Sokoke vs Jungle-Curl - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Compared to other breeds of cat, the rare Sokoke Forest Cat is a fairly new natural breed. It comes from the Sokoke district of eastern Kenya but was developed in the USA.

It is in fact, named after the Arabuko Sokoke National Forest, from where the wild foundation stock came from. Wildlife artist Jeni Slater started breeding these cats in the 1970s. They eventually reached Denmark, where further breeding continued, with the cat becoming popular with local cat fanciers, and laid the foundation of the breed in Europe.

Today, there are just a few breeders registered in the UK and TICA, The International Cat Association lists the Sokoke cat as a New Preliminary Race and it was recognized by FIFe in 1993.

Originating from the United States, the Jungle Curl cat is a cross between the Jungle cat and the American Curl.

Several other spotted cat breeds have been used to bring about the cat such as the Bengal and the Egyptian Mau .

The Jungle Curl cat is a curled eared wild cat hybrid, though no one seems 100% sure about the different cats used to bring the cat about.

The Sokoke is a medium-sized cat with a long, lean body and slender legs. The hind legs are somewhat longer than the front legs. The head is smallish and round and he has a constantly alert look to him.

A striking characteristic of the Sokoke cat is its tabby fur, which people say looks like the bark of a tree and it is brindle in coloring.

The tail is medium to long and the ears are also fairly large, The eyes are large and almond-shaped and can be greenish to brown. The coat is short and coarse.

Temperament:

Cat lovers enjoy these playful, curious, intelligent, and family-orientated cats. In spite of their wild side, they adapt easily into different homes.

They’re inquisitive and will follow you, much like a dog. They will even enjoy a leash being put on them and being taken for a walk. They’re very sociable and vocal too and get on with everyone, children and other pets included.

They’re playful cats, loving to jump and climb and then look down at you from their high perches. Easily bored, you will need to provide fun and games continuously.

They enjoy being involved with everything you’re doing and form a strong bond with their owners. Because the Sokoke is social and affectionate, they require quite a lot of attention, and if they don’t get the attention they crave, they meow in anxiety.

The JungleCurl is a large cat and it can weigh between 5 and 10kg.

It is a curled eared hybrid cat known for its long and lean frame. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs.

The Jungle Curl’s tail may be medium-length or a full-length, and a bobtail isn't encouraged in this particular breed. An interesting fact with this cat is that extra toes - known as polydactyly, are a sought after characteristic.

The eyes of the cat are wide-set and slanted, and come in shades varying from gold to green.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Jungle Curl is the ears which curl away from the face. Some curls are more severe than others so the degree of the curl can vary from slight to more severe. The ears are somewhat smaller than average, and may be tufted.

The Jungle Curl may have long or short hair. Recognized coat patterns are tawny (ticked), leopard, and clouded leopard. Colors are silver, mink, lilac, fawn, chocolate, sorrel, blue, ebony, with the occasional red and cream.

Temperament:

The Jungle Curl loves exploring and is an energetic cat that is also friendly. Because they are active, they need lots of exercise along with stimulating activities such as toys that make them think as well as climbing apparatus.

People who have owned them as pets say they are dog-like and will love to splash around in water with their human owners and even fetch a ball.

Jungle Curls are more playful and exploratory than many domestic cats. People who have owned them say they have the intelligence and appearance of the wild cat, but the affection of a domestic cat.

These are cats that need a lot of attention. Keep toys and activities ready for this cat and ensure that you give him lots of attention.

The cats are dog-like which means you can even throw a small ball for it to retrieve.

Your Sokoke is a very social cat and he will get on particularly well in a home with children who have been taught to be kind and gentle with animals.

They are able to adapt well to homes where there are other pets too. They just love exercise and lots of fun. They don’t like being in a home where the owner is out at work all day. The solution to this is to provide him with another cat as a companion.

Sokoke cats are great with people of all ages, and when you bring one of these lively cats into your home, make sure he also receives his share of love and companionship.

Allowing the private possession of cat hybrids like the Jungle Curl shouldn’t be allowed. It’s not that the Jungle Curl isn’t a wonderful cat – it is – but do research and you’ll find that these cats are always being rescued from animal sheltes because people dumped them there when they didn’t work out.

The Jungle Curl is an intelligent and affectionate cat, and people who have owned it will tell you that it is also one of these cats that become much like a dog in behavior.

It is energetic and playful and loves nothing more than to play with its owner. They love all the interaction and attention and don’t want to be left alone for too long as they become bored.

The Jungle Curl should have an outside cage when he is not being watched. You can even take him for walks. When he isn't being supervised, keep him safe in his outside cage. A hybrid cat needs special attention and a lot of exercise, and before you get one, think carefully.

Sokoke cats are generally healthy and have no inherited diseases. To ensure that your Sokoke stands a chance of having a healthy life, you need to have him vaccinated against the life-threatening cat diseases there are.

If your Sokoe cat isn’t his usual self day after day, make a point of getting him to the vet just as soon as possible.

Scratching and hair loss:

Parasites are a terrible scourge with cats, and in fact, the number one cause of hair loss in cats is fleas. The bite of a flea can cause an allergic reaction. Your cat can become miserable with continuous biting, itching, and scratching and this can all lead to hair loss.

It is a wise move to speak to your vet about a good product to treat your furry friend with.

Diarrhea:

There can actually be many causes of diarrhea in cats and one of them is parasites, but it can also be caused by a viral infection or food allergy or something else.

You want to get your cat to the vet who can help you bring it under control. You may also have to feed your cat a bland kind of diet to help the cat’s digestive tract recover from the diarrhea.

These hybrids can also suffer from genetic defects that require particular, special diets. They sometimes require surgery because they can’t properly digest their food.

The Jungle Curl is a loving, playful cat that will require a large outside enclosure if you want to ensure his good health. He isn't a cat to keep in a small apartment or constantly indoors.

These cats are susceptible to all of the same domestic cat diseases there are so you have to know of a good vet in your area who can see your cat when he is sick.

Speak to your vet about vaccines for the Jungle-Curl.

Because the Sokoke’s coat is short and close-lying, with little or no undercoat, brushing once a week will be sufficient.

Keep the cat’s eyes and ears clean, and his claws trimmed.

The Sokoke cat is very energetic, and he will need games, toys, and attention to keep him physically and mentally stimulated. They love climbing so a climbing tree and other kind of equipment will be a good idea.

Provide your cat with a litter box and ensure it is kept scrupulously clean by removing the cat’s feces every single day.

Diet is of critical importance to the health and happiness of a cat. Some people try to feed their cats human foods and wonder why their cat is continuously sick. A cat is a carnivore and he requires meat.

You can speak to your vet about the best kind of commercial cat food there is for your cat. Read the label and feed him portion-sizes as directed.

Make sure your cat has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

When feeding most hybrid cats protein is one of the most important factors. Also, make sure they get a good variety as well.

A cat such as the Jungle Curl will want a mix of meat such as chicken, beef, liver and salmon. Some of the excellent commercial cat foods are tremendously convenient, whether dry food, semi-wet or wet foods. There are sone excellent brands available that are high in protein.

Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Supply your cat with all the things he needs to make his life happy. Water- and food bowls, nice warm bed, brush, grooming accessories, cat carrying box, litter box, and collar and tag.

Love your cat and pour your attention onto him.