Intro

[Jenn16]

Hello I am from Alberta in Canada. I do not own a tortoise yet but I am hoping to own one soon. I have been doing lots of research into them lately. I have always been fascinated with them, I think they are just so cool. I do have cats though and one is very active and all over the place. With the bacteria they carry can they cause harm to myself or my cats? I have already read a bunch of stuff for beginning with tortoises but any extra info. or ideas would be great!

 

[mctlong]

Welcome to the forum!

I assume you're referring to salmonella? As long as you clean up after your torts and wash your hands if you come into contact with their feces, then they're not going to make you or your cats sick - Same precautions you'd take with any animal.

What kind of tortoise were you interested in getting?

 

[Jenn16]

I am looking into getting a russian tort. I do not want one that will get too large. And thank you that is what I meant and that is very helpful.

 

[mctlong]

Good choice! I love Russians! My favorite species by far.

Have you had a chance to read through the Russian tortoise section of this forum? Lots of good info there:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/forum-81.html

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Jenn:

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Jenn welcome to the RFO from AZ

 

[Instinct]

Welcome to the forum!

I wouldn't worry too much about your future tort spreading any bacteria or diseases to your cats. Just be sure to wash your hands after cleaning and handling and you should be just fine.

 

[Zamric]

Jen, Welcome to the Forum!



Sulcatas ROCK!

 

[Jacqui]

Jenn welcome to TFO! Russians are nice tortoises, especially to start with. I think you may have to worry more about the cats then the tortoise. Cats just love to get into tortoise enclosures and lay under the lights with their warmth..... problem is hair can catch on fire, so keep in mind having a good lid. Then too, there is the cats' habit of using the tortoise enclosure as a large litter box.