Cats and Chinchillas

bunnicula · 08-25-2007, 10:39 PM

Have any of you experienced any problems with having cats and chinchillas in the same house? Are there any specials considerations that should be made before introducing a cat into a house with a caged chinchilla?

Solarsis · 08-26-2007, 11:30 AM

I guess it would depend on the cat. I've heard of some owners keeping the chins in a completely cat-free area of the house because the cat was showing too much interest or the chins were nervous when the cat was around. Other times, I've heard of people having their cat roam freely without any issues.

Off the top of my head, I'm thinking Sue and Candice could share their experience about this since they both have cats and chins together.

Candycane · 08-26-2007, 02:13 PM

Our cats are mildly interested in the chinchillas...
They will look into the cages and observe but never go after the chinc.

Hazel was really good at flying toward the front of the cage when the cats came near. That was enough to make them back off. Our cats' prey drive isn't that strong and I think that's why they are okay with the chins. When I'm not home, I have no problem leaving the doors to the chins' rooms open.

suzoo · 08-26-2007, 05:56 PM

My cats have no interest in the chinchillas. With my foster kittens/cats I have to supervise them to be sure the chinchillas don't bite them through the bars. I've never fostered a cat that was aggressive with the chinchillas.. it was more or less the other way around.
I would recommend closing the new cat in a separate room while Buddy is out of his cage playing.. at least until you get an idea of how the cat will react.

Debbie · 08-27-2007, 04:49 PM

I have no problems with my cat, he even has a chin friend.
He sits on the deep freeze next to Jessies cage, and they paw at each other. Jessie will groom his clawless front paws, the cat is still not sure on that one.
If I take one out and show him he ussualy takes off.
One of the girls hates him and sprayed him. He will not go handy to her.
I would not trust him though,and never leave them alone together.
You never know when instinc will take over, or even chin would tear my cat apart.
But in the same house should not be a problem.

hawaiianchinnielover · 09-01-2007, 09:42 PM

I've never had problems with my cat and my chin. My cat is afraid of Peeper!

shadow2006 · 09-01-2007, 10:18 PM

I believe if I let shadow out around my cats that they might harm her. I am really not sure, I never would chance it. For the most part my 4 cats just sometimes watch her in the cage but that is about it. I believe they know they can't get her out