Ball Pythons with other pets?

[Gundy]

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.

[CntrlF8]

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...

[Monty]

i have ferrets and bps and no problems here

[GirDance]

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

[Tainted Glory]

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

[Don5999]

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.

[rabernet]

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.

[sweety314]

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.

[edie]

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.

[Ginevive]

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.