Sokoke
The Sokoke is an exotic domestic cat, originating from the Arabuko-Sokoke rainforest on the coast of Kenya. Among the Sokoke's unique attributes are its lustrous, short coat with blotched tabby markings, and a distinctive tail sometimes described as "whip-like."1
Fast Facts
- Discovered in Kenya, bred in Denmark
- First discovered by Westerners in 1978
- Called "Kadzonzo" by Kenya's Giriama tribe2
- Live in trees of native forest
- Enjoy bananas and other fruit
- Disposition described as dog-like
- Playful and sociable
- May be related to African Wildcat
History
The Sokoke is unique among domestic breeds in more than mere looks. While other wildcat-like breeds—including the Bombay, Abyssinian and Chausie—are deliberately bred for an exotic appearance, the Sokoke is naturally exotic, and thought to have been domesticated in the ancient past by Kenya's Giriama tribe. A litter was discovered in 1978 by coconut farmer Jeni Slater, whose property abutted the Arabuko-Sokoke rainforest. Raising the kittens, Slater noted their unusual attributes, and fearing that the breed would not survive in its rapidly diminishing forest habitat, gave a breeding pair to a friend. The pair were brought them to Denmark, where the breed continues to be maintained.2
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