Animal Fact Sheet
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Sand Cat
Felix margarita
What does it look
like?
Slightly smaller than domestic cats, sand cats have short legs,
wide heads with large, tapered ears and large, forward-placed eyes.
- They are a pale, sandy-gray color with white bellies
- Markings include a reddish streak from the corner of the eye
across the cheek, and dark striping on the legs and tail, which
is tipped black
- Sand cats reach up to 36 inches long and about 10 inches height
at the shoulder
- Hair covers their paw pads.
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| Where
in the world?
The deserts of North Africa and Arabian Peninsula west of the Caspian
Sea are home to the sand cat. They formerly were found also in Pakistan.
Although they seem to prefer sand dunes, these cats can inhabit
rocky areas, and have been known to share habitat with fennec foxes
in some ranges.
What are some behaviors?
Sand cats are well adapted to desert conditions. They conserve water
by spending the heat of the day in burrows dug in sand, under bushes
or rocks. Like many other desert animals, they can live without
drinking water, getting moisture from prey.
Fur on the soles of their feet helps insulate
against the burning heat of the ground as well as providing traction
in loose sand. Their thick, dense fur also insulates against extreme
desert temperatures.
Sand cats exceptionally large ears can swivel
to funnel sounds into their inner ears, while their large middle
ear cavities are sensitive enough to hear the small scratching sounds
of burrowing rodents.
As sound does not carry well in dry air, sand
cats have a loud, barking call that communicates over a vast area.
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What about offspring?
In the spring after a 60-day gestation, sand cats give birth to
two to four kittens. Born with eyes closed, which open after about
14 days, young offspring have distinctive markings which fade as
they mature. Sand cats instinctively dig in the sand at five weeks
old, and are able to fend for themselves by fall when they leave
their families.
What does it eat?
Nocturnal and crepuscular hunters of small mammals, birds, insects
and reptiles, sand cats slink up to their prey silently, low to
the ground. Their strategy is to get as close to the prey as possible
without being seen or heard before striking. Their extremely sharp
teeth and claws are ideal for grabbing and capturing prey.
Is it threatened
or endangered?
The most serious threat to small cats is habitat destruction. |
