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Sokoke

Description

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Description

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Home

Sokoke

Description

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Description

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Sokoke

Other names: Sokoke Forest Cat, African Shorthair, Khadzonzo, Kadzonzo

The Sokoke is a natural breed of domestic cat that evolved from native feral African cats that lived in eastern, coastal Kenya. Energetic and athletic, the Sokoke still possesses characteristics of its feline cousins and is virtually extinct in the wild. This breed preserves unique genes among traditional cat breeds but remains a mystery as it may belong to an unknown gene or result from crossing a wild African cat with a domestic European cat. Some scientists think that the Sokoke may be the missing link that explains the emergence of the classic tabby pattern found in most domestic cats.

Size

Moderate

weight

2-4.5

4.4-9.9

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

15-20 years

country of origin

Kenya

Denmark

USA

fur length

Short

breed origin

Natural

size

Moderate

Recognized by: 5 registers

ACFA CCCOFA CCA-AFC ACA GCCF LOOF TSACC CFSA ACF FIFE WCF NZCF TICA CFA

Appearance

The Sokoke is an elegant and moderately-sized cat with long legs and dense fur. Its hind legs are slightly higher than the front legs, as is common in many wild cats. The head of the Sokoke appears small compared to the body, with a strong and well-defined chin. The medium ears are always in an alert position, and the eyes are almond-shaped and green or amber in color. The coat is shiny and short, ticked in brown tones with prominent mottling and large rosette spots that may fuse together. This coat pattern is a natural form of camouflage shared by many forest-dwelling felids. The tail of the Sokoke is long and thin, with wide dark rings.

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Body type

Eyes shape

Fur length

Head shape

Tail

Size

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Body type

Eyes shape

Fur length

Head shape

Tail

Size

Origin

The Sokoke breed originated from the free-roaming cats of coastal Kenya, locally known as khadzonzo or kadzonzo. These cats are native to the Arabuko Sokoke National Forest in Kenya, which is one of the last remaining rainforest areas in East Africa. Local sources indicate that these cats have inhabited the area for many years. The breed's history can be traced back to 1978 when a Kenyan farmer discovered a litter of kittens in a coconut plantation. Recognizing their rarity due to their brindle coat and unique build, he took an interest in them. In 1984, a Danish woman imported a pair of Sokoke cats to her country and observed that they could adapt well to the colder European climate. The recognition of the Sokoke breed began in 1993 when FIFé officially acknowledged it, using the simplified name Sokoke, derived from the forest where the cats originate. In 2003, TICA also recognized the breed as a 'new breed'. Currently, the Sokoke breed remains rare and is primarily bred in countries such as Denmark, the United States, Canada, and Norway.

Parent animals

Breed origin

Origin countries

Temperament

The Sokoke is an energetic and fun cat that enjoys maintaining its independence but also likes the company of humans. It is a temperamental and proud breed that is very sensitive to the mood of its owner. The Sokoke is intelligent and self-confident and is known to be quite talkative, communicating well using its voice and body language. With sharp vision and highly developed senses of hearing and smell, it is a playful and interactive cat that can rival a dog in its sociability. The Sokoke is not an aggressive breed and only resorts to using its teeth and claws when feeling threatened. These cats require a lot of space to move around and may not be happy in a small apartment unless they have access to a large, securely enclosed balcony or a fenced yard. They also enjoy climbing and playing with water.

Behavior:

Friendly toward humans

Activity Level:

Very active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Reproduction

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Reproduction

Grooming

Common health issues

Despite their wild nature, Sokoke cats do not have specific dietary needs and can eat a variety of high-quality cat food. They are highly adaptable creatures and can thrive on different types of food. However, due to their energetic disposition, Sokokes particularly require continuous access to fresh and clean water to maintain their hydration levels.

Female Sokoke cats typically give birth to 1-2 litters per year. Sometimes, two litters may occur closely in succession, with a longer period before further reproduction. It is common for the male to assist in raising the kittens. If left together, the mother will often wait months before weaning her kittens, despite their rapid development. Young Sokokes usually reach reproductive maturity at around 8 to 10 months of age.

Sokokes are great at grooming themselves and require little maintenance. Brushing them once a week is enough to keep their coat smooth and shiny. Like all cats, Sokokes will need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing as part of their grooming routine.

Grooming intencity:

Easy to groom

The Sokoke is considered a healthy breed that is not prone to genetic diseases. However, these cats thrive in a controlled environment due to their limited resistance to common New World cat illnesses often found in catteries and multi-cat homes. They may struggle in extreme cold temperatures for extended periods but can adjust to colder climates. Like other short-haired, Asian-group cats, they do not require special housing accommodations.