Sokoké

Overall description of the breed

The Sokoke breed of cat, formerly known as "African Shorthair," originates from Kenya and embodies a fascinating treasure of Africa, combining a captivating history, a unique appearance, and an enchanting character. This exotic feline has captured the hearts of cat enthusiasts worldwide due to its mysterious heritage and charismatic personality.

The name Sokoke comes from the Sokoke-Arabuté forest located on the coast of Kenya, where this cat was first discovered in the 1970s. The history of this breed is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have ancestral ties to the wild cats of the region, contributing to its unique and wild nature.

Breeder Jeni Slater is credited with the rediscovery and development of the Sokoke as a domestic breed. She found a cat that closely resembled her and named it "Sokoke." By crossing it with local alley cats, she contributed to the preservation of this rare and intriguing breed.

This cat has a distinctive appearance with its spotted coat and "reverse marbling" pattern. Its coat is short, dense, and soft to the touch. Males typically weigh between 3.6 and 5.4 kg (8 to 12 pounds), while females weigh around 2.7 to 4.5 kg (6 to 10 pounds). In terms of size, the Sokoke measures about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) at the withers.

It possesses a unique character that reflects its semi-wild nature. This cat is often described as independent, intelligent, and curious. Although it may be reserved with strangers, it develops deep and affectionate bonds with its family. Its lively and active personality makes it an energetic and entertaining companion.

The Sokoke was officially recognized as a breed in 1993 by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) and in 2003 by TICA, thereby granting global recognition to this distinctive cat. However, these organizations and several others decided a few years later to downgrade it to the status of an experimental breed, which is a partial recognition of the breed. An example of this is the British GCCF, which has granted this status since 2015, or the Canadian AFC, which attributes the status of an experimental breed to it.

In conclusion, the Sokoke Breed Cat is a living enigma that embodies the captivating and wild heritage of Africa. Its mysterious history, distinctive morphology, and intriguing character make it a cherished breed among cat enthusiasts worldwide. Thanks to conservation initiatives and partial recognition by FIFe and TICA, the Sokoke will continue to shine as a living gem of African feline heritage, while awaiting official recognition as a full-fledged feline breed.