Felis catus
Ukrainian Levkoy
Featured photoukrainian-levkoy.jpgThe Ukrainian Levkoy is a hairless folded-ear breed developed by Elena Biriukova of Kyiv beginning in 2004 through Donskoy x Scottish Fold crosses. The breed combines the Donskoy's dominant hairless gene (Hbl) with the Scottish Fold's ear-fold gene (Fd). The Ukrainian Cat Federation (UCF) and ICFA recognize the Levkoy. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Levkoy standards. The breed name 'Levkoy' refers to the Ukrainian wallflower plant. Standard: medium-sized hairless cat with folded ears and an angular body.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Ukraine
- Origin period
- 2004 Donskoy x Scottish Fold cross by Elena Biriukova; UCF and ICFA recognition; not internationally championed
- Coat type
- Hairless
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized (visible in skin pigmentation)
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12-15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
Elena Biriukova of Kyiv, Ukraine began developing the Ukrainian Levkoy in 2004 through crosses between Donskoy hairless cats and Scottish Fold folded-ear cats. The goal was a hairless cat with folded ears, combining the Donskoy's dominant hairless gene (Hbl) with the Scottish Fold's dominant ear-fold gene (Fd). The first Levkoy kittens with both phenotypes were registered in 2005. The breed name 'Levkoy' refers to the matthiola incana wallflower, a Ukrainian flower symbol.
Recognition
The Ukrainian Cat Federation (UCF) recognized the Levkoy in 2005. The Independent Cat Federation of America (ICFA) followed. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Ukrainian Levkoy standards. International concerns about the cumulative welfare risks of combining the hairless mutation with the Scottish Fold ear-cartilage mutation have limited international registry adoption. The breed is shown primarily in Ukraine, Russia, and through ICFA-affiliated bodies.
Standard
The UCF standard describes a medium-sized, well-muscled cat with a moderately rectangular body and a long, angular silhouette. The head is a modified wedge with a flat forehead, long muzzle, and prominent cheekbones. The defining characteristics are the hairless skin and the folded ears: ears must fold forward and downward in the Scottish Fold style. The skin is warm, soft, and slightly wrinkled. All colours and patterns are recognized, visible in skin pigmentation. The breed's silhouette is distinctive — described as 'angular' or 'algorithmic' in UCF documentation.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
- registry-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
Frequently asked questions
How was the Ukrainian Levkoy created?
The Ukrainian Levkoy was created in 2004 by Elena Biriukova of Kyiv, Ukraine, through Donskoy x Scottish Fold crosses. The breed combines the Donskoy's dominant hairless gene (Hbl) with the Scottish Fold's dominant ear-fold gene (Fd). The first Levkoy kittens with both phenotypes were registered in 2005.
Is the Ukrainian Levkoy recognized by CFA or TICA?
No. The Ukrainian Levkoy is recognized by the Ukrainian Cat Federation and the Independent Cat Federation of America. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Ukrainian Levkoy standards. International registries have raised concerns about the cumulative welfare risks of combining the hairless and ear-fold mutations.
What does the name Levkoy mean?
Levkoy refers to the matthiola incana wallflower plant, a flower symbol associated with Ukraine. Elena Biriukova named the breed after the flower. 'Ukrainian' qualifies the breed's national origin.
