Pet Wiki

Sokoke

Also called Sokoke Forest Cat, African Shorthair, Khadzonzo, Kadzonzo

Lively, clever and chatty.

SizeMedium
Weight2.3 to 4.5 kg (5 to 10 lb)1
Lifespan12 to 20 years12
CoatVery short, close-lying, glossy coat with little undercoat
OriginKenya, from cats of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Watamu; breeding programme developed in Denmark.12
Rare breedShort profile
athletic, graceful mover
very social and family oriented
intelligent and adaptable
12

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sokoke. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

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. 1

    Its hind legs are longer than its front legs, so it seems to walk on tiptoe.2

  2. 2

    The local name for the forest cats is khadzonzo, and the breed was first known as the African Shorthair.2

  3. 3

    The 'African tabby' coat combines a classic tabby pattern with ticked hairs, which blends in well with forest shade.1

  4. 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

Name ideas for your new friend

ZuriJengoSafariKitoAshaMosiTumbiliKadzonzoNuruPepperDashMara

A day in the life told by a Sokoke

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FIFe
Recognised 19931
GCCF
Preliminary recognition 2015; Section 4, Foreign, Group 31
TICA
Registers the breed1
CCA-AFC
Registers the breed1

Popularity Last of the FIFe breeds, with no registered kittens2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

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. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep it glossy and reduce shedding.125 Pet 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.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Sokoke need?

This lively breed needs daily active play with room to run, climb, and explore. Pet Wiki recommends at least one play session each day to keep them happy and healthy.12 Pet 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.

You might also like

AbyssinianEgyptian MauOcicatArabian Mau

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. GCCF: Sokoke gccfcats.orgused for history, recognition, weight, lifespan, body, coat, colours, eyes, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Sokoke en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, body, coat, temperament, popularity, fun facts
  3. fifeweb.org fifeweb.org
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.