Sokoke Cat Characteristics and Breed Information

Sokoke Cat (African Shorthair) is one of the rarest cats in the world, distinguishable features and high intelligence. Since November 2004, Sokoke cats have been registered around the world and nearly 30 breeding felines. The African shorthair imported to United Kingdom, United States and other locations in the world. 1 This breed of cat is smart, talkative, swims well and makes a very good family pet. 2 The agility of a Sokoke cat comparable to a cheetah. 6 Average weight of an adult African shorthair cat six to ten pounds. 8 Sokoke cats socialize well with other cats and dogs. 5

The Sokoke Cat heritage traces back centuries to the rainforest in eastern Kenya (Africa), where native tribesman called the cat 'Khadzonzo (referred to as 'tree bark like in appearance"). The Sokoke has a body of a cheetah, muscular trunk, slender, flattened head with alert rounded ears, long legs and short head, attributes and agility skills to hunt as a predator. "Coat is single layered and dense." It portrays the color pattern or shades of brown similar to a tabby cat. The eyes of the Sokoke are almond shaped and slightly slanted green. 3 In 1978, Jeni Slater (horse breeder 5) discovered the Sokoke cat in the Sokoke forest. "Gloria Moeldrop, a friend of Slaters', brought some of the cats home with her to Denmark to breed because Jeni Slater feared for the survival of the cat in Kenya." In 1984, Sokoke cat first appeared in Copenhagen. 4 Europeans where introduced to the Sokoke feline during the early nineteen eights. 3 In 1993, the 'Sokoke cat' name was officially recognized by the World's largest domestic cat registry, the International Cat Association (TICA), thus eligible to be shown at cat shows. 4 In 1999, pair of Sokokes produced the first U.S. liter.7 Purebreds of Sokoke cats are breed in a few locations, Europe and the United States. 3 Sokoke is a confirmed domesticated cat based upon to DNA testing.

Sokoke felines bond well with people and families. "This is an active and intelligent cat that responds well to training, including walking on a leash." The energetic Sokoke cat will spend less time in a lap then other breeds of cats and tends to follow people around during the day. 5 The cat does not enjoy being coddled and lifted off the ground. However, Sokoke cats can be trained during kitten hood not to fear being lifted. 9 This breed of cat has intelligence and sensitivity to run and hide away from the claw clipper and medicine. 9 Short haired Sokoke cats require less frequent brushing than long haired cats, and enjoy taking baths. 6 Sokokes prefer warm climates because of their thin coat. 7 The African shorthair cat reach's sexual maturity 1.5 - 2 years old. 6 "Females in heat and fertile males could be very vocal and loud." 9 Routine veterinarian check-ups, vaccinations, good food, fresh water, occasional brushing and love, essential keeping a Sokoke cat healthy and thriving. Sokokes are not wild or endangered species requiring permits and licenses. 6 Life Expectancy of a Sokoke cat is up to twenty years. 8

Snow Sokoke is a rare cat breed and features not comparable to Sokoke Cats: Belly and necklaces without spots, pads are black, and eyes blue. 2 "This color seems to have been introduced when Jeni, concerned about the close inbreeding, introduced a black local feral cat to the gene pool." 10 "This is a Siamese albino (snow Sokoke cat)". Currently only one snow Sokoke has ever gotten Sokoke kittens. 9 Presently the snow Sokoke is not recognized in cat breed standards. 2

References:

1.) The Sokoke Cat - a very rare cat breed, perhaps the rarest cat breed in the world is now here in th - http://www.pressbox.co.uk/Detailed/20899.html

2.) Sokoke Breeders - http://www.breedersden.com/sokoke_breeders.htm

3.) sokoke - http://www.ofcats.com/2008/07/sokoke.html

4.) Sokoke - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sokoke

5.) Sokoke Breed Information - http://www.catster.com/breeds/sokoke

6.) The Sokoke: Cat Breed FAQ - http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/sokoke-faq.html

7. Sokoke - http://www.pictures-of-cats.org/sokoke.html

8.) Sokoke - http://www.carealotpets.com/cat-breeds/Sokoke.asp?Breed=Sokoke

9.) Sokoke - a rare African Beauty - http://kimburu.tripod.com/en-sokokeabout.htm

10.) Sokoke Breed Information - http://www.awesomecats.com/cat-breeds/Sokoke.html