Our newly adopted 18 month old b.p. has the scars to prove that. Cats and screened lids aren't a great combination.

Having had cats that regularily hunted outside but learned to never hunt anything that lived inside here's some other ideas...none of them will hurt your cat...

1. Squirt guns are your friend. Keep a bunch filled and handy.

2. A can full of small rocks shaken at the vicinity of a prowling cat's butt works wonders on the more stuborn ones.

3. Loud, fast clap followed by a firm "BAD CAT!" anytime it approaches the area of the enclosure. One of my males didn't get this one but believe it or not imitating the sound of a cat growling got my point across to him.

4. Balloons tied on strings to the area the cat must climb if your snake is up on a stand. A few popped balloons are quite effective, though pls watch the kitty doesn't ingest any.

5. A favored toy throw in the opposite direction from the area to redirect their prowling instinct.

We've conditioned our cats (both passed now at ages 16 and 18) to leave all household pets alone as well as stay out of baby cribs, etc. Cats learn, they just don't like to listen LOL. Just be consistent and try a deterrent as soon as they even think about approaching the area (before they get into full hunt mode or their interest is really perking).

We had a hamster escape once. Our cats were so used to not being allowed to harrass the hamster they refused to use their litter box....guess what stupid critter was hiding in there! These were cats that regularily hunted but they figured out the rules of the house.

Please remember to praise your cat when it learns to avoid the snake's area. It will love you for that.