Can I keep a tortoise outside if there are cats around?

Question

Backyard fence keeps dogs out but not cats.

Answer 1

Yes, you can keep a tortoise outside with cats. The tortoise knows how to protect itself, with the help of the shell. The cat will soon get bored waiting for it to come out of its shell. The cat will then go find some more exciting game, like a bird or butterfly

Answer 2

NOOOOO! Dogs will tear up a tortoise, and cats will try as well. If you have a small tortoise, the cat may be able to move it around, and smack it. If the tortoise is larger, the cat can't harm it physically, but it will be stressed. Stress will cause illnesses. I would definitely not keep it outside where cats have access to it.

Keeping it outside has great benefits (natural UV and grazing), and you should build a pend out od 2x4s and chicken wire. Make sure you bury chicken wire around the pen, since tortoises are excellent diggers and will burrow very deep when given a chance. I have had a few clsoe calls when I thought I had lost the tort b/c it has burried itself in the pen with chicken wire burried around it even. Without a pen or chicken wire burried, you will lose your tortoise (yes, big 8-10" ones too) before the cats will harm it.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Fences alone are poor tortoise cages. Walls are much better- and there needs to be some anti-dig protection as well.

Cats are not good, but the real dangers are raccoons and skunks- these guys eat reptiles whenever possible, and can get in most yards!

If you have an otherwise good enclosure, you can make a simple mesh 'lid' to protect them.

Answer 4

I would be afraid the cats would get to your tortoise. They are very good hunters, too good if you ask me. They take a heavy toll on wildlife. Maybe you could make him a pen, with a roof of course!

Answer 5

It should be fine during the day. At night, however, consider bringing it inside, or getting a carrier or a house you can lock it up in. Just beware of fire ants, if you live in an area where they are a problem. Spreading Sevin dust around the night house will keep it safe from ants.

Answer 6

Unless your tortoise is very small, the cats will probably ignore it.
Dogs however will think it is a chew toy & possibly cause serious damage or even death.

Answer 7

basically save doing it the way you think of is terrific hun! if your tortoise is energetic and energetic and eating nicely then there is not any concern! He appears like he takes section in and residing a chuffed life.

Answer 8

of course not! your tortoise is probably gonna get eaten

Answer 9

yes, just put a fence around it so it won't escape

Answer 10

ooh ya if the cats bother it just buy a sling shot and shoot the bastards