Sokoke Cat History
The Sokoke cat is a relatively new breed, having only been found in the late 1970s by a horse breeder and a wildlife artist, Jeni Slater. They were eventually brought from the Arabuko-Sokoke forest to the United States and Europe where they were bred, however the breed was known for longer to native people. By that point, the breed was severely endangered, numbering only in the dozens, due to the destruction of their forest habitat. The khadzonzo, as the Sokoke was known, became a standarized breed and is recognized by four major registry organizations, including Federation Internationale Feline and The International Cat Association (TICA).
Cat Breed Appearance
The Sokoke is a medium-sized cat breed. They have long, thin bodies with lengthy legs. The back legs are longer than the front ones, similar to those of a wildcat. They also walk on their toes, which is why they have a distinct gait. Their eyes are generally amber or light green, and their heads are comparatively small. They have a short coat with no undercoat, which means they don’t shed very much. They usually come in a tabby pattern. Long haired Sokokes are virtually unknown.
Maintenance and Grooming
The Sokoke cat is a very low-maintenance breed of cat. They are considered to be one of the easiest breeds to care for and do not require a lot of grooming. A basic brushing once a should be enough to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. Since they do not have a double coat, they tend to shed much less, so the brushing is not as time-consuming as it may be with other breeds.
Diet
The Sokoke cat is a carnivore and their natural diet consists of small mammals. Domestic cats, however, are not limited to such a restricted diet and can eat a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, some fruits and vegetables. They should get a high-quality cat food, either wet or dry, that is specifically made for felines. The exact amount of food a cat needs depends on its age, weight, activity level and overall health.
Activity Level
Sokoke cats are considered to be very active. This means that they need a lot of exercise and playtime. Apart from cat toys such as a scratching post, they also enjoy playing outdoors. Make sure to have a designated area outside for your Sokoke cat to roam around in and satisfy their natural tendencies. They should not be kept home all the time. They are very inquisitive, so be prepared for your Sokoke cat to explore every nook and cranny of your house.
Personality Traits and Temperament
Sokoke cats are known for their curious, laid-back temperaments. They are very active and playful, and often enjoy chasing toys or playing with water. Sokokes also love to climb, and can be found perched atop furniture or cabinets in their homes. They are usually quiet cats, but will sometimes make a soft meowing noise. Sokokes are typically good with children and other pets, however, they may be reserved towards strangers and are not as affectionate as other cat breeds, especially towards strangers. Either way, they can create strong bonds with their family. Sokoke cats are intelligent and easy to train, making them good candidates for indoor or outdoor living.
Health
Sokoke cats is a natural breed that’s known for their relatively long lifespan. Sokokes can live up to 20 years, and they’re generally a very healthy breed. There aren’t any health concerns specific to Sokoke cats. They’re a hearty and hardy breed that doesn’t generally have any genetic health issues. They are considered to be one of the healthiest cats in the world. However, as with all breeds, there is always a possibility that a Sokoke could develop some health problem. So if you’re considering getting a Sokoke cat, it’s important to be aware of the potential health concerns and be prepared to take your cat to the vet if it does become ill.
For Whom?
Sokoke is a perfect breed for people who want a low-maintenance cat that doesn’t require a lot of attention. Sokokes are very active and playful cats, but also independent and won’t need constant petting or cuddling, although they do get affectionate with people they are especially fond of. They are good for people who can provide them with lots of activity, so they don’t get bored. They’re not considered lap cats, but they will gladly curl up next to you when they’re done playing.
Outdoor Cats
Sokokes also make good outdoor cats, as they are very agile and adept at hunting prey. It is important that they come from a hot climate, so colder climates may not be suitable. They get along well with children and other pets, so if you have other animals in the household, your Sokoko would not mind them. It is important though to socialize them with children and always supervise the interaction between them.
Price
The price for a Sokoke kitty can vary greatly due to numerous factors. Some purebred Sokoke kittens can go for prices as high as $1,000 while others may be available for only a few hundred dollars. Some breeders will charge as much as $2,000 for a Sokoke kitten. It is important to remember that the Sokoke is a rare breed and finding one may be difficult, so be prepared to pay a higher price if you find one you love. Make sure that you are getting a kitten from a reputable breeder to ensure that the kitten has been well cared for and is healthy. Some of them may have kittens available for adoption, which can be a less expensive option.
Image source: SHD A. Turto via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5
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