Ukrainian Levkoy
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Ukraine
About the Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a cat breed, a rare breed originating from Ukraine. Characterized by its unique, curved head shape resembling a crescent moon.
Overview
The Ukrainian Levkoy ; ( Ukrainian : Український левкой , romanized : Ukraiins''kyi levkoi ) a cross between the Scottish Fold and Donskoy cat , is a cat breed with inward-folding ears and little to no hair. The cats are of medium size with a longish body, appearing both muscular and slender. They have soft, elastic skin; an excess of which leads to a wrinkled appearance. The Levkoy''s peculiar features are: special angular contour of its head and "stepped" profile (dog-face appearance), folded ears and large, but not wide almond-shaped eyes. The cats express sexual dimorphism .
Litter
The average litter size is generally three to five kittens . Approximately half of the kittens in each litter will have folded ears, while the remaining kittens will be straight-eared.
Personality
Ukrainian Levkoys are friendly, playful, and intelligent cats. Levkoys are very sociable, enjoying human or family company as well as the company of other domestic pets (e.g., dogs , rats , pigs ). Unclothed Ukrainian Levkoys do not need brushing but do need special skin care to give protection against direct sun and particularly cold conditions.
Development and appearance
From the top view the head of a Ukrainian Levkoy resembles a soft outlined pentagon that is a little longer than it is broad, where the muzzle length is only 1/3 the length of the head. The forehead is rather low and the skull is long and flat. Prominent cheekbones and eyebrows form angular outlines of the head. The profile of the cat head is "stepped" of two levels. The upper lines of the nose bridge and of the head are almost parallel. The whiskers are curly, may be shortly snapped, and then the neck is of medium length, muscular, and slightly arches from the shoulder to the base of the skull. Its body is medium to long, muscular, and slender. The back line slightly arched with a broad, oval chest. Its legs are rather long with long mobile toes. The ears are large and set high and wide apart. 1/2 to 1/3 of each ear is roundly folded forward and down, without touching the head. [ a ]
Defects and disqualification
The FD gene is responsible for folded ears in cats. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, with homozygous FD/FD cats often resulting in extreme exostosis in the legs causing lameness, and other more severe struggles with osteochondrodysplasia. Heterozygous FD/fd cats may still struggle with similar bone defects & other issues, just to a less extreme degree. Common reasons for disqualification includes birth defects, such as crossed eyes. Or, lack of accordance with the show rules. For example, too short or round of a head, round eyes, a short "cobby" body, weak chin, or aggressive behavior.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Ukrainian Levkoy?
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized cat breed with a longish body, appearing both muscular and slender. They have inward-folding ears, soft, elastic skin, and little to no hair. Their skin can be prone to wrinkling due to excess skin. The breed's angular contour and unique ear structure are notable features.
Is the Ukrainian Levkoy a good family cat?
As with any cat breed, the Ukrainian Levkoy's suitability as a family pet depends on individual circumstances. Generally, Levkoys are known for their affectionate nature and can be a good fit for families with older children who understand how to handle them gently. However, their delicate skin requires special care.
What health problems do Ukrainian Levkoys have?
As a relatively new breed, there is limited information available on specific health issues affecting Ukrainian Levkoys. However, both parent breeds (Scottish Fold and Donskoy) are prone to certain health problems, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, and skin conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
How much does a Ukrainian Levkoy kitten cost?
The cost of a Ukrainian Levkoy kitten can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. On average, a Levkoy kitten can cost between $800 to $2,000. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder and ask about the kitten's health clearances and genetic testing.