" Sokoké originates from the African continent where it is endemic. The Sokoke has spectacular fur and it easily reminds us of the bark of a tree, which is why in Kenya, its country of origin, it is called Khadzonzos which literally means bark."
Did you know that these cats coexist and live with the African tribes of Kenya like the Giriama? In this article from PlanèteAnimal, we wanted to tell you more about this mysterious breed of cat with arboreal habits that seems to be gradually making its way into the category of domestic cats.Find out all about the Sokoké cat in the rest of our breed sheet!
Origin
- Africa
- Kenya
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Strong
Character
- Active
- Extrovert
- Affectionate
- Curious
Hair type
- Short
Origin of Sokoke
The Sokoke, which was originally named khadzonzo cats, originates from the African continent. It is notably extremely common throughout Kenya, where it lives wild in some urban areas as well as some wilder areas.
Some specimens of these felines were captured by an English breeder, called J.Slater, who, together with a breeder friend, Gloria Modrup, decided to breed them and thus create specimens suitable for domestic life. The breeding program had some success, because after starting in 1978, a few years later, in 1984, the Sokoke breed was officially recognized in Denmark, later spreading to other countries such as Italy, where they arrived in 1992.
Today, TICA catalogs the Sokokçe cat as a New Preliminary Breed, FIFE has recognized it since 1993 and, despite few living specimens in Europe and America, CCA and GCCF have also accepted its standard.
Physical characteristics of the Sokoke
Sokokés are medium-sized cats with a weight that varies between 3 and 5 kilos. In addition, the life expectancy of the Sokokes is between 10 and 16 years. These felines have a long body, which makes them very elegant, but their extremities present an extremely developed musculature, which makes them very powerful and agile cats.
The head is rounded and small, the upper part of the latter, the one that corresponds to the forehead, is flatter and without a marked stop. His eyes are brown, chestnut or almond, oblique and medium in size. His ears are medium sized and always erect, which makes it look like he's always on high alert. Although it is a completely aesthetic detail, the tufts in the ears are positively valued.
The most curious thing about this cat is its coat, the latter is tabby or tabby, so that with the brown color of the latter, its coat looks like the bark of a tree. Its fur is short, amber in color with tiger designs and very shiny in appearance.
Character of Sokoke
Since these cats are generally animals that live in the wild or semi-wild state, it is normal that you may believe that they are a shy breed that would avoid contact with people. humans, but nothing could be further from the truth.Sokokes are one of the friendliest and friendliest breeds. They are affable, active and energetic cats, who need to be showered with attention from their guardian, whom they will constantly ask for petting and seek out to play with.
Even if for the level of physical activity they need every day it is recommended to have them in large places where they will have land and gardens available, these felines, as soon as they have a place where they can exercise, also adapt perfectly to living in apartments.
Once they have been well socialized, they are also cats that adapt perfectly to life with other animals, whether they are other cats or pets. In the same way, he gets along very well with people of all ages and he will be very cuddly with everyone. Being a cat with the ability to perceive emotional and affective needs, they are also one of the most empathetic cat breeds that will go out of their way to make you feel good and happy.
Caring for a Sokoke
As it is a very cuddly feline, the Sokoke will need you to cover all its emotional needs. This is why they are cats that do not handle loneliness very well. If you don't pay enough attention to your cat, he may be sad, anxious or trying to get your attention at all costs, meowing to get your attention.
Since he has short hair, you won't really need to brush him daily and once a week will be more than enough. You will only have to wash it when it is really dirty, in this case it will be necessary to use shampoo made for cats and that you make sure to dry your cat well.
Because of their high energy, you will need to provide your Sokoke with the tools and resources that will allow him to exercise and exercise. This is why we recommend that you buy him toys or scratching posts at different levels so that he can climb them.Don't forget that it is a cat accustomed to living in certain African countries where it is accustomed to climbing up and down trees. If you can't buy some, we invite you to discover how to make toys for your cat.
Sokoké He alth
Due to the genetic characteristics of the breed, no congenital or hereditary diseases were found. This is due to the fact that it is a race that appeared in a natural way, following the course of natural selection, which made the specimens that survived were the strongest and most resistant. Discover other African animals!
You should also not neglect the he alth and care of this cat and it will be necessary, for example, to ensure that their food is adequate and of quality, that they have their vaccinations up to date, that they have veterinary checks during which the follow-up of the vaccination schedule will be carried out and regular deworming, that they can exercise daily or that their eyes, ears and mouth are clean and he althy.You will need to take him to the vet every 6-12 months.
One aspect to which you must pay particular attention is that of the weather conditions, because as it has a short and sparse coat, without a woolly layer, your Sokoke is very sensitive to the cold. That's why you have to make sure it's always warm at home and you'll also have to pay special attention to ensuring that it's dry after bathing.
Pictures of Sokoke
