Separated at birth? Tiny, above, calculates her chances of springing up perhaps five times her body length to the top of the retaining wall behind the house early morning.
Did you say something? The Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) of the Sahara uses its oversized ears (up to 6 inches long) "to dissipate heat and to hear the movement of prey at night." Tips for keeping the little fellow (16 inches body length, about the same as Tiny) as a pet:
Several factors make it important to ensure that a pet does not escape. Its speed and agility — they can jump four times their own body length [about the distance Tiny jumps from the windowsill to the top of the shower] — along with their natural chase instinct, creates the risk of a Fennec Fox's slipping its harness or collar. Since it is also an adept digger (it can dig up to 20 feet a night in its natural environment), outdoor pens and fences must be extended several feet below ground. Escaped Fennec Foxes are extremely difficult to recapture.
For your viewing pleasure, check out this YouTube video of "Kitten sneaking up on a Fennec Fox." When Reynard opts for fight, not flight, Fluffy performs a classic "Halloween Kitty."
Maybe the Fennec Fox and our domestic cats are distant relatives. Our kitties were once also desert animals.
Posted by: goomp | July 25, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Goomp: Ancestors of dogs and cats separated way back when. Then came today's foxes and cats from two distinct branches of the tree of evolution. Despite the superficial similarity! :-)
Posted by: Sissy Willis | July 25, 2009 at 03:23 PM
The fox is a pretty creature but Tiny is way prettier. Just my somewhat biased opinion!
Posted by: Gayle Miller | July 27, 2009 at 11:22 AM
LOL - they are both cute as a button. Although I think I'd take the kitty over the fox. ;-)
Posted by: Teresa | July 27, 2009 at 01:28 PM