Hamsters and Cats? - Page 2

CoolcatNatNat44 · 04-12-2011, 07:14 AM

I have had 4 cats in my house (now 3 R.I.P Biscuit) and none of them bothered my hamster at all..... even if they are in the same room they dont even look at it....

Pomegranate · 04-12-2011, 07:18 AM

I would definitely move your hammy into your room and keep it a cat-free zone, with the door closed. I'm sure there are cats and hamsters that get along well, but given the cat's natural instincts, I wouldn't chance it.

Sammybingo · 04-13-2011, 04:15 PM

Well, subject to the buildings management companies decision of whether we are allowed a cat here (I'll be disgruntled, nay, furious if not - lots of the flats in here have dogs, and they don't clean up their poops by the front door and stuff! RAH! So a house-cat isn't going to be a problem), we are going to bring Oliver over for an evening or something, while Chewy is active, and closely monitor them, see how they get along. Then I can make arrangements accordingly. If I was a cat, Chewy's cage would be a pretty cool place to sit on top of and survey the lounge. But we shall see!

The idea was suggested that I keep Chewy's baby cage (Mini Duna) in here as a play cage for him to visit in an evening and have Chewy's HH in my bedroom. But I have a million health issues that affect my sleep and it wouldn't be cool for me at all. This time we have in the evenings is precious to me, I think if he was in my room all night I'd never sleep for watching him! And I think it would be far too disruptive for him, even if he appears not to care when he is shifted about and visits other people.

I wouldn't want to ask Oliver to stay in the other rooms of the flat while we are not in here, I think as he is an indoors kitty (he has FIV) he should be able to enjoy his empire (I think he might love the balcony - outdoors, but an outdoors he can't get away from, so he can sun himself and get air but not be infectious to others). Apart from my bedroom and the bathroom - cat allergy lady has to keep a safe place

I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. A new housemate who loves animals is brilliant, but nerve wracking, I've always just been left to it where pets are concerned! x

PS. Sorry for babbling, I think part of this thread, as well as your smashing words of advice, is me just thinking out loud!

CharlotteHamster · 04-13-2011, 04:21 PM

Charlotte Hamster is our elderly girl and we have 4 cats.. two of which are kittens.. the two older cats dont bother, but the kittens are bemused by her and will spend ages sitting at side of her cage watching her..

They go up to her cage and just sit there till they get bored and off they toddle off.. however at end of day, they are cats and you never know..

Charlotte lives in our bedroom which is closed to all pets during the day.. wouldnt take the chance as i would be devasted if my fluff was hurt.. but they have never pawed at the cage just look at her...

Debbie · 04-14-2011, 01:01 PM

We have 2 cats and they too don't show any interest in any hammies we have had. The ham cages are in the spare room where one of the cat's also sleeps and when we have the hamsters out the cats can be close by but not be bothered, in fact they have been known to run away! I guess the thing is all cats are different and will therefore react in different ways so you have no idea how this cat will behave until it is faced with the actual situation so I think having a 'play date' is a great idea! Hope all goes well.

Sammybingo · 04-14-2011, 02:20 PM

Chaps, I have fab news - I have pet agreements from the management company of the building to sign! I can have as many pets as I like here now haha. I knew living in a fancy pants development would be a pain in the butt one day though. I also found out from them I have a car parking space, which tragically, I'm equally excited about since the council went beserk and covered all of Hulme in double yellows a few weeks ago.

So yay! We are planning a play date (hehe, nice turn of phrase Debbie!) for Monday evening. Will try Olli mooching around the flat, on the balcony, and finally, if all goes well, during Chewy's play time. I really don't want to move his cage, so fingers crossed. I think Chew quite likes me being sat on the arm chair by his cage, he comes out of his nest and snoozes al fresco when I am here.. so yes, fingers crossed!

Thanks tons guys

x

Christmas_hamster · 04-15-2011, 02:59 PM

I haven't read through the whole thread but I would never trust any cat near any rodents. You never know when instinct will kick in, even for the most laid back kitter. And besides the added stress of a predator isn't a very welcome thing for a hamster.

That being said I do have four cats, they just aren't aloud in my room where the hamster cage is.

Sammybingo · 04-18-2011, 03:23 PM

Well, as Chewy seemed to improve and return to himself tonight, my new soon-to-be housemate and her cat called round. Oli was quite funny, walking around like he owned the place. Took him a while to notice Chewy, and when he did, he watched him a little, hissed at him and ran away. Chewy being Chewy, he didn't care. Later on, Oli sat by Chewys cage watching him with great interest. Chewy, again being the muppet he is, went to his "I want to come out and play spot" and made his "Let me out" signals at Oli. I think it's safe to say so long as Oli behaves and doesn't bat at Chew, they will be fine. If anything, Oli was more concerned! Chewy didn't care and appears to think he has a new pal. When Chew had ball time, if he ran towards Oli, Oli ran away.

Oli eventually settled down for a snooze - under Chewy's cage. Part of me thinks they will be fine, part of me thinks I still wouldn't like to leave them alone. Eurgh. But I'm pleased with how it went, really!

Crazy Lady · 04-18-2011, 04:20 PM

It really depends on the cats. My cats all use to be good with my rodents and my youngest cat use to sleep in the hammocks with my rats but then I started to breed feeder mice and my two females ate a hole in their cage and got out and my youngest cat ate them so now my cats try to eat my hamster when he is out but are fine when he is in his cage.

Redame · 04-19-2011, 02:57 AM

Seems like it is going to be fine. In my parents home we had 2 guinea pigs, a rat, and 3 cats. The guinea pigs were loved by the cats, certainly for the fact that the cats loved sitting INSIDE their cages. The rat was watched out for, eventhough he was a jolly chap. They would look at him, yes, but touch him? Naaaaahh!