Meet the Sokoke Cat, A Feline Work of Art Why This Breed is so Rare

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Sokoke photo
X-Small Breed Pyoderma (Skin Infection) Sokoke

Is the Sokoke good for you?

  • 1 The Sokoke cat is independent yet social, often translating to a cat that follows you around.
  • 2 Sokoke cats are very intelligent and respond well to training, even enjoying walks on a leash.
  • 3 The Sokoke likes to interact with people and use their voice.

HISTORY

Since the Sokoke was discovered and not bred, it is impossible to peg down exactly how this breed came to be. We know that they were first domesticated in 1978 by British/Kenyan farmer Jeni Slater, who found a litter of wild Sokoke kittens on her plantation in Kenya. After a few generations of breeding, the Sokoke was sent off to Denmark in 1984. Known as the Khadzonzo to Kenyan natives, meaning โ€œcome pretty one,โ€ this breed has been a stunning addition to the domestic cat family for almost 30 years now.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Medium

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    Lifespan

    Average of 15 years

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    Hair Length

    Short

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    Litter Size

    An average of 4 kittens

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    Male Weight

    6 - 11 pounds

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    Female Weight

    6 - 11 pounds

Personality

The Sokoke is a sensitive, smart, playful, loving breed that has a great respect for the family dynamic. They observe their people to assess where they stand on the familial totem pole, and are quick to bend their knee, as it were. While they are no lap cat, they do crave your attention, laying at your feet until their belly has been suitably pet. Still carrying with them some of their wild ways, the Sokoke is going to want to chase and be chased, making them a very active cat and not suitable for a sedated household. .

Color

The Sokoke can come in any shade of brown tabby, with the unique, wild pattern they are known for.

Health Concerns

As Sokoke cats lack undercoat they are prone to chills and infections.

Appearance

The Sokoke sets themselves apart from other breeds by being one of the most wild looking cats around. Their unique patterning and coloring make them easily identifiable, with their combination of spots and stripes. They are of medium build, with longer hind legs, giving them a fast, sleek frame. They are stunningly muscular, giving them the power to jump up on pretty much any surface in your house. All things considered, this is probably the closest you can get to having an actual wild cat living in your house (unless you are Siegfried or Roy).

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