Ball Pythons with other pets?

Just curious if anyone is keeping ball pythons with other types of pets in the house? I work at a local pet store and have been playing with the idea of purchasing a ball python. Only problem keeping me on edge is that I have a cat & ferret. Obviously the snake would be kept in a completely different room. I just don't like the idea of the cat, as usually right when I come home from work he meets me at the door and I pet him. Without thinking I can see myself then wanting to hold the BP - only to smell like a cat = food for the snake = snake bite. I know when the snake is small its reverse, as the cat could kill the snake. And switches tides when the snake gets bigger - they will never be unsupervised.

Any tips on this, or am I just worrying for nothing? The ferret is caged, and is usually only let out at night while highly supervised.

I've got multiple fish tanks, and numerous small amphibians so a reptile would complete the collection of pets. My pops is a bio teacher so I have decent experience with snakes. Majoring in wildlife and fisheries adds to the experience as well.

worrying for nothing. I've got 4 cats in addition to my 3 BP's and large aquarium. My BP's don't seem to mind the cats, actually. My little kitten "plays" with them through the plastic of their enclosures, and they don't seem effected at all...

i have ferrets and bps and no problems here

If you're concerned with smelling like food just keep some hand sanitizer on top of the tank... It's probably a good idea anyway :)

I've got 2 BP's at the moment in addition to a dog. No big deal.

We have a dog and 3 cats as well as our 3 leopard geckos, 1 Beardie, 2 corns and our BP. No probs so far.

I have a dog and a cat, and multiple rats (the rats are housed within steps of the bp rack). I do make sure that I wash my hands thoroughly if I've been handling the rats, but other than that, have no problems.

Just don't let the snake and cat(s) be alone together. My cats hiss and try to bat at the snake, but they do it with their claws. Besides, the possible scratches, the cats could cause the snake to become more stressed/head-shy.


Warning: Hand sanitizer alone isn't enough to get rid of "prey" smell. There's a member here that did it after the rat/mouse and he got tagged. You need to use proper hand washing time with soap and water to be safe.

i have 5 snakes, 30+ insects, 2 pet rats and 4 cats (all the cats are under the age of 2) all living in my master bedroom with me. the cats have never tried to bother any of my other pets, they only thing they're interested in are escape crickets!
just watch your other pets when you have the snake out, my cats are curious about my BP when i take him out but they've never tried to bother him.

It is no big deal. As long as your snake is housed securely, and its cage can't be tipped or entered by the cat, you should be fine. My cat is inquisitive, but never bothers my 9 snakes or my rats. My snake rack (shelf) is no biggie to him, it is just another household item for him to rub his face on. :)

I think when you mix different kinds of pets you just have to be sensible about it. Fido just might want to chase your pet cat. That cute kitty has a predator lurking in her furry self. You just need to recognize these are natural things for animals to do and make allowances for them not interacting in ways that anybody gets hurt or stressed out.

We do have a snake here that was badly scratched up before we got her from a house cat crashing down through her mesh lidded tank. Not the snakes fault or the cat's fault. A cat is naturally curious so it's best if cats are trained to avoid the snake's enclosure.

I've got a bunch of snakes and various other herps... my cats get entertainment from watching them, but I've never had any problems. The only thing is when you have the snake out, keep the cat away... I've seen the "hunter" look my cats get when they see a snake out of the cage, I would make sure they're out of the room if I'm handling something.

Well just check out my Signature!!! The last one is almost 2 yrs old and gives me the most TROUBLE!!! :D LOL

Yes it is all about being sensible, knowing your pets, and making sure that their housing is all secure. My cats are very curious about anything in the house (especially our kitten who pounces on anything and everything....especially toes LOL). They typically leave everything alone, but will sit and watch the birds, the snake, and especially the mice in their homes. I know with the cats, I have to keep an eye out when my other pets are out, they have the look whenever I have my birds out as well as the snake, but have never hurt anything. My dogs on the other hand are a little different. My 6 month old (Cubby) has a slight problem with the cats and loves to bark at them (but usually that is when they pass his crate and he is in there..... maybe they taunt him for being in there...I have seen one of the cats just sitting in front of his crate before just looking at him....hmmmmm). But he could care less about the other animals, just goes after my kids toys. And the older dog, Bear (10yrs), could care less about anything in the house that can't pet him and give him lovins. So as long as you you keep their housing secure and are watchful when they are out, then you should have no problem.

Great to know! I was worrying for nothing then.

I've got numerous other pets ( amphibians, fish, hamsters etc.. ) and the cat never expresses any type of attention towards them. Other then playing with the ferret. I don't think I will have a problem what so ever!

Thanks again for all the posts! Definetly will post up when I get a BP, this board is so welcoming!

Gundy,
i am sorry I didn't say it in my other post, WELCOME!! I am fairly new myself, and let me tell you this place is great!!! i am also a fairly new BP owner as well and there is SO much info on here to help you out with getting everything setup just right and and a lot of experienced breeders/owners on here if you have any questions. So again welcome and have fun and let us see pics of your BP baby when you finally get one!!

Do take extra precautions with the ferret in the house with a snake. The weasel family are known for snake hunting abilities and as far as I'm aware ferrets are from that family of animals. Just something to think about and plan for so all your pets are happy and safe. :)

Yeppers Jo....Mink, ferret, weasels, ermine and even the wolverine.

Whooops....triggered a memory....

A friend of ours had 4 or 5 small / baby pet rats...and bought a ferret, then all of the rats died. They believe the ferret was a carrier of something. Just trying to provide a warning to others.

I don't know how you'd actually ("long term") quarantine a ferret, but they didn't. They're not CERTAIN it was or WASN'T the new pet, but...............just sayin'.

:(