Dangerous Cat/Snake Mix?

[Caali]

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.

[dadofsix]

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

[MissterDog]

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.

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.

[Craiga 01453]

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

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....

[MissterDog]

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....

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.

[Craiga 01453]

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.

exactly!!!!!!

[Kcl]

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.

[dadofsix]

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