Is it attainable to have cats and guinea pigs in the identical home? How do you cat-proof a guinea pig enclosure?
You can hold pet cats and guinea pigs on the identical time, however it’s an enormous duty! It’s vital that the 2 by no means work together. Cat-proof your cage by including a lid and a mesh protecting if wanted, and hold the guinea pigs in a room the cat can’t enter.
In this text, we’ll focus on 9 suggestions and tips for retaining your cats away out of your guinea pigs so everybody can keep secure.
#1: Don’t Compromise on Size
Cages bought in pet shops could also be cat-safe, however they aren’t appropriate for guinea pigs as they’re far too small.
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The minimal quantity of house for 2 guinea pigs is 7.5 sq. toes–however most individuals agree that 10.5 sq. toes or bigger is finest, particularly for males.
Please don’t purchase a small hutch or pet retailer cage as, whereas these are sometimes cat-proof, they’re not appropriate for guinea pigs and received’t give them the house they should train correctly.
#2: Provide Adequate Ventilation
You’ll additionally need to be certain that the cage has sufficient air flow to your guinea pigs. They produce a number of ammonia as a result of they’re continually pooping and peeing. Ammonia build-up within the cage can result in dangerous smells and, most significantly, may cause lethal higher respiratory infections or pneumonia in guinea pigs.
Poor air circulation may also be a reason behind heatstroke in piggies. Ideally, their cages shouldn’t have stable sides–a C&C cage is an ideal instance of what to search for.
#3: Make a Lid From C&C Grids
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Plenty of individuals with cats or different animals make lids for his or her C&C cages utilizing spare grids. This is a simple and low-cost strategy to hold your piggies secure.
Be positive to zip-tie your C&C grids collectively in order that the lid and cage maintain as much as your cat’s antics. We suggest utilizing a minimum of two zip ties every time you connect two grids collectively (one on every finish).
#4: Buy a Lid for Your Midwest Guinea Pig Cage
The Midwest is well-known as one of many solely cages bought in pet shops that meets the minimal measurement necessities for guinea pigs. If you have already got one or are fascinated by switching, they do promote lids to completely match the cage as effectively.
#5: Cover the Sides of the Cage with Mesh
If your cat is sufficient within the guinea pigs to succeed in by the bars or grids with their paws, protecting the perimeters with mesh is a superb resolution. It maintains correct air flow whereas not leaving massive openings for sneaky kitty paws!
There are a wide range of choices on the market, together with window screening and {hardware} material. Hardware material would be the sturdier possibility for particularly cussed felines.
#6: Purchase Locks for Cage Doors
Locking the cage doorways can hold good kitties from breaking in. This additionally helps if in case you have kids at home and are frightened about them opening the cage with out your information.
#7: Keep Your Guinea Pigs’ Cage Off the Floor
Putting your guinea pigs’ cage on a desk can assist hold them from the cats, particularly if the cage covers your entire desk. Most cats do prefer to climb, however this prevents them from with the ability to sit proper beside the cage and trigger mischief. (They’ll nonetheless be capable to climb on prime in the event that they really need, although, so make certain it’s safe!)
#8: Keep the Guinea Pigs in a Closed Room
Your guinea pigs ought to be stored in a room that may be closed off to your cat once you can not supervise them. Even with the above precautions, you’ll be able to’t be too cautious. Keeping predator and prey animals in the identical family may be very harmful, and it’s our duty to maintain them secure!
#9: Never Allow Cats and Guinea Pigs to Interact
Guinea pigs and cats could also be interested by each other, however it’s finest that they by no means work together with each other.
©Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com
Cats and guinea pigs don’t belong collectively. Not within the cage, not throughout flooring time, and never when you’re cuddling them in your lap.
While some cats have low prey drives and don’t appear fascinated with hurting guinea pigs, even an accident or a playful swipe may cause nice harm. Cats’ mouths and claws are filled with micro organism that may trigger lethal infections, even from only a small scratch.
We additionally must do not forget that cats are predators by nature. There have been many circumstances the place they appear superb with piggies or different prey animals, solely to at some point attack.
Guinea Pig Floor Time with Cats
So, how do you give your guinea pigs flooring time when you’ve gotten cats? There are two choices right here: shut the cat in one other room, reminiscent of a bed room. Or, do the identical for the guinea pigs.
By retaining a closed door between the 2, you’ll be able to relaxation assured your piggies are secure. Even in the event you get distracted by one thing else, want to make use of the lavatory, or are in any other case preoccupied!
The picture featured on the prime of this submit is © StineMah/Shutterstock.com
