The sand dune cat, also referred to as the desert cat, is easily recognized by its unique physical features. Its broad, flat head is topped with large ears that help it detect prey and predators alike. The cat’s paws are heavily furred, allowing it to maneuver on loose, hot sand while also providing insulation. Its pale fur bears indistinct markings on the body and dark stripes on the legs and tail. This species is a solitary creature, preferring to hunt at night for small rodents such as gerbils, spiny mice, and jerboas. Occasionally, it will supplement its diet with a young hare, snake, or bug.
Did you know that the sand cat is a truly unique feline? This amazing creature doesn’t rely on drinking water at all! Instead, it gets all the hydration it needs from its food. Despite living in some of the harshest environments imaginable, the sand cat manages to thrive. It’s even listed as a species of least concern by conservation experts, thanks to its remote and desolate habitat. Unfortunately, scientists don’t know much about sand cats because they’re so rare and difficult to study. That makes it hard to tell whether their numbers are declining.
The sand cat has gained attention in recent news as researchers in the United Arab Emirates utilized camera traps to capture the elusive felines in Abu Dhabi in 2015, after not having been spotted for a decade. These photographs could potentially unlock further knowledge about the reclusive animal. Kim Campbell Thornton, a successful writer based in Southern California, specializes in topics such as animal care, health and habits, and conservation of marine and wildlife.
