very short, close-lying, glossy coat with little undercoat
A slim, lithe, medium-length cat on long legs, with hind legs longer than the front, which gives it a distinctive tip-toe walk. The head is small compared with the body. The short coat is glossy and slightly coarse rather than silky, with hardly any undercoat.12
Coloursbrown tabby in the 'African' pattern: classic tabby markings with ticking inside the patternsnow (paler, pointed) Sokokes occur rarelyeyes greenish amber to light green; blue in snow cats12
Personality what they are like
Lively, clever and chatty. Sokokes form strong bonds with each other and with their people, settle well into new surroundings, and usually fit in with children and other pets.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A very active breed that needs room to run, climb and play every day.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very low. The short, undercoat-free coat needs only occasional brushing.12
Company who they like around
Highly social; enjoys the company of its family and of other cats.12
The story where it all began
In 1978 Jeni Slater, a horse breeder and wildlife artist, found and hand-reared kittens near the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest on the Kenyan coast. Her friend Gloria Moeldrup took a pair to Denmark in 1983 and began breeding them, and FIFe recognised the breed in 1993.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its hind legs are longer than its front legs, so it seems to walk on tiptoe.2
2
The local name for the forest cats is khadzonzo, and the breed was first known as the African Shorthair.2
3
The 'African tabby' coat combines a classic tabby pattern with ticked hairs, which blends in well with forest shade.1
4
It is one of the rarest pedigree breeds; FIFe recorded no Sokoke kittens at all in its 2024 statistics.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after the Arabuko Sokoke National Forest in Kenya, where the cats were originally found.3
I woke at sunrise and chattered a hello to my family. After a quick breakfast I raced through the cat tunnel, then climbed to the top of the scratching post. My human threw a crinkle ball and I caught it mid-air, then brought it back for another round. In the afternoon I explored every new box in the house, pausing to greet the dog with a friendly head bump. As evening fell, I found a warm lap and purred while telling my people about my day in soft meows. Sleep came easy.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sokoke, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age and lifestyle, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for a routine that suits your cat.
What should a Sokoke eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality cat food that meets its nutritional needs. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.4
Does a Sokoke need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for this clean, short-coated breed. Only bathe if your Sokoke gets very dirty or sticky, following gentle cat-safe practices.5
How often does a Sokoke need brushing?
A weekly brushing is perfect for the Sokoke's short, undercoat-free coat. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep it glossy and reduce shedding.125Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Sokoke's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 2 to 3 weeks, starting with just a couple of claws per session to build trust. Use a proper cat nail trimmer and avoid the quick.5Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Sokoke need?
This lively breed needs daily active play with room to run, climb, and explore. Furry Diary recommends at least one play session each day to keep them happy and healthy.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Sokoke's teeth and ears?
Brush your Sokoke's teeth every day or at least every other day to prevent dental issues. For ears, check them weekly and ask your vet for the best cleaning routine. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Sokoke live?
Sokokes are long-lived cats, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 20 years. With good care, they can enjoy many happy years with you.12
Is a Sokoke good with children and other pets?
Yes, Sokokes usually fit in wonderfully with children and other pets. They are lively, clever, and form strong bonds, making them a great family cat.12
Can a Sokoke be left alone?
Sokokes are highly social and enjoy company, so they may not do well with long periods alone. Ask your breeder or vet for advice on keeping them content when you're away.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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