Health Issues — Details

• Dental disease (gum issues): This is something many Levkoys can face, especially if their dental care is skipped over. Plaque and tartar build-up can sneak up fast and cause sore gums or even tooth loss over time. PetMD recommends regular brushing, dental treats, or kibble designed for oral health as simple ways to help.
• Obesity: This can also be a problem, especially since Levkoys are affectionate lap-lovers but not always the most active cats by default. Using a portion scoop, avoiding too many snacks, and squeezing in even 10 minutes of playtime a day can help a lot.
• FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease): This might show up in some Levkoys too—especially if they aren’t great at drinking water. Look out for signs like straining or missing the litter box. Wet food and keeping fresh water bowls around (or even a cat water fountain) can go a long way. [](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease-flutd) Arch Creek Animal Clnic backs this up.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) : While not super common, this has been noted in breeds like the Donskoy and Scottish Fold, which make up the Levkoy’s ancestry. This heart condition can develop quietly, so your vet may suggest occasional heart checks as they age.

General Healthcare Tips

• Annual vet check-ups: These are mandatory , even for indoor cats. These help spot things like heart, eye, or kidney changes before they become major.
• Dental hygiene: Add in some cat-safe toothpaste or dental treats a few times a week to avoid future vet bills.
• Encourage light activity: With simple toys or climbing shelves, Levkoys love attention and will often join in if you engage them first.
• Vaccinations and deworming: You should stay on schedule, even for indoor-only cats.

Senior Care

• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Cat Food : A solid everyday choice for indoor cats. It’s balanced and includes antioxidants for overall health.
• Royal Canin Indoor or Digest Sensitive : Great for cats with sensitive digestion or moderate activity levels, perfect for Levkoys who spend their time lounging and observing.
• Wellness CORE or Blue Buffalo Basics (Grain-Free) : Good for skin sensitivities or tummy troubles. Just check with your vet before switching, as grain-free isn’t necessary for every cat.
• Tiki Cat or Nutro Wholesome Essentials (Omega-rich) : Packed with omega-3s and omega-6s to help nourish their bare or thin coat and reduce skin flakiness.
• Wet + Dry Combo : Most Levkoys do best on a mix of wet and dry food. Dry food helps with dental care, and wet food supports hydration.
• Raw fish : It can carry parasites and cause thiamine deficiency, which is bad news for the nervous system.
• Onions & garlic : Even a small amount can damage their red blood cells and cause anemia.
• Dairy : Despite the stereotype, most cats (including Levkoys) can’t handle lactose. Milk and cheese often lead to gas, bloating, or loose stools.
• Cheap fillers (corn, soy, wheat): These add calories but no real value and may cause skin or digestive reactions.
• Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives : These aren’t toxic, but they’re unnecessary and may irritate sensitive systems. Go for clean-label food with natural ingredients when possible.
• Dental disease (gum issues): This is something many Levkoys can face, especially if their dental care is skipped over. Plaque and tartar build-up can sneak up fast and cause sore gums or even tooth loss over time. PetMD recommends regular brushing, dental treats, or kibble designed for oral health as simple ways to help.
• Obesity: This can also be a problem, especially since Levkoys are affectionate lap-lovers but not always the most active cats by default. Using a portion scoop, avoiding too many snacks, and squeezing in even 10 minutes of playtime a day can help a lot.
• FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease): This might show up in some Levkoys too—especially if they aren’t great at drinking water. Look out for signs like straining or missing the litter box. Wet food and keeping fresh water bowls around (or even a cat water fountain) can go a long way. [](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease-flutd) Arch Creek Animal Clnic backs this up.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) : While not super common, this has been noted in breeds like the Donskoy and Scottish Fold, which make up the Levkoy’s ancestry. This heart condition can develop quietly, so your vet may suggest occasional heart checks as they age.
• Annual vet check-ups: These are mandatory , even for indoor cats. These help spot things like heart, eye, or kidney changes before they become major.
• Dental hygiene: Add in some cat-safe toothpaste or dental treats a few times a week to avoid future vet bills.
• Encourage light activity: With simple toys or climbing shelves, Levkoys love attention and will often join in if you engage them first.
• Vaccinations and deworming: You should stay on schedule, even for indoor-only cats.
• Joint supplements: Glucosamine or chondroitin can help ease stiffness, especially since some Levkoys have long limbs and slender joints. Always check with your vet first.
• Cozy resting areas: Try a soft, warm bed in a draft-free corner they can reach easily without needing to jump.
• Vet visits twice a year: Once they pass 7 years old, these help catch any age-related changes while they’re still manageable.
• Make their space senior-friendly: Lower-sided litter boxes, slightly raised food bowls, and a few fewer obstacles to climb keeps things simple and keeps them independent longer.