What does a sand cat look like?
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/9/8/19983679/1630552.jpg?452)
- 4-8 lbs.
- 29-36 in. (length)
- 10-12 in. (height)
- Dense soft fur that is pale sand/gray above and paler underneath
- Large ears/broad head
- Reddish streak that runs from its eyes across its cheeks
- Reddish brown/black-tipped ears
- Faint black stripes on its sides
- Black bands around tops of front legs
- Tail has 2-3 black rings towards its black tip
- Feet covered with thick layer of wiry black hair
- Not very sharp claws
How does the sand cat reproduce?
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/9/8/19983679/9533008_orig.jpg)
- Seasonal breeding
-January-April (Sahara)
-April (Turkey)
-September-October (Pakistan) - Can breed more than once annually in captivity
- Viviparous (live birth)
- Altricial (born in undeveloped state and requires care/feeding by parents)
- 4-5 kittens
- 59-63 day gestation period
- Reaches sexual maturity at 9-14 months
What is the sand cat's niche?
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/9/8/19983679/648427.jpg?557)
- Diet
-3 species of gerbils, birds, reptiles, and arthropods - Known to be snake hunters
-Rapid blow to head that stuns, then death bite to neck - Covers large kills with sand and returns later to feed
- Predators
-Humans
-Venomous snakes
-Wild dogs
-Jackals
-Birds of prey