Barkhan cat is the master of the desert!

A barchan cat is a rare, you can say, endangered species of wild fauna. The main habitat of the sand cat, as it is also called, is the deserts of South Africa, Israel, Pakistan and the Asian regions of the post-Soviet space (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.).

Externally, a barchan 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.

How does it look?

The main distinguishing feature of a sand cat is an interesting head shape. It resembles a flattened inverted triangle and, as it were, stretched out to the sides.

Ears are very similar to lynx, although they do not have characteristic brushes.

No less interesting and coloring. Most often cats have a coat of sand or light gray hue.

It is understandable, this color helps to mask among the sandy landscape.

It should be noted that the undercoat of a barkhan cat is very thick. He saves the animal from hypothermia during deserted nights, which can not be called hot.

Lifestyle

In nature, barchan cats are nocturnal, so they are difficult to see with their own eyes. They feed mainly on small rodents and reptiles living in deserts: tusk, lizards, insects. By the way, these are the only animals that are absolutely not afraid of poisonous snakes and constantly hunt them. The favorite delicacy of the cat predator is the horned viper. Surprisingly, these animals practically do not need water. They receive a sufficient amount of moisture from their victims.

Sand cats in the daytime from exhausting heat hide in old, destroyed holes of foxes, porcupines. Very rarely they dig a shelter on their own.

Females bring offspring only once a year. In one litter can be from one to five kittens. A rare case when eight newborns are born. It is known that the content of cats in captivity can lead to an increase in the number of periods of estrus in females, so that they can bring offspring up to two to three times a year.

How many years live cats on free bread, not studied. But it is well known that in captivity life expectancy is about fifteen years.

Barkhan cat - content in captivity

Recently, the demand for this amazing animal in lovers of exotic animals has increased. Despite the fact that the barchan cat is under protection, this does not prevent the 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, viral infections. Therefore, it is important for them to carry out vaccinoprophylaxis, as for ordinary domestic cats.

It must be remembered that for a comfortable existence, low humidity and constant temperature are important to them. Only in this case will the new owner please the barchan cat. The price of non-observance of these conditions is the life of an exotic pet.

And, finally, the last - at home without certain knowledge normally contain a sand cat will not work. Therefore, it is not worth it for the sake of fun or bragging to friends and acquaintances to doom a beautiful, intelligent and cute animal.