Barkhan cat is a rare, one might say, endangered species of representatives of wild fauna. The main habitat of a sand cat, as it is also called, is the deserts of South Africa, Israel, Pakistan and the Asian regions of the former Soviet Union (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.).
Outwardly, a sand cat is very similar to a domestic cat. But only at first glance it seems that he is cute and fluffy. In fact, this is a real and formidable predator.
What does it look like?
The main distinguishing feature of a sand cat is an interesting head shape. It resembles a flattened inverted triangle and is, as it were, stretched to the sides.
The ears are very similar to lynxes, although they do not have characteristic brushes.
The coloring is no less interesting. Most often, cats have a sandy or light gray coat.
It is understandable, such a color helps to camouflage among the sandy landscape.
It is worth noting that the undercoat of a dune cat is very thick. It saves the animal from hypothermia during desert nights, which cannot be called hot.
Lifestyle
In nature, dune cats are nocturnal, so they are quite difficult to see firsthand. They feed mainly on small rodents and reptiles living in deserts: jerboas, lizards, and insects. By the way, these are the only animals that are not at all afraid of
poisonous snakes and constantly hunt them. A favorite treat of a cat predator is a
horned viper. Surprisingly, these animals practically do not need water. They get enough moisture from their victims.
Sand cats hide from the sweltering heat in the old, destroyed burrows of foxes, porcupines. Very rarely, they dig a shelter on their own.
Females give birth only once a year. In one litter there can be from one to five kittens. A rare case when eight newborns are born. It is known that keeping cats in captivity can lead to an increase in the number of estrus periods in females, and therefore they can bring offspring up to two to three times a year.
How many years cats live on free breads has not been studied. But it is well known that in captivity, life expectancy is about fifteen years.
Dune Cat - Captive
Recently, demand for this amazing animal has increased among fans of exotic animals. Despite the fact that the dune cat is under protection, this does not prevent poachers from catching and selling representatives of this species to ordinary people.
It is worth considering that sand cats are susceptible to various respiratory diseases and viral infections. Therefore, it is important for them to carry out vaccination, as well as for ordinary domestic cats.
It must be remembered that for a comfortable existence they need low humidity and a constant temperature. Only in this case a sand cat will please the new owner. The price of non-compliance with these conditions is the life of an exotic pet.
And finally, the last - at home, without certain knowledge, it’s impossible to properly maintain a sand cat. Therefore, it is not worthwhile for friends or acquaintances to condemn a beautiful, smart and cute animal for fun or bragging .