The Wild Sand Cat: A Primer

Sand cats are found in mainly desert regions of the world. North Africa and Arabian Peninsula West of the Caspian Sea are areas where the Sand cats are most commonly found, although, they have also been seen in Pakistan.

They have a reddish streak from the corner of each eye to their cheeks. Sand cats are a sandy grey color, with dark striping on the legs and tail, the tail is tipped black. The chin, throat, and belly are white in color. These cats are slightly smaller than domestic cats, and they reach up to 36 inches long, and around 10 inches high. It's tail alone is 1 foot long. The usual weight for these cats is 2-3 kilograms. They have short legs, large eyes, large ears, and a wide head. The fur on the soles of their feet helps to keep away the intense heat of the desert. Their body fur helps keep in moisture, and reduce the cold during the desert nights. The sand cat can survive in temperatures from as low as -5 up to +52 degrees Celsius. A loud barking call enables this breed to communicate throughout the large areas of their habitats. They live up to 13 years of age.

These wild cats dig burrows in the sand under rocks, or bushes. By spending their time in these burrows during the day they stay cool, and conserve water. Like most desert animals they can live without water. Moisture is gained through the food that is consumed. This wild cat is a solitary creature. The males and females are only together during their mating season. Reptiles, birds, insects, and small mammals are favored by the Sand cat. Their really sharp claws and teeth make it easy for them to devour their prey. Poisonous snakes, Jackals, and large owls are all threats to this cat

Sand cats are active during the night. They even dig and retrieve prey from under the sand. The female cat gives birth to 3-4 kittens after a gestation period of 59- 63 days. Two litters are born per year. The young are weaned off at about a month and a half old, and are independent by the time they are four months old. Experts say that this is a difficult wild cat to study. They can walk on the sand without leaving any footprints, the hide their excrement, and along with the blending color of their coats makes them a difficult animal to study.