Sand Cat – Look to the Horizon
Keywords: Desert wisdom. Knowing how to make the most of what you have. Regular journeys. Sunset and sunrise magic. An affinity to sand or sandy environments. Sand meditation. Mysteries. Contemplation. Surviving extremes. Look to the horizon. Honour your survival instinct. Learning to thrive in situations of scarcity.
Description: The sand cat (Felis margarita) is a small compact wild cat that is found in Africa and the Middle East in sandy and stony desert environments remote from water sources. Sand cats camouflage particularly well. They have short ears, and long hair that covers the underside of its paws to help it with extreme desert temperatures and concealing its paw prints. Their movement is notable, with their belly close to the ground.
Sand cats typically rest in multiple underground dens (though they will become more active during the day in winter), hunting at night, travelling large distances in proportion to its size while seeking food. It primarily eats rodents, hares, and birds. They will bury excess food when they have access to it. They get their water needs met from their prey but will drink water when it’s available. They have some of the best hearing among many wild cats. Sand cats are solitary by nature, and are not particularly vocal, though will make high-pitched noises and rasping noises during breeding season.
Sand cats are primarily threatened by habitat destruction, hunting and baiting. They are hunted by domestic dogs, caracals, wolves, and other predators. They live for around 13 years in captivity but have a high mortality rate as kittens and are extremely vulnerable to respiratory disease in humid environments.