if you have an idea to get yourself a Ukrainian Levkoy cat, you should know that she will have a huge need for communication, and you should not neglect these facts.

Relationships with people

If you are satisfied with spending all your free time in the company of these pets, and their appearance does not cause you bewilderment or hostility, then you can safely assume that you have chosen the right breed for yourself. Those who love heat very much will be doubly happy, because these cats are just a walking heater!

But in relationships with children, these pets prefer to keep a distance and communicate more with adults. These intelligent persons will not be satisfied with the role of a toy in the hands of a child. Cats will not show anger or aggression, but will simply look for a quieter place to stay.

As for new people, left-handed people will try to get to know a new person or animal better with pleasure and undisguised curiosity. When meeting guests, be sure that these cats will always be with you, but in a noisy company they will most likely feel uncomfortable and will quickly retire to a quiet place.

Levkoy behave very friendly with other animals and actively live with them in the same territory. But do not forget that in this case, attention should also be paid to them in full.

Voice

Despite the fact that this breed of cats is distinguished by sociability, they will never bother with excessive demands for attention to their person. They will not annoy with their constant chatter. The voice of these cats is soft and gentle. They will beg for food or constantly meow only in case of complete loneliness or health problems.

Cats of this type are distinguished by a calm character. Their aggression and vindictiveness are completely absent, and the owners should not be afraid that their slippers may suffer at night, because kindness is the main feature of these pets.

wool cover

If we consider the reference image of the Ukrainian Levkoy, then there is no hair on his body, and the skin has a folded structure. If the hair is still present, then it is located, as a rule, on the neck, near the eyes, in the armpit and inguinal region. At birth, not all species necessarily appear hairless. You need to understand that this breed was bred by crossing sphinxes with Scottish folds. As a result of such crosses, some individuals may well have hair on the body, on the muzzle and behind the ears.

Health and maintenance

Due to the relatively short life of this breed, it is still very early to judge the life expectancy of these pets, but you should know that, most likely, these animals will inherit the same health problems that their sphinx ancestors had.

As for the content, here you need to know that cats do not tolerate heat and direct sunlight. Dry air also has a negative effect on well-being. The claws of animals need to be systematically trimmed, as well as clean the skin and ears.

If you do not wipe the skin with special wipes and do not bathe, then eventually the cat will start to smell unpleasant. Also, the skin of Levkoy should be closely monitored and avoid injuries and scratches, since the skin is very sensitive and delicate.

The cost of the breed

If we talk about a specific cost, then you can stumble upon a number of factors that do not allow you to name the exact figure. These factors are the gender of the pet, its class, the shape of the ears, the presence or absence of wool. As for the approximate amount, it is approximately 5-20 thousand rubles.

Video: Ukrainian Levkoy

At the mention of lop-earedness in the feline world, 99% of people remember fluffy Scots. Whereas there are hairless cats with bizarre ears - Ukrainian Levkoy.

The risky genetic experiment of Elena Biryukova was quickly crowned with success, and now cute babies can be seen more and more often not only at exhibitions.

The work was started back in 2001 in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, within the framework of the Lada cats cattery. Three years later, the kittens were registered by the competent organization as the first of their kind Ukrainian Levkoy. This is a very short period of time, during which pampering with genes has turned into real representatives of the cat.

A few years later, the leftists began their march around the world. The first foreign cattery dedicated only to these cats appeared in 2007 in the cultural capital of Russia, St. Petersburg. Other representatives went to more distant countries.

Today, the work continues: it is aimed at strengthening the phenotype of the new breed. Genetic crossing takes place in accordance with WCF standards. But at the moment Ukrainian Levkoys have not been recognized by professional cat organizations.

Description of representatives

The breed standard was laid down by St. Petersburg breeders in 2012 and has not changed since then.
To begin with, let's look at the Ukrainian Levkoy from the side. The lop-eared pebble has a very original look. Absolutely hairless or with a little fluff. The skin is quite hot, flexible and elastic, it is pleasant to touch it. Cute folds form in the groin, on the neck and under the paws. Body size is average.

Levkoy are not at all fat, they are elegant and elongated, like ballerinas. The paws are long and strong. The tail is elastic, of medium length. Almond-shaped eyes stare intently somewhere into the universe. Approaching closer, the cat immediately begins to be interested in new acquaintances. He is kind and loves to chat.

Now let's take a closer look at the left:

• Head. Has a wedge shape. Stretched. Medium size. If you look at the kitten's head from above, you can see a pentagon with soft outlines. It will be slightly longer than wide. The cranial region of the head dominates. It occupies about 2/3 of the area. The forehead is slightly convex, rather flat. The cheekbones have a prominent structure: they are clearly visible, they are high and wide.
• Nose. Not too long, but not short either. Quite narrow. The transition to the forehead is smooth, there is a small gentle step at the level of the eye sockets.
• Muzzle. Has a rounded shape. The oval is soft, without sharp ends, with smooth transitions.
• The chin. Not sharp. Volitional, strong. Small size. Not rude.
• Neck. Straight, curved shape. Has a muscular build. Rounded on all sides.
• Ears. This is the pinnacle of the program. It is because of their shape that the cats got their name. For some of the breeders, the ears that are curled and close to the head reminded a common flower in Ukraine - Levkoy. They are fairly large and widely spaced. Are standing. The ends are bent forward: the size of the wrapped part is from 1/3 to 1/2 of the entire area of ​​the auditory shell.
• Eyes. Almond-shaped, elongated, large and beautiful. A little obliquely spaced. Not fully open. The shade can be anything - from azure to brown.
• Body. There are representatives of small sizes and larger ones. Body length ranges from medium to oblong. The torso is strong, but not massive. The chest is narrow, oval in shape. The back is slightly arched. The spine is very flexible.
• Limbs. Long and powerful. Paws are oval with elongated fingers, between which there are membranes.
• Tail. Not too long. proportional to the body. Very flexible.
• Leather. There is a lot of it, so it forms folds almost everywhere - on the head, between the ears, around the eyes, on the neck, under the paws and in the groin area. Lowered stockings are clearly visible when the cat is in a sitting-lying position.
• Wool. If the kitten is a show kitten, then it can be completely hairless, with a little fluff (residual hairline) on the points or even short hair all over the body. Individuals must necessarily participate in brush - cats that have a hard crimped coat over the entire surface of the body with possible areas of baldness (head, neck, back). Also important for maintaining the phenotype are flat-haired cats and cats with curved ears, which were born from Ukrainian Levkoys. They are possible not only with representatives of their own breed, but also with St. Petersburg sphinxes. There are straight-haired cats with straight ears. They can only be paired with lop-eared lions.
• Color. The shade of the skin and coat can be any.

Ukrainian Levkoy weigh no more than 5 kg.The most common faults in the breed: rounded head, the same eyes, shortened nose, underdeveloped chin, undershot, overshot.

Photo of Ukrainian Levkoy

In principle, caring for Ukrainian Levkoy is not particularly intricate, but there are some features that you need to know about before purchasing a kitten.

1. The skin secretes a greasy lubricant, which eventually covers the entire body of the cat and stinks. Therefore, they need to be wiped with wet wipes, and bathed 1-2 times a month.
2. Levkoy are very sensitive to cold.
3. The skin may become dull and flaky. This indicates a loss of moisture, so you need to monitor how much water the cat drinks.
4. Direct UV rays may cause.
5. Meals should contain a lot of protein and carbohydrates. In addition, this breed is prone to obesity. Therefore, you can not overfeed, because there will be problems with the heart and liver.

Character

Ukrainian Levkoy are tandem of children's playfulness with high intelligence. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, although in appearance it may seem different. Cats are friendly to all residents of the house. They quickly become attached to the owners and, moreover, do not single out one person for themselves. They love everyone at once. Especially when it comes to games.

In adolescence, they are very fond of exploring new spaces, so they will have to keep an eye on them all the time so that they do not mess up. These restless kids resent closed doors, because they need more space for activity. But on the closet you are unlikely to see these cat-dogs: fear of heights is a characteristic feature of all representatives. They can be easily trained, if, of course, there is time and desire for this.

These versatile cats get along with everyone: from small to large, with other felines, dogs and even rodents. This indicates a high level of socialization. Although Ukrainian left-handers are not yet recognized, their popularity is beginning to gain momentum. And this applies not only to the country of origin of the breed. Maybe soon they will appear in private homes.

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a young breed that stands out noticeably for its extraordinary appearance. The owners of these cats note the very friendly and affectionate nature of their pets.

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a young breed that stands out noticeably for its extraordinary appearance.

Despite the fact that Levkoy are today recognized only by felinological clubs in Ukraine and Russia, their popularity is growing rapidly. Representatives of the breed already live in several Western European countries.

History and description of the Ukrainian Levkoy breed

Origin

Ukrainian Levkoy is a breed of good-natured and original-looking cats

The founder of the breed is a felinologist from Ukraine Elena Biryukova. She began breeding these cats in 2000. The first line was based on two breeds - the Scottishfold, from which the Levkoy received lop-earedness, and the Don Sphynx, which gave it hairlessness. In further selection, several more varieties of cats were involved. This is the Canadian Sphynx, Peterbald, Persian Oriental and Domestic, Scottish Fold. Levkoy breeding is carried out according to the heterozygous principle, where the lop-eared gene occupies a dominant position. That is, different species are involved in the process. As parents, one lop-eared partner and an individual with straight ears are selected.

In 2004, the first representative of Levkoy was registered by the ICFA RUI Tribal Commission, who received the nickname Levkoy Primero. The name arose due to the similarity of the ears of bred cats with the plant of the same name, which has curved leaves. In 2007, the first nursery was organized in Russia - in St. Petersburg. Thanks to the work of breeders, the number of individuals began to increase. In 2008, the felinologists' societies of Ukraine and Russia registered over 200 cats, and by 2010 their number exceeded one thousand. Levkoy gained popularity in countries such as Finland, Belgium, Holland, Israel and Latvia.

Standard

Levkoy are allowed both with bare skin and with small wool

The breed standard was adopted in 2012. The head of a Levkoy is elongated, from above it resembles a pentagon. The forehead is low, the skull is flat. The cheekbones and brow ridges are clearly visible. The nose is of medium length and width, has a noticeable transition to the forehead. The muzzle is rounded, its size corresponds to 1/3 of the length of the head. The chin is strong. The neck is muscular, with a slight bend, of medium length. The ears are large, set high and wide, the tips are soft. The third part is bent forward.

The eyes are large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique. They do not open wide. The color can be anything. The body is predominantly elongated, but medium size is also allowed, it has well-developed muscles. Back slightly curved. The limbs are strong and long. Oval shaped paws. The tail is flexible, wider at the base and tapering towards the end. Wool is completely absent. The skin is elastic and dense. Folds form in the head area, between the ears, on the neck, near the eyes, in the groin and armpits. Any color is allowed.

Some individuals of the first stage of breeding have residual hair on the tail, limbs, behind the ears and on the muzzle, and their body may also be covered with short velor hair 1-3 mm long. When breeding, brush variations are used. These are individuals with a hard, crimped coat with possible baldness on the head, back and neck. Also in breeding are flat-haired cats with curved ears and individuals with soft hair. Ukrainian Levkoy live for about 10-14 years.

Character

Levkoy are affectionate, smart, inquisitive and delicate cats.

The nature of these cats is quite loving. There is no aggression in their behavior. Levkoy are friendly to all family members, very attached to the owners. They get along well with other pets. Representatives of this breed need communication and are hard to endure loneliness.

Breeders also note that Levkoy are not vindictive or picky, they are easy to train and have a well-developed intellect. They are delicate and clean. Despite their softness and good nature, these cats are very determined and can demand attention to themselves, stubbornly climbing into the hands of their owners. In general, these funny pets will give the owners a lot of comical moments and joy.

Important! If the owner does not have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to the pet, it is recommended to purchase a companion for this purpose, both a cat and a dog or a rodent are suitable.

Video: key features of the breed

How to choose a kitten

Not all Levkoy kittens are born with a complete lack of hair. They may have a wavy coat. In some individuals, hair disappears with age. By 1.5-2 months, the kitten's ears should hang round. Since the breed remains very rare today, it is only necessary to purchase a levkoy in a nursery. The cost of a kitten varies between 5-20 thousand rubles in Moscow and from 2 to 5 thousand hryvnias in Kyiv. You can pick up a baby at the age of 2 months.

pet care

Levkoy needs to find a quiet place without drafts and direct sun

Levkoy does not need special conditions. But since he does not have wool, drafts should not be allowed in the apartment. These cats are sensitive to cold. Also, as a result of exposure to sunlight on the skin of the animal, burns may occur. Therefore, reflective film should be glued on the windows.

For rest, the cat needs to equip a sleeping place. It can be a bedding, a house, a couch or a basket. The place should correspond to the size of an adult animal. It is better to place the litter in the corner, away from the passage area and heating appliances. Levkoy needs toys. For this, various balls, ropes or other similar items are suitable. Immediately after the appearance of a kitten in the apartment, they put a scratching post for him. In the cold season, rugs should be placed on the window sills. Levkoy are afraid of heights, so they will not climb cabinets and other hills.

You also need to take safety precautions. Install nets on the windows, do not leave open packages of household chemicals unattended. If there are poisonous plants in the apartment, remove them in a place inaccessible to the pet. The cat will benefit from walks. But you need to take her out only on a leash. In warm weather, walk your cat in the shade to prevent ultraviolet rays from hitting the skin. In cold weather, dress the Levkoy in overalls.

Important! In winter, let the cat out on the street is not worth it.

Hygiene

Levkoy needs to be bathed with a special product for hairless breeds

The skin of the Levkoy requires special attention. Its sebaceous glands abundantly secrete a fatty lubricant that accumulates on the body of the animal. It must be removed 3-4 times a week with wipes soaked in clean water. Otherwise, the cat will look dirty. Once a month, the Levkoy is bathed with shampoos designed specifically for “naked” breeds. For example GreenFields.

Check your pet's ears every week. If there are dirt, remove them with cotton swabs dipped in vegetable oil. Trim your nails once a month. Remove discharge from the eyes with a damp cloth. Since at home the cat cannot take care of the cleanliness of the teeth on its own, they need to be cleaned once a week with a special brush and paste (Hartz Dentist’s Best Toothpaste, Globalvet Toothpaste.

Nutrition

The cat's diet should be as complete as possible.

For Levkoy, 2 feeding options are suitable: natural food or industrial feed. Your cat's diet should include:

• meat - beef, veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit;
• offal - liver, cervix, heart, stomachs;
• sea ​​fish - sardine, cod, hake, salmon, trout, notothenia;
• fermented milk products - kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream;
• eggs (1 yolk per week);
• fats of animal and vegetable origin (0.5 tsp per day);
• vegetables - cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, beets;
• cereals - rice, millet, buckwheat;
• greens - parsley, dill, lettuce, as well as green grass (corn, barley, oats).

The meat is pre-placed for two days in the freezer, then thawed and scalded with boiling water. This avoids infection of the cat with helminths. Meat products should be in the diet of the Levkoy daily. Fish is given boiled 2-3 times a week. Bones are removed first. The diet of an animal should consist of 2/3 meat or fish and 1/3 of other products.

The cat should not be fed:

• lamb and pork;
• egg white;
• salty food;
• bow;
• sausages;
• canned food;
• confectionery;
• spicy, fried and fatty foods;
• potatoes.

From industrial feeds, only premium products are chosen: Innova Evo, Wellness CORE, Natural Balance, Evolve Dry. Water is given to the pet in unlimited quantities. Levkoy quickly loses moisture, which leads to flaking and dry skin. So he must drink a lot.

The amount of food is calculated based on the weight of the animal. For 1 kg of weight, 30-60 g of food is required. After six months, a cat is fed 2 times a day, from 3 to 6 months - 4 times, from 1 to 3 months - 5 times, up to a month - 6 times.

Pregnancy and childbirth

When giving birth, you need to be ready to help

The duration of pregnancy is 63-65 days. Kittens born before day 60 will not be viable. You can determine the onset of pregnancy from the third week, when the cat's nipples become a pronounced pink color. She may also experience vomiting. In the fifth week, weight gain becomes noticeable, in the sixth week, the nipples are filled with milk and increase in size. Changes in the behavior of the pet are also observed. She becomes more affectionate and quiet. A pregnant cat needs a lot of calcium and protein. You can provide it with these elements with the help of specialized feeds.

Important! During pregnancy, the cat should not be given medications.

Prepare a box for the birth of the cat, cover the bottom with several diapers. It is not recommended to use soft napkins for this purpose. They stick to the baby's body, which is why the cat refuses to lick it. Such a kitten can choke in the amniotic sac.

Important! If other animals live in the apartment, they must be removed from the cat for the period of childbirth.

To help your pet, you will need:

• petrolatum;
• threads;
• sterile gloves;
• box for kittens;
• warmer;
• pipette;
• scissors;
• alcohol.

A sign of the upcoming birth is a decrease in the body temperature of the female to 36.7 ̊С. The first stage lasts from 12 to 24 hours. It is accompanied by contractions and attempts. At the second stage, a kitten appears. But first, the amniotic fluid leaves the cat, which has a yellowish color. Normal presentation is the position of the baby head forward. But sometimes the cubs appear with their hind legs. The cat removes the amniotic sac, gnaws the umbilical cord and licks the baby. At the third stage, the afterbirth comes out. In most cases, the cat will eat it.

If the birth process proceeds without complications, you should not interfere. But in some cases, the cat needs help. If a part of the baby appears, but he cannot be born completely, clasp him with a napkin and pull him towards you at the next contraction. The cat gnaws the umbilical cord within 15 minutes. Otherwise, cut it at a level of 2 cm from the baby's tummy. Within 1 minute, the cat must remove the cub from the amniotic sac. If she didn't, cut open the shell and free the baby. Scissors pre-treat with alcohol.

Education of the Ukrainian Levkoy

The cat needs to be taught to hygiene and obedience as early as possible.

You can start raising a kitten as soon as he appears in the apartment. This process should be directed to the socialization of the animal, as well as to the formation of a tolerant attitude towards hygiene procedures. Teach your kitten to a leash from a young age. You can do it at home first. And when the baby gets used, start taking him outside. Also, the kitten should be accustomed to the scratching post. It can be sprinkled with valerian, this will help attract the attention of the baby. Each time he tries to sharpen his claws in the wrong place, tell him “No!” Using a strict intonation.

Teach your baby to bathe, clean his ears, teeth, cut his claws. Another important stage of education is familiarization of the pet with the tray. Place your pet in a litter box after eating. If he starts to sit down in another place, immediately transfer him to the prepared container. Over time, he will understand what they want from him.

Diseases and vaccinations

There are a number of diseases to which the Levkoy has a predisposition:

• metabolic disease;
• hypovitaminosis;
• hernia of the uterus;
• mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands);
• prolapse of the uterus;
• tumor formations;
• rabies;
• dermatomycosis (fungal skin infection);
• leukemia;
• Aujeszky's disease or false rabies (an acute viral disease that affects the central nervous system);
• infectious peritonitis;
• panleukopenia or "distemper";
• infectious rhinotracheitis;
• chlamydia;
• salmonellosis.

For preventive purposes, a cat is given vaccines, the action of which is aimed at forming the body's immune defense against certain diseases:

1. The first vaccination is performed at 2 months. After 2 weeks, revaccination is carried out, that is, the repeated administration of a similar vaccine in order to strengthen immunity and increase its duration.
2. The second vaccination is done at six months.
3. The third one is a year.

An adult cat is vaccinated every 12 months. Only healthy animals are allowed to the procedure. Therefore, 10 days before vaccination, the cat is given anthelmintic drugs: Dirofen, Prazitsid.

The article presents a description of a refined Ukrainian Levkoy cat with a meek disposition. I will introduce you to the features of her character. In appearance, a naked lop-eared cat looks graceful. Requires attention, proper nutrition.

How to avoid mistakes in the content of Levkoy, read the article. Learn more about the habits, temperament and affection of the pet.

Description of the cat breed Ukrainian Levkoy

Variety of hairless cats is relatively young.

It took almost 5 years to get it out. In 2004, a new species was obtained by natural crossing of the Scottish Fold and the Don Sphynx.

The founder of the Ukrainian Levkoy is Elena Biryukova, she is professionally engaged in the study, selection, breeding, keeping of cats. The Ukrainian felinologist has done a lot of work on the selection of genotypes for breeding this breed.

The variety was highly appreciated by breeders, after which nurseries of Levkoys began to open throughout Russia.

In the description of the Ukrainian Levkoy breed, there are certain characteristics:

• • The shape of the head is slightly angular, flattened, rather long. It has an unusual convex forehead, if you look at the head from above, its shape resembles a pentagon.

• The muzzle is rounded, with a pronounced superciliary part, the cheeks and neck are wrinkled. The base of the nose is parallel to the top of the head. The shape of the nose is neat, narrow.
• Muscular chin cats testify to the strength of her character.
• The cat's eyes are almond-shaped, clearly defined with a slanting neckline. The color of the eyes of the Ukrainian Levkoy is saturated blue or green.
• As for the ears, they are quite large in relation to the size of the head, slightly bent forward. It was the ears that served as the choice of the name of the breed. Levkoy is a flower whose shape resembles the ears of a pet.
• Body naked, muscular. The chest is not massive. The line of the back is concave, clearly defined, graceful.
• Legs are long, end with strong paws with graceful fingers.
• The tail is long, has a narrowing at the end. Wool in the breed is completely absent, uniform fluff is allowed throughout the body.

The peculiarity of Levkoy is soft skin folds in the area of ​​​​the muzzle, armpits and inguinal cavities.

Color

Within the standard, representatives of this breed can have a completely different color. Light and dark smoky shades are more common, less often - red. The color of the kittens is determined by the parents.

Smooth-haired kittens delight breeders with the fact that they do not shed - this is very important for people who suffer from allergies. There is no wool in the house where levkoy are kept.

However, caring for such a cat during the cold periods of the year is complicated due to the fact that they are cold. Therefore, you should stock up on warm clothes, as well as think about their proper maintenance.

1. Levkoev need bathe quite often with special shampoo. After bathing, the pet is wiped with a soft towel.
2. Ears should be gently cleaned with a cotton pad, this can be done with the help of special oils or lotions. It is not necessary to climb inside the ears, if there is a need for this, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
3. Long nails of a smooth-haired cat also require care. If the nails are not trimmed, the animal can reflexively scratch itself or its owner. Nail treatment can be done on your own or trust a professional.
4. Levkoy eyes are prone to developing conjunctivitis. To avoid unpleasant discharge from the corners of the eyes, they must be washed every day. This procedure should look like a morning wash.
5. Pet should be fed at least 3 times a day. The menu should be balanced.

During walks, the cat should not be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, as their delicate skin can burn.

Animal temperament

The pet quickly gets used to the owner.

Throughout his life, he has been devoted to him. The breed is inherent in intelligence. The pet is sociable and playful. Has a sharp mind, has amazing learning abilities.

Easily masters elementary commands, knows his place, toilet tray. Levkoy non-capricious, but very demanding of attention, they love to communicate with the owner. The animal does not have aggressiveness, vindictiveness. The character is gentle, flexible, patient. Cats get along with other pets.

Nutrition Features

Due to the fact that the breed has rather weak teeth, breeders do not recommend feeding the levkoy with dry food alone. However, you should not exclude it, because dry food is an alternative to a toothbrush.

If you feed only dry food, the animal may develop urolithiasis. Therefore, with a dry diet, it is necessary to monitor sufficient water intake. There should always be clean drinking water in the bowl.

The most optimal option in the matter of feeding a cat:

• on breakfast- high quality dry food;
• for lunch- fresh or boiled meat, vegetables, herbs, fruits;
• for dinner- canned cat food

An alternative to canned food can be self-cooked cereals with the addition of fish or meat, vegetable soups, mashed potatoes. A cat always eats food prepared with love. You should also take into account the pet's addiction to certain delicacies, they can sometimes be pampered.

Levkoy have an excellent appetite, the more varied the menu, the better their health.

Price

The exact price can be found only from the official data of nurseries. The price can be influenced by factors such as gender, age, class, specific standards.

The approximate price of Ukrainian Levkoy is from 5 to 20,000 rubles. You need to buy kittens from trusted people or in nurseries where they breed them.

Health

Ukrainian Levkoy live up to 15 years.

Since the animal breed is still being formed, these data may change. Representatives of this breed are prone to certain diseases, so regular visits to the veterinarian are recommended.

Also, do not forget about preventive examinations of the animal. The veterinarian must register the animal, draw up a vaccination schedule.

Cats are prone to the following diseases:

• nervous spasms
• diseases of the rectum
• stomach tumors
• eye inflammation
• fungal infection of the ears
• colds, allergies

The tendency of the breed to certain ailments should not cause concern. With the right content, the pet's immunity is enhanced, the risk of developing diseases is reduced.

Breeding features

Breeding is carried out exclusively in the heterozygous variant, only one of the parents must be lop-eared. Crossbreeding with the following breeds is allowed:

• Donskoy sphinx
• peterbald sphinx
• Scottish fold

In young animals, some parts of the body may be covered with fluff; by the age of two, it disappears.

On the one hand, caring for the Ukrainian Levkoy may seem difficult, however, if you accustom the animal to order, there will be no problems with its maintenance.

The owners of a pet with an amazing appearance and cheerful character have certain responsibilities, and with them a lot of joy. These creatures do not hesitate to show their feelings, they are created in order to give warmth to the people around them.

Ukrainian Levkoy - an unusual cat with a memorable appearance of an alien from outer space. With its grace, bright, original appearance and calm character, it fully corresponds to the name of the breed, given in honor of an elegant plant with beautiful flowers.

Levkoy are true friends, peaceful, clean neighbors, active, curious playmates. They are not vindictive, sociable, willing to make contact, quickly adapt to living conditions, and are easy to learn. These cats are a real find for those who need an unusual, friendly and smart pet.

The history of the breed

The Ukrainian Levkoy breed is the author's project of the Ukrainian felinologist Elena Biryukova. The appearance of a new variety of cats was preceded by serious work for several years, starting in 2000, on sketches of its appearance and selection of the genotype. By crossing the hairless Don Sphynx and the lop-eared representative of the Scottish Fold breed, a new breed of cat was obtained - the Ukrainian Levkoy.

For the countries of the post-Soviet space, this event has become truly unique - after all, most of the new breeds of cats appear and are registered in the USA and England. As a result, after a few years, Ukrainian Levkoy became popular in Russia and their first kennels appeared. Since 2010, Levkoy have been participating in the championships of Ukraine and Russia among thoroughbred cats.

According to the classifications of the main felinological organizations, the Levkoy breed standard has not yet been recognized. They cannot be champions at international exhibitions: this right is given to them only by Russian and Ukrainian organizations. In international tournaments, left-handers receive expert assessments confirming compliance with breed standards.

So, "not far off" and the world recognition of this amazing breed, which is gaining more and more popularity every year.

Appearance and features of the breed

Looking at various photos of Levkoys, one can be convinced of their slight resemblance to representatives of such breeds as Russian blue cats and Angora cats.

The main characteristics of the Ukrainian Levkoy:

• Levkoy are medium-sized (up to 5 kg), long-legged and flexible cats.
• The head is shaped like an elongated pentagonal wedge. Low forehead without any particular bulges. The skull is flat. The muzzle is rounded, with a slightly pronounced chin.
• The nose is small with a noticeable transition to the forehead at eye level. The combination of pronounced cheekbones and superciliary arches gives the appearance of the Levkoy a certain ominousness.
• The eyes of these cats are large, oval, sometimes slightly slanting, half-open. All eye colors are possible, green and blue being the most common. Saturation and depth of color are considered virtues.
• Fold ears are inherited from the Scottish fold. They are rather large in proportion to the head, slightly curved forward and downward. A small percentage of left-handed people have classic erect ears..
• The body of the Levkoy is muscular, of medium length with an oval, narrow chest. Like all bald cats, due to the lack of hair, the Ukrainian Levkoy has a clearly defined curved back line, which adds grace to all representatives of this breed.
• Paws - long, strong with graceful fingers.
• Neck - medium length, strong, slightly arched.
• Representatives of this breed do not have wool. But there is excess, elastic skin that creates folds near the ears, near the eyes, on the neck and some other places on the body. There are individuals with a slight hairline or a uniform velveteen fluff a few mm high.
• Any colors are allowed for Levkoys.

Character

The Ukrainian Levkoy cat does not have an increased prettiness, cannot boast of a luxurious soft “fur coat”. The main advantage of the breed is a wonderful character.. Due to softness, openness, good nature and affection for a person, left-handed people quickly win over. These are very smart, intelligent, sociable cats. They easily find a "common language", "interesting topics" for games and communication with other animals and children.

Left-handed savvy, easily trained: they avoid adventures, quickly learn simple tricks and commands, calmly adapt to the tray.

The curiosity of the Levkoy, the desire to certainly participate in all household chores requires constant attention and communication from the owners. You need to talk with your pet more often, praise him for any success, never scold him for possible minor inconveniences.

The temperament and high intelligence of these cats needs constant training and games. Fun with a ball, soft toys, various mazes, speed races - all this entertains and develops a cat. You can’t be a lazy and inactive owner with her. The reward for attention and care will be the incredible devotion of the lop-eared pet. He will always follow the owner, noticing his mood. Levkoy, as a true intellectual, will never be bothered by harassment if he feels that the owner is preoccupied with something important.

Levkoy find the right approach to all family members. They will be excellent companions for adults, ideal "nannies" for children, sympathetic interlocutors for older family members.

The main thing for the owners is to always remember that a cat of this breed is part of the family, and not just a pet, and, like all other relatives, needs attention and communication.

Health

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a very young breed. No genetic diseases inherent in these cats have yet been identified.. In general, Levkoy are cats with enviable health. They are prolific. Levkoy females, as a rule, easily endure childbirth and become excellent mothers.

Typical diseases of the breed: hypovitaminosis, metabolic disorders, diseases of the ears, eyes. Skin diseases are common.

The main thing you should pay attention to is a balanced diet and control over drafts. The cat may well catch a cold.

Levkoy is a rather unpretentious breed that does not need special care. Even more the content of these cats is facilitated by the lack of woolen cover.

Of the mandatory hygiene procedures, we can distinguish:

1. Bathing as needed.
2. Regular cleaning of the ears from secretions with cotton swabs and special ear gels.
3. Cleaning sebaceous secretions on the skin and around the eyes with cotton pads or sticks.
4. Trimming every two weeks claws.
5. Removal of sweat secretions between the toes.

Increased attention to direct solar radiation in summer is also necessary: ​​prolonged sunbathing can lead to burns. In winter, you need to closely monitor the possible hypothermia of a hairless pet. Alternatively, you can dress your pet in a warm suit.

Feeding

Due to the inability of the Levkoy to retain its body heat for a long time, it requires a lot of energy. Therefore, these cats need to eat more and more often.

Ukrainian Levkoy kittens should eat four times a day. After reaching the age of eight months, you can switch to three meals a day.

The vast majority of breeders use premium ready-made foods that are balanced and do not require additional feeding. Dry food is convenient in cases where the pet is left alone at home for several hours - the food does not wind up and does not deteriorate. Of course, dry food is an ideal tool for the prevention of gum disease and teeth.

Feeding with natural products requires careful selection of products to balance the pet's diet. For the nutrition of Levkoy are suitable: lean meat, offal, bran, sour-milk products, cereals, some fruits and vegetables. In addition, cat food should be supplemented with cat vitamins and minerals.

An imbalance in the diet will negatively affect the condition of the skin of the Levkoy, as well as his health in general.

Where to buy a Ukrainian Levkoy kitten?

You can buy a Ukrainian Levkoy kitten, for example, in nurseries in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Before buying, you should consult with experts, learn as much as possible about the breed, the specifics of care, maintenance and other details.

A kitten of the Ukrainian Levkoy will cost the future happy owner 15-20 thousand rubles. The price can be significantly lower if we are talking about a thoroughbred pet-class baby, not intended for breeding. The cost of kittens depends on gender and class (fold, straight, brush).

When buying a kitten, it is worth remembering that he may have short hair on the muzzle, tail and limbs, which will disappear only by two years.

By purchasing a Levkoy kitten, you can be absolutely sure of finding a true friend, comrade and companion who will fill life with new content, color loneliness and will always be selflessly devoted to his owner.