Sand Cat

Main Characteristics
Sand Cats are small wild cats that have a body length between 45 and 57 cms (18 - 22.5 inches), a tail length between 28 and 35 cms (11 - 14 inches) and they weigh between 1.5 and 3.5 kgs (3.25 - 7.75 lbs).

They are buff to grey/brown in colour with dark stripes on their tail and limbs. They have a wide head with large eyes and low set ears. They have dense fur on the soles of their feet to protect them from the hot sand and to aid maneuverability.

They are excellent diggers but they are not agile jumpers or climbers.

Habitat
Sand Cats live in the deserts of north Africa and south west Asia. They are active at night and spend their days in an underground burrow.

Diet
Sand Cats feed upon rodents, birds, reptiles, hares and insects. They utilize the moisture in their food and are able to survive with very little or no additional water.

Breeding
After a gestation period of 59 - 63 days, Sand Cats give birth to 2 - 4 kittens. They become independent at 6 - 8 months old and reach sexual maturity at 9 - 14 months old.

Predators
Predators of Sand Cats include snakes, wild dogs, birds of prey and humans.

Subspecies
Subspecies of Sand Cat include:

Felis margarita harrisoni
Felis margarita margarita
Felis margarita scheffeli
Felis margarita thinobia

Interesting Facts
Sand Cats are also known as:
Sahara Cat
Sand Dune Cat.