snakes and cats

Here is my Boa Chester with one of my cats.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...709d685ed5980d

I have 2 cats, one of them really doesn't care about Chester - but the other (shown above) has always been very curious about the other pets in the house and has taken a keen liking to Chester. At first they would simply be in the same room, and I would let her (cat) watch but not touch. This happened daily for several weeks. Slowly I let her get closer, start to sniff him and paw at him (She is declawed, so I don't need to worry about her hurting Chester with her nails). Now, after over a year of regular interaction they are very trusting of one another. I still wouldn't leave them alone together, but I am pretty confidant that they are safe. This didn't happen overnight. This took probably over 300 meetings. So I do think that it is ok, but only when it's done gradually, with supervision.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

Here is my Boa Chester with one of my cats.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...709d685ed5980d

I have 2 cats, one of them really doesn't care about Chester - but the other (shown above) has always been very curious about the other pets in the house and has taken a keen liking to Chester. At first they would simply be in the same room, and I would let her (cat) watch but not touch. This happened daily for several weeks. Slowly I let her get closer, start to sniff him and paw at him (She is declawed, so I don't need to worry about her hurting Chester with her nails). Now, after over a year of regular interaction they are very trusting of one another. I still wouldn't leave them alone together, but I am pretty confidant that they are safe. This didn't happen overnight. This took probably over 300 meetings. So I do think that it is ok, but only when it's done gradually, with supervision.

---

I'd love for my snake and cat to be able to get along; our cat is declawed in the front as well. I don't want to stress the snake though. A ball python might not take it as well I imagine due to its smaller size and secretive nature...? I'm all for safely trying things but just don't want him/her to have a traumatic experience/scare and then be a different snake for the rest of his/her life.