I am a novice ball python owner. I acquired Dave about a year ago from a good friend who could no longer keep him. Not sure how old he is, (or if he's a he), but he's just shy of 3 ft long, so I am pretty sure he is not fully grown. He has always been really mellow, and handles great, but the last couple of months, he has become really jumpy, and I am not sure why. Sometimes I just walk into my room, and just the movement of me by his cage sends him instantly into his protective balled up posture. My roommate's darn cat has recently taken to sneaking into my room and jumping on top of Dave's terrarium, and that seems to stress him out so I have REALLY been making it a point to keep the cat out of there. Is that enough to have totally changed his demeanor from very mellow to often jumpy and somewhat aggressive? Once he's in my hands, he behave's totally normally, but it is becoming a little nerve racking reaching in to pick him up. I refuse to become afraid of my snake, as I have never had any fear surrounding reptiles. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!

Worried bout Dave,
~DaveIsMySnake