As a cat owner who wants to add a ball python as a pet, you will probably wonder how safe it is to keep a ball python in the same house as a cat and if the Ball Python will kill a cat.
This blog post will answer your question and how to safely keep a ball python with cats in your home.
Can the Ball Python kill my Cat if they are together?
Yes, a ball python can kill a cat, although it is rare for this to happen.
A situation like this is only likely to happen if your Ball Python is old and the cat is a kitten that can easily fit into its mouth.
The chances of a ball python killing a grown cat are slim, as they won’t kill any animal they can’t eat.
Moreover, a fully grown cat is too big to fit into a ball python’s mouth.
A ball python is usually around 2-3 feet for males, and females can grow up to 4-6 feet.
Meanwhile, a cat is considerably larger than a rat and is preferred prey for the Ball Pythons.
If hungry, a Ball Python can attack a kitten because of its size.
Usually, both Ball Pythons and Cats ignore each other or cautiously eye each other from a distance.
Can a Cat kill a Ball Python?
Cats and ball pythons don’t go well together.
If a fight ensues between both animals, the cat is more likely to kill the ball python than the other way around.
While ball pythons only kill prey for food and can’t eat large prey, cats kill for sport and won’t mind killing the ball python for no reason.
Of course, it can also decide to eat it.
When threatened, ball pythons curl into a tight ball and rarely strike back.
On the other hand, cats are aggressive hunters who are strong enough to kill animals that are bigger than they are.
Cats can use their agility and speed to kill a ball python with no defense. Ball Pythons neither have sharp teeth nor are they venomous.
The ball python can be a sitting duck if a fight ensues.
Can you House a Ball python and a Cat together?
In practice, both animals will ignore each other, but it is best not to put your cat in the same cage as your ball python.
And, if you have to, I advise you to supervise them to avoid confrontations.
Another thing of note is that ball pythons and cats also have the same prey – rats, which can cause friction between them when it’s time for feeding.
The slower ball python can find it more difficult to eat if he has to contend with the more agile cat for food.
So, I recommend not to house them together.
What Pets can live with a Ball Python?
While cats are not suitable tank mates for a ball python, other pets are safer options for your ball python.
Although, Cats are not supposed to be kept in tanks, by the way.
Examples of Ball Python friendly pets are turtles and tortoises, which are more peaceful and won’t threaten the ball python.
However, the fact that they are safer options doesn’t make them ideal.
You will need to invest in a bigger enclosure for safety, or you can keep them in different tanks.
How to Safely Keep a Cat and a Ball Python
If you want to keep a ball python in the same house as a cat and other pets, there are certain precautions you have to put in place.
The precautions will mitigate fights and confrontations that can lead to losing one of your pets.
Here are the things to note
1. Put your Ball Python and Cat in separate cages or enclosures.
Even if you have a large room to house all your pets, It is advisable to separate the ball python and other pets like cats.
While this help limits the contact between the two animals, it also helps control humidity.
Moreover, Ball Pythons require a specific range of temperature and humidity to survive, which may not be ideal for cats.
2. Wash your hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly if you must handle your ball python after touching other pets.
Handwashing will stop the spread of diseases and bacteria from one animal to another and help protect your ball python.
Ball pythons are susceptible to diseases, and too much contact with other pets harms their health.
Conclusion
You can have a ball python and a cat as pets under the same roof if you have the time and care for them.
However, it is best not to put them in the same enclosure, as the ball python can eat the cat if it is a kitten or is small enough to fit into its mouth.
Cats are natural predators who can attack and kill the ball python even when they are not hungry.
If you must keep both animals, please take precautions and supervise accordingly.
