Random Question about Cats and indoor Turtles

[symplestytches]

So while perusing the magical land of Pinterest, I came across some pretty cool indoor enclosure ideas for water turtles specifically, but land turtles/tortoises as well.

What is the general consensus of the forum in regards to open topped (no screen or what-not) and having cats? I know my cats would go into the enclosure, and have squeezed into my iterations of my indoor RT enclosure, but do we trust them?

I know I would worry about cat fecal matter making it into the substrate, but is that the only worry?

 

[Lyn W]

I'm not sure if I've copied the link correctly but have a look at the post below and there are others about cats scratching eyes etc They may help you make the sensible decision for yourself:
www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/help-3-4-mo-old-attacked-by-cat.118042/

 

[symplestytches]

ugh. yeah, that's what I thought. I just read so much about dog attacks, and other outdoor dangers, that the cat ones are rarely seen. so keep with the completely covered top. darn my kitties, if only i could speak cat and make sure they swore never to munch on a'tuin!

 

[Lyn W]

You can't trust a cat! They think everything that moves is fair game. The cat in that post actually managed to remove a cover.

There is also the fact they may use the enclosure as a litter tray which could be harmful to your torts/turtles - parasites etc.so I think if there are cats around a cover they can't knock off would be essential.

 

[Lyn W]

I've just seen your new outdoor enclosure thread too and I would think the same risks apply for that too.

 

[symplestytches]

yup, i've got a chicken-wired cover that i'll be latching closed when i'm not there. we have too many hawks, herons, random animals coming by to risk him out there.

 

[Lyn W]

Cats least of your problem then!!

 

[symplestytches]

yup! that's what I get for living out in the boonies.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Never trust a cat.
They seem less harmful than dogs, but I would never chance it.
Only needs to happen once.