Sand kittens – maybe cutest of the endangered?

Young sand cats are adorable. Their fur is poofed up, soft, and they have round eyes that are simply too cute. But the bad news is they've been labeled as near threatened since 2002.

Sand cats are declining in population because of habitat destruction (See Why they're endangered and how we can help). But it's hard to keep sand cats in captivity too, because they're really sensitive to respiratory infections.

According to Wikipedia (March 4th, 2014), "Of 228 sand cats born in zoos globally to the year 2007, only 61% lived to day 30. They died primarily due to maternal neglect by first-time mothers." Sand cats, which are shown in their name, live in sandy areas such as deserts.

Image from http://www.animalfactguide.com/2011/08/rare-sand-cat-kitten-born-in-israel-zoo/