The Sokoke Cat

Sokoke is a domestic shorthair cat. It is said to have evolved a long time ago in Kenya.

A shorthair cat, Sokoke is believed to have originated many
centuries ago in Sokoke-Arabuko rainforest in eastern Kenya. There it
was called Khadzonzo by native tribesmen, the word meaning ‘tree bark
like in appearance‘ in local language. Despite its independent
existence in nature for many years, there is not much evidence of wild
cat genetics in this beautiful cat and it is believed by many to be a
feral domestic cat. The modern history of Sokoke was initiated when in
early nineteen eighties they were brought from Africa to Denmark,
Europe, owing to their striking appeal and fear of extinction in
shrinking natural habitat. Though the shorthair cats had some trouble
early on, adjusting to the cold climate of Denmark, they survived and
gained recognition in coming years. Today breeding populations occur
all across Europe and North America, even as Sokokes are still
relatively rare as purebreds.

Sokoke has a sleek athletic body
that is chiseled like that of the Cheetah. Its slender, hard muscled
trunk, long legs and short head give it the appearance of a skilled
predator. Coat is single layered and dense. It has a blotched tabby
pattern with ticked hair and occurs in shades of brown. Head is flat at
the top with alert, rounded ears and almond shaped slightly slanted
green eyes.

A relatively recent development in Sokoke lines is
the ‘Snow Sokoke’. This cat has a basic color in the range of cream to
gray with similar marbled tabby markings on body. Legs and tail are
striped and eyes are of a blue color. Snow Sokokes are very pretty.
However, they are not widely accepted in breed standards at the moment.

Sokokes
are very intelligent cats that are sensitive and react well to
alternating moods and behavior patterns of humans. They are social and
accept other pets easily into the household. Active and vocal animals ,
these cats readily communicate with their humans.

About the author

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Sokoke cat.

Tags: behavior patterns, cat genetics, cheetah, cold climate, domestic cat, domestic shorthair cat, eighties, green eyes, independent existence, long legs, modern history, natural habitat, shorthair cat, shorthair cats, tabby pattern, tree bark, tribesmen, vocal animals, wild cat, word meaning