Sand Cat

Felis margarita

The sand cat is equipped for desert life. Large ears radiate heat. Covered with hair, its footpads are insulated from the hot sand. During extreme heat, the sand cat cools off in a burrow. The sand cat does not need to drink often as it gets enough moisture from its prey.

Fact File

Length: 1.3 to 1.9 ft
Height: Up to 1 ft
Weight: 4.4 to 5.5 lbs
Lifespan: Up to 15 yrs
Habitat: Desert
Prey: Small rodents, lizards and insects
Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Lower risk/near threatened )

Sand Cat Kittens

Desert Cat:

Fur on the sand cat's paws protects them from the heat of desert sand.

Range:

North Africa and southwest Asia

Snack Time at the Cat House

Observe as zookeepers feed snacks to residents in the Cat House at 2:30pm every day through September 6.