Like many of you, we’ve been paying close attention to the situation in Ukraine over the past month. As the situation continues to unfold, we’re seeing both heartwarming and heartbreaking stories emerging about not only Ukraine’s people, but also their pets. There are a few breeds of animals that are native to Ukraine … including one very interesting cat breed, the Levkoy. A local Aurora, CO vet discusses the Levkoy in this article.
History
The Levkoy is a fairly new breed. They have only been around since 2004. At that time, a breeder named Elena Vsevolodovna Birjukova crossed the floppy-eared Scottish fold with the hairless Donskoy. The resulting feline has a very unique look! Levkoys are not only usually bald (or almost bald), they also have a very distinctive head shape. In addition to having thin or no fur, they also often have long, pointy tails. Some Levkoys also have curly whiskers. They also tend to have very striking eyes.
Care
Although some Levkoys do have some fur, it’s usually quite thin, more like a very soft down than the coats most kitties sport. These guys do need a bit of extra care, particularly when it comes to grooming. Like other bald cats, Levkoys get cold very easily when it’s chilly. Your feline pal will appreciate a thermal bed or heated kitty tent, and she may need a soft sweater to wear in winter. You’ll also need to keep your pet’s skin clean. Like other hairless cats, the Levkoy’s skin still produces oil. However, because they have no fur to absorb it, they can get a little greasy. Levkoys can also be prone to getting sunburns. Given that they, like many other kitties, love to bask in sunbeams, this can be a concern. Ask your vet for specific care tips.
Purrsonality
Levkoys are very loving and affectionate. They’re also quite playful, and need lots of toys and playtime. However, they often turn into couch (or lap) potatoes once they’ve burned off their zoomies. These sweet cats love to snoop through things, and will make a point of sniffing out hidden treats. It’s also worth mentioning that they are very sociable, and often get lonely if left home by themselves for too long.
Do you have questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? As your Aurora, CO animal clinic, we are always here to help!
