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The Sokoke: Exotic Forest Cat

The SokokeThis breed of cat is very old, originating in the Sokoke Arabiuke forest on the coast of Kenya, which is one of the few remaining but rapidly diminishing rainforests in East Africa. The Giriama tribe called this creature “Kadonzo,” which means “looks like tree bark.” In ancient times, these cats were part of the general diet and eaten in preference to domestic stock. They were referred to as “very sweet to eat.” These African shorthaired cats were not known in Europe until the twentieth century. In 1978, a farmer in Kenya found a litter of kittens on a coconut plantation, and knew they were special because of their “blotched tabby” markings. These cats, like many other African species of felines, are extinct in the wild.

In the 1980s, Sokokes were imported to Denmark where records of them have been diligently kept. Their genetic makeup is mysterious and unlike any other even among other traditional exotic breeds. The breed may belong to an unknown genus or perhaps is a mixture of an African wild cat and a European domestic cat. Some scientists claim the Sokoke may be the missing link to the emergence of the “tabby pattern” in the majority of all domesticated cats.

Sokokes are very elegant to look upon. The body is muscular and the back legs are slightly higher than the front. The head appears small in comparison with the body, and its chin is very well defined. Ears, which are always alert, are medium-sized and in balance with the head, although they appear larger. Eyes are almond shaped with various shades from amber to light green. By far, the most unusual feature of this cat is its coat, which is shiny and extremely short with no undercoat. The blotched tabby pattern varies from a warm light brown to very dark chestnut, almost a black.

Sokokes are very sensitive and are known to swing with the mood of their owners. They are active, talkative and very sociable. Proud and highly intelligent, they thrive in groups and get along well with other cats. They are not lap cats and do not like to be coddled, but they are loving in their own way and make very affectionate companions.

Do YOU own such a cat? Please share.

Related Articles:
“The Habari Cat: Exotic Beauty adn Sweetness”
http://blogs.families.com/admin/b2browse.php?blog=28&p=5990

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About Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York. A graduate of New York University School of Education, she now lives in Doylestown, PA, with quite a few cats that keep her on her toes at all times. Originally a writer of ghostly and horror fiction, she has branched out into the world of humorous non-fiction writing in the last decade. Many of her stories have been published in various small presses throughout the country during the last twenty years. Her book of stories, "Tales For A Dark And Rainy Night", reflects her love and respect for the horror and ghost genre.