I've had cat scratch fever. It is horrible!!! It affected my lypmph nodes, gave me a cyst and left me with a scar. The doctors said it could have killed me had I not gone to the doctor for it. I am still fearful of cat scratches. But a ball python sized non-venomous snake is nothing to worry about. I am seeing it as if the snake doesn't see you as food, he would have no reason to strangle you. If he is afraid he would bite, or in a ball's case just roll up. I am getting it from my step-dad and my grandma. My husband's parents don't even know I have a snake, so I am sure I will get it real bad from them.
My 12 year old with my 2 year old ball.