I say no to the sand. I used it and it got everywhere. When I was removing it for the table it got in my throat and eyes and was very irritating. I can just imagine that living in it would be a miserable experience.
Some people mix it with coconut coir or soil, but by itself it should not be used as a substrate for a leopard. In my opinion even mixed with coco coir or soil it is still messy and has the chance to be digested.