Your cat may be a little shy at first, but after getting to know your snake, you may notice the two are becoming fast friends. It’s hard not to! These two very different pets do have quite a lot in common. Both love to hide, hunt for food and play with toys. It’s likely that your ball python even enjoys cat toys just as much as the kitty does! So what’s the problem? Typically speaking, cats and pythons don’t mix. And if you own both of these pets, this can make things tricky. Though ball pythons are small and almost always kept in cages (as they should be!), they still pose a risk to your feline friend. Can a ball python kill a cat?
Confined Environment
Ball pythons are quite small, but they’re also quite strong – and your cat can’t read the “do not disturb” sign hanging on the snake’s cage! If your kitty becomes curious and decides to pester your snake, trouble may be on the horizon.
Cats have sharp claws, so they could easily scratch or even break the snake’s skin. There are also powerful bacteria in your cat’s mouth, which could then be passed along to your snake.
Cats are also known for having “bad breath,” so if your cat licks the snake, your pet could easily get sick from bacteria lingering in the cat’s mouth. Your ball python may also try to defend itself if it feels threatened, so it’s important to keep these two animals separate.
Can a Ball Python Kill a Cat? The Dangers of Dining Together
Ball pythons are very easy to feed since they’re carnivorous reptiles that thrive on mice or rats. Cats are not. You can try to feed your kitty a rodent, but it’s not recommended. Sure, your cat could probably eat a tiny rat, but it’s not good for them.
You can also try dry food, but your cat will probably grow bored with this option. So what happens when your snake gets hungry and there’s no food to be found? Your snake could probably go a few days without eating, but not without putting on weight.
If your snake is growing, which is normal, it must be fed regularly. At this point in the story, it’s pretty clear that your snake and your cat shouldn’t share a bowl of kibble. But what if your snake gets hungry and your cat happens to be nearby?
Ball pythons are generally very calm, but if your snake is hungry, it’s going to be difficult to control. And, unfortunately, your cat could be an easy target.
Potential for Injury
Cats and pythons have very different feeding habits and bodies. Even if your kitty doesn’t eat your snake (which, again, they shouldn’t!), there’s still a chance they could injure your pet. Cats love to play with things, and snakes are just as fun as dangling strings or crumpled paper balls.
Unfortunately, your cat might not understand that your snake is not like a toy. Your snake could become injured if your cat plays with it too roughly.
And if your ball python bites or scratches your cat in self-defense, that could also lead to an injury. So how do you keep your kitty safe? While it can be difficult to keep a ball python away from a curious cat, it’s important to use a little creativity and come up with a solution.
Recommendations for Keeping Your Cat Safe
Keeping your cat safe from a ball python is possible if you’re careful. The first thing you should do is to keep your snake in a secure enclosure. Make sure this is sturdy enough that your cat can’t knock it over and that your snake’s enclosure has a top.
This will help your snake feel safe and prevent your cat from getting too close. Next, remember to clean your cat’s area regularly, especially if your cat is an indoor cat and is likely to get into trouble. If you have a curious (or mischievous!) kitty, they’re likely to try to get close to your snake.
So make sure your cat’s toys are kept in an area where they can’t get to your snake. You could also keep your snake in a different part of the house or in a room that’s frequently used. You can also try putting a bell on your snake, which will help you know when your kitty is getting close to your pet.
Conclusion
So, what’s the conclusion? Can a ball python kill a cat? Your cat and your ball python may seem like very different pets, but they both have plenty in common. While ball pythons are generally very calm, they are still reptiles and could be easily injured by a cat.
Make sure your snake enclosure is secure, that your cat’s toys are kept away from your snake, and that your snake feels safe. All three of these things will help keep your cat safe from a ball python.
