Yes, you can have this unusual cat as a pet, but it is important to do your research about him first, so you can be prepared to provide the proper care for this unique animal.
The sand cat, Felis silvestris lybica, is a small, nocturnal wildcat that is found in the deserts of northern Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its name, the sand cat can also be found in other habitats, including steppes, woodlands, and even cities.
Appearance
The sand cat is quite compact in size and looks very similar to a domestic cat. The main difference between the two is that sand cats have thicker fur, which helps protect the animal from the extreme temperatures of the desert. The color is greyish-brown with black spots and stripes. The belly and chest are usually lighter. The sand cat has long legs and large paws that help it walk on the sand without drowning. It also has long, sharp claws that help it cling to sand and climb trees.
Feeding
The sand cat is a solitary animal, active only at night. He is an excellent hunter and uses his powerful sense of smell to locate prey. The sand cat's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as rodents and hares. It will also eat lizards, snakes, birds and insects.
When keeping home, sand cats must have live prey in their diet. This can be difficult to achieve if you do not have experience caring for reptiles or other small animals.
Lifespan
In the wild, sand cats typically live for 10 years. However, in captivity with good care, they can easily live for up to 20 years.
Price
It is worth considering that the sand cat is an expensive animal. The cost of such an exotic animal starts on average from $6,000 and can reach up to $10,000 or more.