Sokoke

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

Rare breedShort profile

From Kenya, from cats of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Watamu; breeding programme developed in Denmark.1 2

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Weight2.3 to 4.5 kg1

Lifespan12 to 20 years1 2

Sizemedium

GCCF gives 5-10 lb (about 2.3-4.5 kg) for the breed, without a split by sex.

athletic, graceful mover

very social and family oriented

intelligent and adaptable

1 2

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.1 2

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 cats1 2

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.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A very active breed that needs room to run, climb and play every day.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low. The short, undercoat-free coat needs only occasional brushing.1 2

Company who they like around

Highly social; enjoys the company of its family and of other cats.1 2

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 1993.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its hind legs are longer than its front legs, so it seems to walk on tiptoe.2
2
The local name for the forest cats is khadzonzo, and the breed was first known as the African Shorthair.2
3
The 'African tabby' coat combines a classic tabby pattern with ticked hairs, which blends in well with forest shade.1
4
It is one of the rarest pedigree breeds; FIFe recorded no Sokoke kittens at all in its 2024 statistics.2

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

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sokoke. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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

Tell me when it launches

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.3

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.4

How often does a Sokoke need brushing?

A weekly brushing is perfect for the Sokoke's short, undercoat-free coat. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep it glossy and reduce shedding.1 2 4 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary plan

How much play does a Sokoke need?

This lively breed needs daily active play with room to run, climb, and explore. Furry Diary recommends at least one play session each day to keep them happy and healthy.1 2 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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.1 2

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.1 2

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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

GCCF: Sokoke gccfcats.orgused for history, recognition, weight, lifespan, body, coat, colours, eyes, temperament
Wikipedia: Sokoke en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, body, coat, temperament, popularity, fun facts
ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

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