Sokoke Dog
About the Sokoke Dog
Also known as the Sokoke Forest cat or the African Shorthair, the Sokoke is an exotic-looking breed that originated in Eastern Kenya. A striking coat, a friendly personality, and a fondness for conversation makes this unique breed one to consider. If you’re looking for a cuddly, cozy companion, you might find the Sokoke cat a bit aloof. These cats do enjoy human companionship, but only on their terms. They have a marked distaste for being picked up and snuggled; instead, they prefer to follow their family members around, sometimes opting to rest alongside a favorite person during downtime.
Sokoke Forest cats are accomplished athletes, with a fondness for active pursuits. Cupboards and drawers don’t present much of an obstacle to the Sokoke, making cat-proofing well worth the effort. Since these cats like water, it’s important to secure aquariums well, too. Any small item can become a toy for this curious kitty, so it’s important to keep important objects secured or risk having them chewed and clawed into oblivion.
Speaking of claws, this cat isn’t afraid to lash out when threatened or disrespected. While Sokoke cats can make lifelong friends with kids, other felines, and respectful dogs, they are a touch less tolerant than most, making careful introductions even more important than usual.
Despite this kitty’s insistence on respect, most individuals love everyone and when well-socialized, will even greet strangers at the door. When family members return from a long day at work, the Sokoke is usually right there to say hello and have a chat about everything that happened during their human’s absence.
Because Sokoke cats originated in a warm climate and have low cold tolerance, these kitties do best with families that also appreciate warmth. They can develop tolerance for cool temperatures, but prefer to keep cozy. They are not well-suited to life outdoors.
Care
Even though Sokoke cats have no special nutritional needs, they thrive on a high-quality diet. If you’re not feeding fresh food, look for a brand that provides ample protein and few carbohydrates. Ensure that real meat or fish – not a filler – is the main ingredient. In addition, ensure that you’re feeding food that’s appropriate for your cat’s life stage.
The Sokoke cat has a very short, low-shedding coat, and does not require much at all in terms of grooming. As they dislike much handling, you might be best off putting your grooming efforts toward toenail trims and toothbrushing rather than brushing.
Teach your cat how to be handled from a young age and these routines won’t present quite so much of a challenge when your kitty reaches adulthood.
You probably won’t have to encourage your Sokoke cat to exercise! These kitties are powerful jumpers and capable climbers; and when it comes to running, they’re certifiable speed demons. A strong cat condo with platforms and at least one cave will be appreciated, and scratching posts can help save your furniture.
Offer your cat lots of toys and swap them out frequently to prevent boredom. As Sokoke cats can be very hard on their toys, keep an eye out for broken or excessively worn parts and discard those before anything harmful ends up in your pet’s digestive tract.
Sokoke cats have a reputation for enjoying robust good health, and to date, there are no known genetic issues with the breed. They are more vulnerable to contagious diseases than most other cats are, as they have little to no built-in resistance to common diseases that affect domestic cats. It’s very important to provide routine vaccinations and regular checkups, and to prevent contact between Sokoke cats and unvaccinated felines.
The Sokoke cat has a very short, low-shedding coat, and does not require much at all in terms of grooming. As they dislike much handling, you might be best off putting your grooming efforts toward toenail trims and toothbrushing rather than brushing.
Did You Know?
Sokoke cats get their unique tabby patterns from the agouti gene. The pattern is sometimes called African pattern or African tabby.
The Sokoke is among the rarest of all cat breeds, so count yourself fortunate if you’re able to add one to your family!
Snow Sokokes are exceptionally rare: This unique pattern features a pale body with faint, visible tabby markings everywhere except the points, where darker tabby markings can be seen.
Physical Characteristics
The body is long, lean, and athletic, with well-defined musculature and a graceful appearance. Males are typically larger than females.
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sokoke dog cost?
Sokoke dogs cost between $500 - $2000.
How big do Sokoke dogs get?
Sokoke dogs tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Sokoke dog might weigh between 5-10 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 7"- 8" inches tall.
How long do Sokoke dogs live?
The Average lifespan for Sokoke is 15-20 years.
Sokoke
