Sokoke, Or Soukok (cat)

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Sokoke, Or Soukok (cat)
Sokoke, Or Soukok (cat)

Video: Sokoke, Or Soukok (cat)

Video: Sokoke, Or Soukok (cat)
Video: Сококе 101Kote.ru Sokoke 101Cats 2024, March
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Sokoke, or Sokoke cat is a naturally formed breed of cats from the Kenyan valley of the same name (Africa). It is believed that the ancestors of these cats are the local wild cats hadzonzo (which means "like bark") and the once feral domestic cats.

Breeding began in the 1970s with an Englishwoman Janie Slater, who lived in Kenya, who brought up a cat with kittens. Janie's friend Gloria Moldrup, who lived in Denmark, took two kittens out of Kenya, thus initiating the export of the breed.

Sokoke, soukok, kenyan forest cat, photo cat breed picture picture
Sokoke, soukok, kenyan forest cat, photo cat breed picture picture

After 10 years, Janie's cattery was working so successfully that a regular supply of sokoke to Denmark was established, and already from Denmark Gloria was selling cats to other countries of the world. In 1983 the breed was named "African Shorthair". The breed has not been recognized by international organizations for a long time. Sokoke was first recognized in Denmark - in 1992, and the next year - in FIFe, receiving the name "Soukok" (or Sokoke).

Soukok appearance

Sokoke are slender, lithe and strong cats. They are medium in size. The weight of adults is 2.7-4.5 kg. Males are larger than females. Soukok are distinguished by medium-sized ears with tassels, a black tip of the tail and expressive large eyes that can change color depending on the mood of the animal (from dark yellow to green). Snow sokoke usually have light blue or bluish gray eyes. Soukok have an unusual gait due to their longer hind legs.

The head is small, wedge-shaped; small nose; the chin is sharply defined. The body is of medium size, slender and strong. The forechest is strong enough. Legs are slender, long. The tail is of medium length, tapering towards the tip. The coat is short and even, close to the body of the cat. The hairs of the wool have light and dark stripes. The hairline is short and shiny. The hairs fit snugly to the body. The undercoat is not developed. Sokoke is characterized by a type of color - marble tabby, while the color of the coat can be any.

Sokoke's character and behavior

Soukok are playful, very active, intelligent, quick-witted animals. Quite creative in achieving their goal. At the same time, they are independent, and sometimes wayward. They have excellent hunting instincts. Equally attached to all family members. Unlike their wild ancestors, they are very social, they get along well with people and other animals. They are affectionate, gentle and outgoing. These cats run fast, swim well and climb trees well. Sokoke's favorite game is ball picking. They are like dogs, they will bring it over and over again until you get bored. When meeting a stranger, they prefer to hide and observe him from a safe distance. Sokoke has no equal in jumping ability. They can jump from the floor to a height of 2.5 meters!

Sokoke, soukok, cat breed photo photography image
Sokoke, soukok, cat breed photo photography image

These cats are suitable for busy people, as they tolerate loneliness well, while away time on the street or playing. Plus, they don't need much attention. Fearless, in case of danger they are able to stand up for themselves. They do not like to sit on their hands for a long time, begging and the like, but they gladly accompany the owners, following them everywhere. Some sources say that cats living with cats help them take care of kittens. Since they have no undercoat, they do not tolerate cold well.

Sokoke care

The breed is unique in that it practically does not shed, since its ancestors lived in the hot climate of Africa and they have practically no undercoat. Standard care is suitable for them: weekly brushing, regular brushing of teeth, ears, lacrimal pathways, monthly bathing with a special shampoo. Take a bath with pleasure. For brushing it is better to choose a natural bristle brush. Rubbing with a piece of chamois / fur / silk will help give the coat a shine.

Content

Sokokas need a lot of space, so small apartments are not suitable for their maintenance. The ideal place to live would be a large house with an adjoining plot of land with green spaces. Living in a city, cats quickly adapt to an environment other than their natural environment and successfully adapt to it. A variety of toys will provide your cats with leisure. If the soukok visit the street, there is no need for a scratching post and tray.

Sokoke, Kenyan forest cat, photo photography
Sokoke, Kenyan forest cat, photo photography

Photo © Chloe Manon

To stay healthy and healthy, cats need a balanced diet with enough protein, fat and carbohydrates. The feed must contain at least 25% protein and no more than 5% carbohydrates.

Soukok health

Sokoke has good natural health. In addition to the usual health problems inherent in cats visiting the street (cuts on the paw pads, infections, viruses, parasites, etc.), a tendency to nervous disorders was revealed. They are easily excitable, prone to hysteria, neuroses, meningitis, convulsions. Basically, nervous disorders are inherited. They often occur with other concomitant diseases of varying severity. Mandatory vaccination is recommended, since Soukok lacks natural resistance (immunity) to most infectious diseases (parvovirus, infectious rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, etc.). The average life expectancy is 12-16 years. Puberty usually occurs at the age of 8-12 months, animals at the age of 1.5-2 years are allowed for breeding.

Kitten cost

Soukok are rare cats. The cost of kittens is determined individually. Most of the breed is located in Denmark, where you can buy kittens from 7,000 to 22,000 SEK. Translated into rubles - from 45,000 (pet-class) to 150,000 (show-class). There are only a few nurseries in Russia and Ukraine.

20 African nicknames suitable for sokoke

For male kittens: Enu, Asita, Bockari, Gakeru, Kwezi, Mozi, Mufasa, Farey, Chipo, Owen.

For female kittens: Nayla, Kizzy, Ashanti, Niya, Zola, Nairobi, Namibia, Oichi, Ramla, Subira.

See the full list of nicknames …

Authors: wolchonokW7, Gurieva S.

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