Sokoke
Meoww!!
The Sokoke Cat is a lean, medium sized, long legs. It has a muscular body with legs built in a similar way as fast-moving cats like cheetahs.
In 5 Words
- Very sensitive
- Active
- Proud
- Independent
- Highly intelligent
Snapshot
Size: Medium
Weight: 10 pounds
Origin: Kenya
Life Span: up to 20 years
Colour: Brown, Cinnamon, Tabby
Characteristics
Learn About the Sokoke
The original home of the Sokoke Forest Cat was amidst the rain forests in East Africa, on the Kenyan coast in the Sokoke Arabuke Forest. Historically, the only reference found was from the Giriama tribe whose name for the cat was ‘Kadzonzo’ Tribal elders’ specific descriptions of the Sokoke cats proved that the cats had a close relationship with the old tribal culture.
Little was known about the Sokoke cat until 1978 when a Kenyan farmer, Jeni Slater, found an unusual litter of kittens on her coconut plantation. She chose to pen two of them that she later bred together. She introduced the Sokoke breed to her Danish friend, Gloria Moeldrup, who imported the first two Sokokes to Denmark in 1984. Three more cats were imported in 1991 and another was imported to Italy in 1992. In 1992 the Sokoke were presented to FIFe, who examined 19 cats in five generations, and the breed was fully recognised by them in 1993. These cats have recently gained registration status with TICA.
The Sokoke Cat is a lean, medium sized, long legs. It has a muscular body with legs built in a similar way as fast-moving cats like cheetahs. Their highly athletic body is covered with a short and dense coat with a tabby pattern that comes in different colors. This is what makes the breed look exotic and unique. As interesting as its coat looks, it feels unique to the touch as well. It has no undercoat and its short and shiny hair feels elastic, as opposed to the usual silky feel of most short-haired cat breeds.
It has a flat top head and angular cheek bones, highlighted by a medium length nose that is almost straight. Its tail is covered with broad rings and it is long and thin, almost like a whip. .” The head of the Sokoke is a modified wedge that appears small when compared to the body. Ears are medium large and broad at the base with tufts on the tips. Eyes are moderately large, set wide apart and slightly almond in shape; they should be brilliant and expressive. Eye color should be amber to light green and outlined in black.
The Sokoke Cat is a very active cat. It has all kept all it’s instinct form the nature, and this makes the sokoke a very special cat. If the sokoke is frightened it will freeze, tighten it muscles, jump right up in the air and kick off with it’s hind feet and flee, you wouldn’t see where the cat runs until it’s gone. It is a very loyal cat and tends to bond closely to one particular person. While they like spending time with their owners, It loves to perch, whether it is on the back of a chair or on a windowsill.
It has a soft, chatty voice that can rise to an alarming call if it senses danger. They are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves for hours. The Sokoke is a very sensitive cat and swings with the mood of its human. It is active and quite talkative, having a strong voice, it is an independent cat but it much enjoys the company of its’ humans. It is a proud and highly intelligent cat and you can communicate at a high level using voice and and body language. The Sokoke Forest Cat is also an agile and lively breed, which is alert at all times. If threatened, the cat will not hesitate to use their teeth and claws.
The Sokoke Cat is vulnerable to disease. Pay extra attention to the cat’s ears, as excess dirt can lead to ear mite infections. Additionally, its paws must be frequently examined for cuts and bruises.
The Sokoke Cat sheds little hair, it requires little grooming — once a week with a grooming glove or brush is sufficient. Bathing the cat is also easy. Unlike other breeds of cat, the Sokoke Cat can swim and is less afraid of water.
