Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Sokoke is a rare natural cat breed originating from the coastal forests of Kenya. Its history dates back to the mid-20th century, when local people noticed wild cats with a distinctive marbled coat pattern that blended harmoniously with the forest surroundings. These cats were known for their fine bone structure, robust health, and exceptional agility. In the 1970s, Danish breeder Gloria Mould discovered these cats and brought the first specimens to Europe. The breed was named after the Sokoke region of Kenya, where it was first found. Since then, it has been recognized by several international feline systems, including ICCF, and remains a rare and unique breed valued for its natural type and wild appearance.
General Appearance
The Sokoke is a medium-sized cat with a slender, athletic body and dry build. It gives the impression of a light, agile yet muscular cat with natural grace. The bone structure is fine but strong, the musculature well-developed, particularly in the hindquarters. The coat is short, close-lying, and glossy, emphasizing the body lines. The breed’s most distinctive traits are its warm amber eyes and characteristic marbled tabby pattern with “broken” stripes that resemble the texture of tree bark. The Sokoke looks like a miniature wildcat — elegant, balanced, and expressive.
Important Proportions
All proportions should emphasize balance and agility. The head is small in relation to the body, wedge-shaped with soft lines. The body is long and lean, with a deep but narrow chest, straight back, and a slight rise toward the loins. The legs are long, especially the hind ones, highlighting the breed’s jumping ability and liveliness. Paws are oval and compact. The tail is of medium length, proportionate to the body, tapering smoothly. Each part should form a unified image of a graceful, athletic, and natural cat, free of heaviness or fragility.
Temperament and Character
The Sokoke has an energetic, intelligent, and curious disposition. Independent but sociable, these cats form close bonds with their owners and show affection without being overly demanding. They adapt well to family life, get along with children and other pets, but require space and activity. Sokokes love to climb, run, and explore, showing high intelligence and quick learning. Despite their energy, they remain calm and emotionally stable, never aggressive or timid. Their temperament reflects both wild agility and domestic harmony.
Head
The head is small relative to the body, wedge-shaped, slightly elongated, giving an oriental impression. The skull is flat with moderate width between the ears; the forehead is low and smooth. Cheekbones are defined but not sharp. The nose is long and straight, with a slight convex bridge; the transition from forehead to nose is gradual, without a pronounced stop. The chin is firm and aligned, neither protruding nor receding. The overall head shape must remain dry, elegant, and proportional, combining refinement with a touch of wildness.
Facial Structure
The face is narrow and slightly elongated with smooth, dry lines. The muzzle is fine, not square, and well-proportioned. The nose leather is dark, harmonizing with the coat pattern. Whisker pads are moderate; whiskers are long and resilient, enhancing facial expression. White or overly contrasting markings on the face are not allowed. The overall expression is alert, intelligent, and graceful — a reflection of its natural origin.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted, giving an oriental look. They are wide-set, spaced approximately the width of the nose. Eye color ranges from light amber to deep gold; green shades are permitted under ICCF standards. The eyes must be bright, clear, and expressive, showing alertness and intellect. Round or dull-colored eyes, as well as heterochromia, are considered faults.
Ears
The ears are large, broad at the base, with slightly rounded tips. They are set high, upright, and tilted slightly forward, giving an alert, attentive expression. The inner surface is covered with short hairs; sparse tufts may appear at the tips, enhancing the wild look. The distance between the ears harmonizes with the wedge-shaped head. Small, low-set, or sharply pointed ears are undesirable.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry and elegant, smoothly joining the head and body. In males, it is more muscular; in females, slender and refined. The skin is tight, without folds or loose areas. The neck should reinforce the cat’s graceful silhouette, supporting the head naturally and contributing to its noble, active appearance.
Body
The body is slender, elongated, and athletic, emphasizing natural agility. The chest is deep but narrow, ribs slightly arched, and the back straight with a slight rise toward the loins. The croup is firm and level, abdomen tucked up. Muscles are lean and defined, especially in the hindquarters. The bone structure is fine but strong. The Sokoke should look like a small wild hunter — flexible, resilient, and strong. Excessive mass or frailty are faults.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, flexible, and proportional to the body, tapering evenly to a rounded tip. The coat is short and close-lying. It should continue the body line gracefully and move fluidly. Kinks, nodules, or deformities disqualify the cat.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are long, straight, and fine-boned yet strong. Elbows are tight to the body, directed backward. Paws are oval and compact, with dark pads and sharp claws. The legs should appear light yet powerful, providing stability and agility. Bent legs, weak pasterns, or incorrect stance are serious faults.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are longer and stronger than the forelegs, giving the Sokoke its characteristic jump and stride. Thighs are muscular; hocks are parallel and firm. Paws are compact and oval. Weak joints, cow-hocks, or disproportionate length are faults.
Movement
Movement is light, elastic, and springy, reflecting readiness to jump. The gait is smooth, free, and silent, with excellent coordination. The body remains steady, with fluid limb motion. Stiffness or imbalance is unacceptable.
Coat
The coat is short, fine, and close-lying, with a shiny texture. The undercoat is minimal or absent. The pattern is marbled tabby with broken, uneven lines creating a tree-bark-like appearance. The contrast between markings and background should be distinct yet harmonious. The coat must be smooth, not fluffy or coarse.
Size
The Sokoke is a medium-sized cat with a lean, light structure. Males weigh 3.5–5 kg; females 2.5–4 kg. Height at the withers is about 25–30 cm. The body is slightly elongated with long limbs. Sexual dimorphism is distinct — males are stronger, females more refined. Excessively heavy or overly small cats are faults.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the breed’s natural, dry, and athletic type: overly broad or round head, short or snub nose, weak chin, round eyes or dull color, small or low-set ears, heavy or short body, narrow chest, sagging abdomen, coarse coat, or faded pattern lacking the tree-bark effect. Stiff or uncoordinated movement also lowers evaluation.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include absence or strong blurring of the marbled tabby pattern, white patches on body or limbs, solid color, eye colors other than amber, gold, or green, blue or odd eyes, jaw deformities, missing teeth (except allowable premolars), tail defects (kinks, nodes, shortening), skeletal deformities, severe lameness, or extreme aggression or timidity. Only ICCF-registered cats with confirmed pedigrees are eligible for show and breeding programs.
Important Notes
The Sokoke is one of the world’s rarest breeds, and its value lies in preserving its natural type and unique pattern. Breeding should focus on maintaining its original features — slender body, active temperament, and distinctive marbled “tree-bark” tabby coat. Given its limited population, genetic diversity must be preserved. Crossbreeding with other breeds is strictly prohibited. Seasonal coat variations are acceptable. Only ICCF-registered cats with verified pedigrees are permitted in exhibitions and breeding.
Conclusion
The Sokoke is a unique natural breed that embodies the harmony of wild grace and gentle temperament. Its slender body, long limbs, and striking marbled coat make it both elegant and expressive. Recognized by ICCF as a breed of exceptional value, it must be preserved under strict adherence to standards. Only cats with official ICCF documentation confirming origin and conformity may participate in shows or breeding. Breeders’ main goal is to maintain the health, genetic stability, and natural beauty of this rare African breed — a living symbol of the continent’s untamed elegance.
