Dangerous Cat/Snake Mix?

I'm not sure if this is more of a cat question than a snake question but...

As I state on the many... many threads I have made for various pre-cautionary questions, I'm about to get my first ball python. I have a bit of an obsessive disorder, so I tend to insanely obsess over things I don't necessarily have to. Like, after I was in a bad wreck (that didn't even involve a traffic light) I've developed an insanely intense fear/anxiety about green lights turning to yellow. As soon as any stoplight comes into my line of sight I begin to obsess over whether it will turn yellow, and how I could stop.

My fear of absolutely anything that could endanger a future snake is about the same. Most topics can be easily settled with "you're getting the wrong thermostat" and a hella lot of "don't use tape".

However, my biggest fear is something that can't really be 100% determined. We have a cat, spends about 50/50 indoor and outdoor. Like most outdoor cats, he hunts lizards and mice and such. He even tried to attack a rattlesnake once (to which we swooped in and prevented him from confronting it xD).

My family thinks it's much less of a problem as I do. I have no clue how desperate the cat will be to get to the snake - even curiosity to could be deadly as my terrarium (Exo-Terra... I'm in college, no way i could afford a PVC) has a screen top that would collapse under the weight of my cat should he decide to jump up and investigate. I don't even know if I could carry my snake out of my room without it potentially trying to jump up and kill it.

Does anybody own a snake AND a cat? If so, has your cat ever posed a threat to it, or maybe even has anyone had a snake who died by a cat's paws(?) in the past?

Keeping my door closed when I'm not home is an option but my family comes into my room a lot and they may forget to close it when I'm not home. I also leave my door open when doing chores (as I'm in and out) and the cat sometimes comes in. Basically, how obsessed over this should I be? Is it cause for this much worry is it another traffic light situation where it isn't as bad as my brain thinks it is?

I own 2 cats, 5 dogs, and 50+ snakes. Most of the time, a cat or dog will be curious about something for a bit, and then it just becomes part of the environment. The biggest thing you need to make sure of is that whatever caging you use is completely secure, so that a curious kitty can't knock it over, off a shelf, or lay on it and collapse the top. Or open it if said kitty ends up being really persistent. Other than that all a cat could really do is stare at the cage. Since balls tend to be pretty sedate unless hungry, there won't be much movement for the cat to focus on.

I have snakes and a cat, and keep the snakes and cat separated with no real issue. It's as easy as keep the snake room door closed when I'm not in it.

As for bringing the snakes outside the snake room, which I do often, I make sure the cat is in another room if I'm home alone. If my girlfriend and I are home watching tv together or something, the cat is always on her lap, the snakes on mine. We are also on separate couches across the room from each other.

That being said, my cat is a lazy, indoor lapcat. If my cat was an outdoor cat who was prone to attacking rodents, reptiles, birds, etc... the cat would NEVER be in the same room as the snakes.

As for your folks leaving your door open, maybe just have a serious talk with them expressing the importance of keeping the door closed. You might even want to hang a "PLEASE KEEP DOOR CLOSED" sign on the door as a reminder.

If I have the snake out and handling it and the cat happens to come around, do you think the cat would try to attack while I was holding it?

Definitely secure your top. Knowing cats, if he can jump on top, he will jump on top. If the screen cannot withstand that with absolute certainty, then you are right to worry.

Have you thought about using a large sterilite tub instead of the Exo Terra? Cheaper, easier to control temps/humidity, easily relocate-able, and can have locking lids.

ETA: You know your cat better than us. If he has a strong prey drive, perhaps he would go after your snake. Mine is much like Craig's, fat & lazy and couldn't be bothered for the most part. Even then, I would not purposely handle my snake with the cat in proximity. But I wouldn't be terrified of him walking in either. So it just depends on your cat's particular instincts.

happens all the time.

keep them separated. i own 5 snakes and one 12-year-old cat. i thought she was safe around me when i held my snakes because she's old and just wants to cuddle. one night she felt the snake near her, quickly whipped her head around and started licking whatever was irritating her. i couldn't react anywhere near fast enough had the situation turned sour.

don't take a risk on your animal's safety.

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

If I have the snake out and handling it and the cat happens to come around, do you think the cat would try to attack while I was holding it?

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Unfortunately, I don't know your cat, so can't give a fair opinion.

Oh my cat is a total jerk (I love him, but he just is). He barely tolerates humans just because we're big, and he acts aggressive towards any other animals. My grandmother can't bring her dogs over because one animal would certainly die (and I don't think it would be the cat...). I just don't know if a smaller, less threatening animal would be different? Most likely not, I'm just concerned about exactly HOW strict I need to keep safety levels, like whether I need to put the cat outside/in a closed-off room if I want to bring the snake out of my bedroom.

I did consider a plastic container, but honestly the Exo Terra just appealed to me the most. I got for about 40% on a Christmas sale and I do like the aesthetic of it. I'm repainting the built-in background and thinking of painting covers for the other two exposed sides. That way the snake still gets security of a PVC, without me spending the money of a PVC. The top is the only downside at this point, solely because of the cat. I'll only be living at home for about two more years until I'm stable enough to get my own place, so the cat won't be a problem forever but I'd like the enclosure to last as long as the snake (which I'm trying desperately to ensure will be lifelong).

A glass tank with 3 covered sides felt like a good compromise between the aesthetic of a PVC, and budget of a plastic. I would consider building a more secure cover for the top, but I need the heat lamp. I don't believe the cat would get under the lamp, so I'm thinking just a thin, plywood cover with a rectangle cute out for the lamp square?

All it takes is one spooked cat taking a swipe at a snake for your pocket book to take a hit while you rush to a vet.

Could versus should scenario again. Can you keep snakes and cats out to interact? Sure that is your right as an owner but should you take that risk of that one time something happening and you end up more stressed than you ever have been? Why take the risk?

I would do everything in my power to keep the cat out of the snake room, including putting a lock on the door so others people can't enter when you're not there. Your cat sounds like a high prey drive critter and if you're gung-ho on using a tank with a heat lamp, expect that cat to want to get on the tank at some point and the lamp will likely get knocked off onto the floor, which creates a fire hazard if the heat bulb or CHE doesn't break.

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

Oh my cat is a total jerk (I love him, but he just is). He barely tolerates humans just because we're big, and he acts aggressive towards any other animals. My grandmother can't bring her dogs over because one animal would certainly die (and I don't think it would be the cat...). I just don't know if a smaller, less threatening animal would be different? Most likely not, I'm just concerned about exactly HOW strict I need to keep safety levels, like whether I need to put the cat outside/in a closed-off room if I want to bring the snake out of my bedroom.

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That's enough for me to advise: keep the cat FAR away from the snake. Not worth taking any chances. Both cats and snakes are super quick and it's NOT worth taking ANY chances.

I close my cats in either the bathroom or the bedroom when I have a snake out, better to avoid an accident completely than deal with an unfortunate situation down the line.

I have two cats and a dog, one of the cats being an outdoor cat that often hunts wild reptiles and rodents. She has expressed very little interest, other than the first day I brought my BP home. She has also been around many other reptiles that I have owned in the past, including a green iguana that often hung out with us outside of his enclosure. However, I always make sure that she is never in proximity of me while I'm handing my BP, and if so I close the door. It's just not worth the risk.

As long as you have your BP in an enclosure that is "cat-proof" and you keep it away from your cat I see no reason to worry, which it seems like you are taking good measures. :)

Cats and dogs can be unpredictable and whether they are in play mode or hunt mode the damage inflicted can still have severe consequences.

Common sense is keep your animals apart.

I wasn't planning on putting them in some battle royale colosseum pit together - I'm skeptical on just having the cage in a place my cat can access. This is more to prove to myself that I'm not being "crazy" in thinking my cat will attack my snake.

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

I wasn't planning on putting them in some battle royale colosseum pit together - I'm skeptical on just having the cage in a place my cat can access. This is more to prove to myself that I'm not being "crazy" in thinking my cat will attack my snake.

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You just need to make sure that your cage is escape and entry proof (a simple lock will do the job), and if you do it will not be an issue.

I'm not concerned about it being able to lock - the locks are all fine and secure. I'm concerned about my cat jumping onto the wire top and falling through (which could injure both animals in itself). However, there's no way I can make it sturdier without having to sacrifice a heat lamp (which I very much need since out house stays at 65F year round).

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

I'm not concerned about it being able to lock - the locks are all fine and secure. I'm concerned about my cat jumping onto the wire top and falling through (which could injure both animals in itself). However, there's no way I can make it sturdier without having to sacrifice a heat lamp (which I very much need since out house stays at 65F year round).

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unless your cat weighs over 30lbs i don't think this is a huge concern. :) (ps - my cat is 20lbs)

There is also a chance the cat will eventually grow bored of the new plaything that is the snake cage. Until then do worry about the stress having a giant predator on the cage will have on your snake. It's kind of a damned if you do damned if you don't situation because as long as you keep your cat away, it will be insanely curious. Aren't cats grand little stinkers?

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

I'm not concerned about it being able to lock - the locks are all fine and secure. I'm concerned about my cat jumping onto the wire top and falling through (which could injure both animals in itself). However, there's no way I can make it sturdier without having to sacrifice a heat lamp (which I very much need since out house stays at 65F year round).

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Get a PVC enclosure and your problem is solved and it will be much easier to provide proper husbandry than in a glass enclosure.

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Originally Posted by SDA

Aren't cats grand little stinkers?

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They truly are... He's looking at this over my shoulder too, good thing they can't read!

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Get a PVC enclosure and your problem is solved and it will be much easier to provide proper husbandry than in a glass enclosure.

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I already have the cage - I've explained on here several times why I went with glass rather than PVC. It's a nice cost effective compromise for a college student who can't pay upwards of $300 for a cage alone - AND wait 6 months for it to be shipped. As much as I love focusing on the things that can't be helped (since I already spent $120~ and I'm not about to return it), I don't actually love it. "Maybe you should have in the past" is nice, but I would rather deal with the one problem posed in the future. :)

As for maintenance, I'm more than willing to work a bit harder to keep a steady environment in exchange for cost effectiveness and aesthetic. Since the cage itself has no bearing on the snake itself, so long as environments and security are maintained, I truly believe my cage is the prettiest option for the least money.

The cat is temporary until I move out, the snake and the cage are forever. I would much rather look at a glass terrarium than a PVC box for the rest of my life. And I'm more than willing to put in the extra work for proper husbandry. I am satisfied with my cage and do not nor will not regret my choice.

Thank you Debra.

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

I'm not concerned about it being able to lock - the locks are all fine and secure. I'm concerned about my cat jumping onto the wire top and falling through (which could injure both animals in itself). However, there's no way I can make it sturdier without having to sacrifice a heat lamp (which I very much need since out house stays at 65F year round).

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If you must use that Exo terra, why look into installing a RHP? That'll solve your ambient temp issues and you won't need to fiddle around with heat lamps and CHEs. Bob at Pro Products can help with that.

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Originally Posted by AmericanTacos

I already have the cage - I've explained on here several times why I went with glass rather than PVC. It's a nice cost effective compromise for a college student who can't pay upwards of $300 for a cage alone - AND wait 6 months for it to be shipped. As much as I love focusing on the things that can't be helped (since I already spent $120~ and I'm not about to return it), I don't actually love it. "Maybe you should have in the past" is nice, but I would rather deal with the one problem posed in the future. :)

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Check your local Craigslist and Facebook reptile groups every few days. I picked up a nice stack of four used commercial 36"x18"x15" melamine enclosures for $160 ($40 each). They are very secure, hold heat and humidity well, and over time they will pay for themselves since the small RHP's they use draw less power than heat lamps, and there are no blown bulbs to replace.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Check your local Craigslist and Facebook reptile groups every few days. I picked up a nice stack of four used commercial 36"x18"x15" melamine enclosures for $160 ($40 each). They are very secure, hold heat and humidity well, and over time they will pay for themselves since the small RHP's they use draw less power than heat lamps, and there are no blown bulbs to replace.

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How does melamine compare to PVC? I have couple of glass tanks I'm going to use in the short term but I'm looking at better enclosures. I was thinking of going with AP T10s or a similarly sized vision.

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Originally Posted by MD_Pythons

How does melamine compare to PVC? I have couple of glass tanks I'm going to use in the short term but I'm looking at better enclosures. I was thinking of going with AP T10s or a similarly sized vision.

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melamine is heavy and can be prone to warping. PVC is much more expensive, more durable, light-weight and easier to work with.

IMO PVC is well worth the cost.

I have 2 cats along with my snakes, now they are in separate rooms due to me having more space but in my old apartment that wasn’t an option considering it was basically a studio with no doors between the rooms other then the bathroom. When you have the snake out for sure keep the cat as far away as possible, I would put mine in the bathroom. As for them with the tank I doubt they will be able to fall through the mesh, it’s pretty stable. I’ve found one of my guys on there a few times and it was fine. Just make sure the lid is secure.

At first my cats were curious when they would see the snake moving in the tank and the way I alleviated that was by covering all the sides with black construction paper, which is good for the snake anyways because it helps them feel more secure. This way your new snake will feel safer and your cat won’t be able to see him and will perhaps be less curious.

As long as you are careful and never let the two meet outside of the tank and take the necessary precautions to make sure the cat can’t get in and the snake can’t get out with tank clips and such it should be fine ^-^


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I had an exo-terra and the screen and the locking tabs were very strong. NO WAY a house cat could penetrate that screen. From what you describe, you need a stronger gauge screen.

I recently went into Loew’s and had them cut plexiglass to fit the top mesh sections of one of my Exo Terras. It was like 20 bucks and there’s no way a cat could come crashing through. It’s quite stable. Also, my room mate has two cats and it’s never a problem for us. I mean, I would never leave them alone in a room together, because they’re unpredictable animals with wild instincts, but I highly doubt your cat would ever bum rush you to get to the snake you were holding. Unless, of course, your cat is a leopard. Then all bets are off.

Just make sure your cage is secure and there’s no chance your noodle can escape.

I kept a friend's elderly cat for them for about six months. For a while, I left the ball python's cage in the living room and only made sure she was never unsupervised in the same room as the garter snakes' cage. This was because she hadn't shown any interest in the ball python and the cage was mostly covered (but the garter snakes were fascinating little wiggly strings). However, she eventually saw him moving around one night and put her paw up against the cage where he was. Obviously nothing really happened, but he didn't like it much, so he got moved into the bedroom where the garter snakes' cage already was the next day. She was only allowed in the bedroom when someone was home to tell her not to jump up on the dresser at the garter snakes and not to try to sleep on top of the ball python's cage.

I definitely would not have a cat in the same room with snakes out. Cats have bacteria on their claws/in their mouths that can be very dangerous to other animals so even minor scratches or bites may need antibiotics. It's just too hard to be sure that a suddenly curious cat won't be able to jump at the snake while you're holding it.

I wish I would've found this thread sooner.
I have both a cat and a ball python. My cat is also able to go outside just like yours.
It's not a dangerous mix! Normally your enclosure will be locked most of the time. The cat can't do anything about that and is unable to get to the snake. If the cat is there, don't get the snake out. If you want to get the snake out, throw the cat (and any other animal) out of the room.
My cat is the most curious little thing and always around me. My brother found her when she was 5 weeks old. Apparently someone tried to get rid of her and threw her in the garbage. We tried to find the owner but weren't able to. I raised her by bottle, taught her to climb trees and have spent nights sleeping in the garden because the cat wanted to go outside but was too afraid to go alone. She has met my ball python (when he was locked in the terrarium) but he was way too boring for her. She looked at him for 2 seconds and then went away. You know your cat better than us. Make specific rules for him but I doubt it will become a problem.
Just make sure to keep the terrarium locked and, if it's not locked, make sure to keep the cat out of the room and there won't be any problems.

I got to this thread late, as well. I have a bunch of cats myself, but one of them continues to insist that he's an inside kitty. It is what is is. I offer what I've tried to do to address a somewhat dangerous situation.

The top of most terrariums tend to be what cats consider to be "warm spots." You must address that by first securing the top to ensure that the weight of your cat will collapse the top and bring your cat on top of your snake. You can also try to disguise the warmness of the terrarium's top by putting lots of towels up there to keep the warmth in and away from kitty. Unfortunately, some cats have been known to consider soft towels to be ideal items for a quick snooze.

You can also get sneaky. If the cat will not stay away from the top of the terrarium, you can cover it with some thick paper, and put a couple of set mousetraps underneath it in a crease. You can also try three of four sheets of newspaper. The cat will trigger the mousetraps when he jumps up (and scare the bajeebers out of himself!) but shouldn't be hurt as the thick paper will protect him from actual contact with the mousetrap. You can experiment by using a stick running across the paper to trigger the mousetraps to see if it will work for you. I know that this sounds extreme but you're looking to scare the cat with noise, not pain, which is why the paper is used to cover the mousetraps.

Finally, the only time my inside cat now shows any interest in my snakes is when they are feeding. The smell of rodent is strong in the room. I evict the cat at that point because the snakes seem to be aware of the cat and are less prone to strike knowing that there is a predator nearby. I, also, will never handle my snakes when the cat is in the house to minimize their stress.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you and your snake.

<><Peace

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Originally Posted by dadofsix

You can also get sneaky. If the cat will not stay away from the top of the terrarium, you can cover it with some thick paper, and put a couple of set mousetraps underneath it in a crease. You can also try three of four sheets of newspaper. The cat will trigger the mousetraps when he jumps up (and scare the bajeebers out of himself!) but shouldn't be hurt as the thick paper will protect him from actual contact with the mousetrap. You can experiment by using a stick running across the paper to trigger the mousetraps to see if it will work for you. I know that this sounds extreme but you're looking to scare the cat with noise, not pain, which is why the paper is used to cover the mousetraps.

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I strongly recommend against using mouse traps. Even with thick paper overtop that's making the assumption the cat won't try to sneak a paw under or reach for other exposures if the set up is not done correctly. Perhaps it's an unlikely risk but considering how unpredictable cats can be as we all know, it's still a risk to consider.

It would be terrible if a cat got started by one trap going off, then setting off another with his paws somehow finding its way between the creases and getting caught. Or say bringing down a CHE lamp with them in th or fright. If it's been working for you with your cats then great, but it's a method I would exercise caution with potential dangers. Just food for thought.

If OP wants to pursue startle-based repellents, there are other safer alternatives to consider, such as motion sensor air (pet safe) sprays. However Op may need to ensure equipment can't be knocked down as it's difficult to predict how a startled cat will always react. I already lost count of the times I've thought my cats would act a particular way and then become surprised when they do something unexpected.

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Originally Posted by dadofsix

You can also get sneaky. If the cat will not stay away from the top of the terrarium, you can cover it with some thick paper, and put a couple of set mousetraps underneath it in a crease. You can also try three of four sheets of newspaper. The cat will trigger the mousetraps when he jumps up (and scare the bajeebers out of himself!) but shouldn't be hurt as the thick paper will protect him from actual contact with the mousetrap. You can experiment by using a stick running across the paper to trigger the mousetraps to see if it will work for you. I know that this sounds extreme but you're looking to scare the cat with noise, not pain, which is why the paper is used to cover the mousetraps.

<><Peace

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I DEFINITELY DO NOT recommend using mousetraps.
This just sounds like a bad idea all around.
Why on earth would you want to "scare the bejeebers" out of your cat??? Aside from the obvious risk to the cat I can just see a scared cat flailing around potentially knocking the enclosure to the ground, possibly injuring itself or the snake in the process. The heating equipment could be knocked over causing a fire, etc....
Plus, its just mean....

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I DEFINITELY DO NOT recommend using mousetraps.
This just sounds like a bad idea all around.
Why on earth would you want to "scare the bejeebers" out of your cat??? Aside from the obvious risk to the cat I can just see a scared cat flailing around potentially knocking the enclosure to the ground, possibly injuring itself or the snake in the process. The heating equipment could be knocked over causing a fire, etc....
Plus, its just mean....

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Glad I'm not the only one who thought it was a bad idea. Too many things could go wrong when it involves a scared cat. If OP ever needs to go through such lengths to keep the cat off their cage, they would be better off just keeping the cat out of the room and setting house rules with everyone to keep the door closed.

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Originally Posted by missterdog

glad i'm not the only one who thought it was a bad idea. Too many things could go wrong when it involves a scared cat. If op ever needs to go through such lengths to keep the cat off their cage, they would be better off just keeping the cat out of the room and setting house rules with everyone to keep the door closed.

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exactly!!!!!!

OP could try out something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Prime-Li...yABEgJeE_D_BwE

That way the door shuts itself and people only have to remember not to accidentally trap the cat inside.

I'm guessing that i come from another day and time. When I was younger this was a common way to handle mischievous animals who insisted on being someplace that they shouldn't be. I should have noted that you could, and should, lessen the power of the coil to diminish the snap. The issue was always to convince the animal that this was somewhere it did not want to be, not hurting the animal.

My apologies if anyone was shocked at this part of my comment. It was never my intent to dismay or upset anyone.

<><Peace