Who are sand cats... Get to know them
Weather of Arabia - The sand cat lives in stone and sandy desert areas, where it prefers to have twisted terrain full of plants. This creature feeds on small rodents, snakes and lizards, and hunts its prey in the dark, where it has complete vision. The sand cat shows an exceptional ability to live without water, as It meets its need for moisture from its prey. This animal avoids high temperatures and maintains its body’s moisture, which enables it to survive for a long time without feeling hungry or thirsty.
The sand cat is small with short legs
These desert creatures are characterized by a unique elegance, as their small body has a fur color that ranges between yellow and light grey , with thin red and gray lines that give them a special beauty, and their abdomen is a light color. These cats have large ears and long mustaches.
The head is characterized by its width and flat shape, and black lines appear on each of the front legs. The front feet bear 5 toes , while the hind feet bear 4 toes. They are larger in size, with retractable claws that remain slightly prominent, creating traces resembling those of a fennec.
The lower part of the feet is covered with long hair, which helps it move smoothly on the soft sand, and provides protection from the high temperature of the earth. Its ringed tail is distinguished by its length, and ends with a clear black area, which distinguishes it in a unique way. Despite its beauty, the sand cat shows extreme caution, which makes The difficulty of seeing them in the wild adds to their mysterious charm.
What does a sand cat eat?
The sand cat is considered a carnivore. This unique animal feeds on a wide range of prey, including gerbils, sand mice, rabbits, birds, lizards, venomous snakes and insects. Its nocturnal lifestyle allows it to hunt its prey in the dark of night, where it has complete vision.
Sand cats are distinguished by their ability to survive without drinking water for long periods, as they have the ability to meet their fluid needs through the prey they feed on. This wonderful adaptation reflects the unique ability of this animal to adapt to its harsh desert environments and the environmental challenges it may face.
Where does the sand cat live?
The sand cat lives in dry and desert areas, where it prefers the hot times of the day to hide in shelters dug in the sand on the edges of valleys and near shrubs. Despite its unique appeal, it is not preferable to raise the sand cat in homes. This animal is considered wild, and the laws of many countries prohibit hunting or trading it. In addition, the sand cat is sensitive to environmental changes, as it prefers a dry environment, and is negatively affected by humidity.
Sand cats are sensitive to respiratory diseases, with rhinitis and bronchitis being common among them, and this disease is considered the main fatal disease in adult cats, which makes them require special care and be wary of sudden changes in their environment.
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