Meet the sand cat: nature's forever kittens!

Warning: high probability of cuteness overload.

Sand cats are wild feline natives to desert areas in North Africa, Arabia, Central Asia, and Pakistan. They're curious creatures, as they more closely resemble domestic house cats than they do other wild cats.

In fact, sand cats don't seem to age notably at all in comparison to their offspring, giving them the appearance of lifelong kittens. 

There are likely evolutionary reasons behind the cat's perpetually youthful appearance. The oversized ears on sand cats not only make them look very young, but are actually very important for this nocturnal desert-dweller. Sound does not tend to carry well across vast expanses of sand-covered terrain, so the enlarged ears aid the cat in detecting its prey – both above and below ground.

They can survive in temperatures between −5 °C (23 °F) to 52 °C (126 °F) and are also able to survive for months on the water in their food.

Sadly, these beautiful creatures are classified as a near threatened species due to illegal pet trade and sport hunting. Yes, humans can really really suck sometimes. 

Luckily, there is an abundance of rescue organizations dedicated to helping save these little guys. 

A world without cats is not a world I want to live in. Just look at that face!

Sources: dodo, bored panda, viral nova