GOT A HAMSTER AND A CAT!!!!! please help?

Question

I have asked my local pet shop for a "cat proof" meaning glass or plastic tank for my hamster is this a good idea?
The shop keeper has not got back to me yet....

Thank you for all comments!

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend a plastic or glass tank as they have very little ventilation. Without enough ventilation, ammonia from the hamster's urine becomes concentrated in that area and can cause upper respiratory infections. But, if you are willing to clean the cage twice a week, that shouldn't be a problem.

However, I don't think a plastic or glass cage is necessary. Many households have small animals and cats. What you might want to do is keep the cage on a dresser or somewhere away from the floor that doesn't have enough room for the cat to sit next to the cage. In other words, the cage takes up the whole space on the dresser/stand and there's no room for the cat to sit and bother the hamster.

Additionally, I think you should let the cat look at the hamster in the cage and explore it...gently! If the cat gets too rough or excited, take him/her away. But usually after getting a chance to know what it is, they get bored and leave it alone.

This is not always the case though. Even though we put the cage on a shelf where no cats could sit, one of my cats would jump from the bed, grab the bars of the gerbil cage and pull it off the shelf. When we moved her cage to the floor, he laid on the floor and looked at her without bothering her.

Make sure the hamster has a hut, igloo, house, whatever to hide in if she is scared.

This will work itself out and you'll figure out what to do based on your cat's behavior toward the hamster.

P.S. putting the cage up high is not a cat deterrent. One of my cats can jump from the floor to the top of the refrigerator in a single bound. Plus cats like to climb and be in high places. Wherever you put the cage, the cat can still find a way to it.

Answer 2

I had two cats and a hamster, one cat wasn't interested and the other cat was, so my dad built a wooden frame, put chicken wire across and secured it to the table with hinges, then when you lifted it up, you would secure it to the shelf above the cage and that way the hamster was safe and the cat could still come in my room. When I got the hamster out for a play I just made sure the cats weren't in my room and shut the door.

If you can't have a 'door' across the cage, then you could use a child door, I don't know if your cat could jump over, if it can, then I think the only way to keep your hamster safe would be to either keep your door closed or teach the cat that going to near the hamster is Not Allowed.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My Dwarf Hamster Is In A 'Savic Rody' Cage On My Bedroom Floor. The Lid Is Very Secure And My Cat Would Be Unable To Get Into It Even If She Did Try. I Always Keep The Bedrom Door Closed When I'm Out Of The House Just To Be On The Safe Side Though, But So Far My Cat Hasn't Showed Any Interest In Him, Even When Hes Running Around In is Cage!

http://www.savic.be/DetAnimal.asp?group=Small%20Animal&fam=Hamster%20cages&product=Rody%20hamster

Hope The Link Helps

Answer 4

I used to keep my hamster cage on a high shelf and only get it out when the cat was out in the garden. However after living in the same house for a while the cat got used to the hamster. Have a gorgous picture somewhere of the dog and cat sitting by the hamster cage on the floor with the hamster sitting there looking at them. Neither the dog or cat tried to get to the hamster (still wouldn't have it out while they were around though lol)

Answer 5

We had a hamster and a cat. We got an indoor rabbit cage for the hamster and put a small-holed wire mesh over the top to keep the kitty claws out. The actual cage itself was entirely clear plastic. It was huge though - about 1.5 metres by 1 metre to allow plenty of room and ventilation.

The cats had great fun watching the hamster and the hamster got so used to them, she'd go up to the plastic an try to touch them!

The cats eventually lost interest and left her alone though. The hamster lived out her very long life and was very happy in the big rabbit cage ^_^

So yes, it's a very very good idea to get it cat proofed. You may want to test it by putting your cat's favourite toy inside and seeing if your cat can get its paw in anywhere.

Answer 6

Go to an all-purpose pet shop - like a Petsmart. They have all manner of quariums and the rigid screen tops that will tightly affix to the top so your hamster will be safe.

You don't want to put your hamster up so high that your cat can't get to it - that's just asking for trouble. My cat likes to jump up to the top of doors and balance himself on the open door to snooze. In a house, I don't think there is any place that a cat can't reach. And if there is, it will be difficult for you to see him or add food and water, much less clean his cage.

The folks at PetSmart will be able to help you. An aquarium about 10 or more gallon size is what you are looking for and your cat won't be able to get at him. The screen top is really more than the screen you have on your windows. It is meant to keep the critter inside safe and other living things out - including cats and children.

Still, I agree that when you take your hamster out, you should put your cat in another room and close the door. Just don't forget to let the cat out of the room when you are finished playing with your hamster.

Answer 7

I have a hamster and a cat and fish. My cat has absolutely no interest in killing them. She drinks out of the fish bowl sometimes, but doesn't care about the fish. I have had the hamster on her back, she didn't care. So unless your cat is really intense a regular cage and keep them separate when the hamster is out of the cage. Also, tape the rollabout ball because the ball can pop open when rolling around. I use a little duct tape and no more escapes. My cat enjoys watching the hamster roll but only for a minute or so and then loses interest.

Answer 8

hi i have i hamster and a cat. My hamster is just in a barred cage. When i first got the hamster the cat used to be intrested but now he doesnt bother with him. Now and again when the hamster makes a noise he will have a look but thats about it he has neva tried to put his paw/claw in the cage. However when ever i go out or to bed i always ensure they are in separate rooms and the cat cant get in at him. also the age of your cat could affect it to as when i first got my hamster my cat was a kitten and was very playful. Now however he is older and just cant be bothered!
hope this helps you.

Answer 9

As long as your cage is very secure so that your cat cannot flip it over or get into it, the hamster should be fine. My cat never bothered my hamsters, luckily. You might have to place it in a room the cat does not have access to or in a spot perhaps high up where the cat cannot get to it. As long as it is a secure cage though, it should be fine. A house for the hamster to hide in if he gets stressed by the cat might be a good idea as well.

Answer 10

The problem with glass tanks is that they can collect condensation which can cause a problem with hamsters. If you clean it properly and keep humidity levels down it should be ok. The best way is to keep cats and hammy apart, by keeping your rodent in a room that cannot be accessed by your cats. Be aware that some Kitty's are very good at opening doors, especially those with handles that pull down, so it maybe advisable to get a small, cheap lock to avoid such problems.