Despite their curious name, meerkats aren’t related to cats—they belong to the mongoose family. The name "meerkat" originates from Afrikaans, where it translates to "termite mongoose." Why the connection to termites? Meerkats love devouring them and often build homes in abandoned termite mounds! Characterized by slender bodies, large expressive eyes, pointed snouts, and incredibly strong foreclaws for digging, meerkats are uniquely built for survival in the deserts of Southern Africa. Do you know anything else about these animals?

















