The sand cat communicates differently than most of its relatives: instead of the usual meowing, it makes sounds resembling barking. This feature is related to the living conditions in the desert.
This small predator reaches about half a meter in length excluding the tail and weighs approximately three kilograms. The species was first described in 1858 by French naturalist Victor-Jean-François Loche during an expedition to North Africa. The Latin name Felis margarita was given to the animal in honor of General Jean-Auguste Margueritte, who led that expedition.
Sand cats lead a solitary lifestyle and are primarily active at night. However, during the breeding season, they need to find a mate, and vocal communication comes to the forefront. Their eardrums are enlarged and function as resonators, amplifying the sounds they produce.
In the arsenal of these animals are growls, hisses, cries, and a distinctive bark. In open desert areas, there is almost no dense vegetation, so sound travels over long distances, while seeing each other can be difficult. Thanks to their loud signals, cats are able to locate their kin and mark the boundaries of their territory.
Interestingly, sand cats are excellent diggers — in this, they resemble dogs. In other respects, however, they conform to the typical characteristics of the feline family.
