On the left is Kwaza Kwa Kufika which means first to arrive. She is the
first into America. Hesabu Mojo Baraka is a male and he is the second
Sokoke into America.
Sokoke & Savannah Cats
On the left is Kwaza Kwa Kufika which means first to arrive. She is the
first into America. Hesabu Mojo Baraka is a male and he is the second
Sokoke into America.
Africa is rich in wild cats not much bigger than the domestic cats we know and love so well. Unfortunately, many of the African species are now virtually extinct. One such breed is the Sokoke, from the Sokoke-Arabuke forest on the south-east coast of Kenya. The struggle to save the Sokoke cats began with two women: Jeni Slater and Gloria Moeldrup. Jeni discovered a litter of Sokoke cats on her Kenyan farm and began to breed them, but difficulties with the Kenyan authorities prompted her to involve a friend, Gloria, in Denmark. Gloria embarked on a breeding program in her homeland, and the two communicated cats in order to strengthen the breed. Gloria's legacy, since her death, has been continued by a handful of cat breeders, such as Helle Lauridsen (of Kibutata cattery). Now, Shabengals Cattery is enjoining the battle to rescue the Sokoke cats from extinction. At present there are only 14 known breeding queens in the world, though there are Sokoke in Italy, Holland, and the greatest proportion in Denmark. But this is set to change since Shabengals Cattery has recently imported the very first two Sokoke kittens into America, a female (February 1998) followed by a male (August 1998), to form a breeding pair. Read Judy's own story of how all this came about. Bookmark the site and come back often to watch the progress of the Sokoke Breeding Program in USA!
Head Shape Modified wedge, appearing small in relation to body. Profile: On top of the skull almost flat. Nose Of medium length, straight. A short, softly curved bridge to the front. Broad, with a relatively abrupt end of the tip. Cheek bones High and well defined Whisker pads Well defined, not pinched Chin Strong and broad, in line with the tip of the nose Ears Shape Medium large; broad at the base. Tips slightly rounded. Tufts desirable on the tips. Placement Medium high set, should have the distance of one ear's breadth in between Eyes Shape Large, set wide apart, slightly slanted towards the nose; slightly almond in shape Colour Brilliant and expressive. Amber to light green, outlined with the same colour as in the solid areas of the pattern. Body Structure Medium long, slender, well muscled and with a strong bone structure. Well developed prominent chest. Legs Long, slender and well muscled. Hind legs longer than the front legs. Well angled on the hind legs. The position of the hind legs is very characteristic for this breed. Paws Oval Tail Medium long, wider at the base than at the end Coat Structure Very short, close lying and glossy, but not silky. With little or no undercoat. Colour Colour: any shade of black tabby. Pattern: as for all blotched tabbies. However, it is desirable that the pattern shows agouti hairs in the solid areas, which makes the special appearance that identifies the Sokoke breed. Nose leather Brick red, outlined with the same colour as the pattern Paw pads Black or seal
... Remarks : Novices Only: Sokoke cats imported from the Sokoke district in Kenya (Africa). Their origin must be officially proved by documents. Faults Head type too oriental stop too distinct pinch Neck short and thick Body too cobby lack of elegance
Savannah
Fascats Racing into the Millenium
Named for the African Grasslands from which it's close relatives, the wild Serval cats hail, the Savannah cat combines the beautiful "wild" look of the Serval with the laid-back, playful and affectionate purr-sonality of a domesticated cat. A relatively new breed, the Savannah is the product of a cross between a Bengal cat and a Serval. Savannahs have a magnificent, spotted and striped coats in a range of colors from amber to silver, long, sleek neck and large, round ears. Dramatic black "tear drop" markings around the eyes give the Savannah a very unique and beautiful appearance. These fabulous felines grow to a very impressive size, measuring up to 30 inches from nose to tip of tail and weighing from 18 to 29 pounds. Warm and friendly, Savannahs make great family pets and are easy to care for. They do not require a special diet or health regimen and are easily litter-trained. Their main requirement is plenty of love, attention, hugs and kisses.
