The sand cat kittens climbed the rock wall in their exhibit for the first time today. Getting up was easy, but now they have to figure out how to get down. | Zoo Boise

🐱🐾 Sand cats are a secretive species; their foot pads have fur, so they can walk on the sand and leave little to no tracks. Here at the Zoo, their exhibit at the Small Mammal House is the same temperature year-round. But they're built to withstand very hot and cold temperatures in the wild by burrowing into the sand! Visit our sand cats, Thor and Lulu, and chat with keepers at the 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. animal encounters! VISIT: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/daily-events. | Smithsonian’s Nat

The sand cat, a rare sight in Qatar's environment, thrives in desert landscapes. It sustains itself on a diet of mice, insects, and snakes, preferring solitary living until the mating season. Nocturnal by nature, it seeks refuge from the scorching sun during the day in burrows, regulating its body temperature. Its sandy hue enables perfect camouflage amidst the desert sands and wild grasses. Recognizable by the distinctive markings on its front legs, short tail, and rounded head, the sand cat ha