Sand Cat
In the wild
Scientific name: Felis margarita harrisoni
Status: Classified as Near Threatened
Distribution: Desert areas of Arabia and Jordan
Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore
At Marwell Wildlife
The sand cats are fed twice a day on a diet of meat. We currently have a breeding pair and it is hoped they will breed in the future.
About Sand Cats
Sand cats are one of the smallest of wild cats. They are mostly nocturnal, spending the heat of the day in shallow burrows. The desert environment alternates between intense heat and extremely low temperatures.
The cats have thick fur to help to reduce loss of body temperatures. There is a dense hair covering the soles of their feet which gives protection on the hot ground and helps them to move over loose shifting sand.
They eat a variety of rodents, particularly gerbils and also reptiles and occasionally hares and birds. They are also known to kill snakes. They obtain all the water they need from the food they eat.
Their ears are particularly sensitive so that they can detect the sound of their moving prey under the ground.
The primary threats to sand cats include the destruction of their habitats by humans and the decline of their prey population.
Adopt a Sand Cat from £50.00
Our General Adoption scheme includes all this:
- A special Adoption Certificate
- Recognition at your adopted animal's home
- A photo of a Sand Cat
- A day pass to Marwell Wildlife
- An annual subscription to Marwell News
- Sand Cat fact sheet
- Presentation folder
- Access to online Adopters Zone
- Car sticker
Want to help even more? Choose Premium Adoption below!