Cat And Fish

Hello Fishloreans. It's been a while since I've come here to consult the extensive knowledge you fine fish folk. I originally got my betta fish, Scurvy, while I was in the process of looking for a place to move figuring if the place I find won't even allow a fish as a pet it's not worth moving to. Well after about a year of caring for my little bundle of energy and wiggles I've finally found a place and it does allow one small animal as a pet (fish apparently do not count toward this number). I decided on adopting a cat. The main problem is the place is a very small studio style apartment, and I am scared how the cat might take to Scurvy.

She's not in the most secure of tanks. It's a 5 gallon Marineland Nook 5 with a very loose fitting plastic lid and nothing over the feeding hole (I've been laying a piece of plastic mesh over it to prevent potential jump outs). Is there anything I can do to help keep her safe besides putting the tank up high? That would make water changes a nightmare. I was considering finding a table or stand that only fits the size of the tank so there would be no standing or jumping room for the cat, but it'd still need to be far from other jumping points in case they decide the lid looks like a nice spot to land.

My agent is giving me a 20 gallon tank for free that another client of hers couldn't move with, but 20 gallons is large for this small living quarters, and I don't know the condition I'll be receiving it in.

 

This could be no problem, but it really depends on the nature of the cat. My cat sat right in front of my betta’s tank for a few minutes then never payed it any attention again, I suppose it got bored! I don’t think it could be a problem, if you can introduce the cat to the fish and see how it reacts you may have a better idea of how it would act. If not, the you could put something over the top of your tank’s lid (for example, several bottles such as water conditioner weighing down the lid), as this would make it tricky for the cat to get to the fish. Best wishes

 

That's actually a very good idea. Thank you for your input. I've also taped the little plastic food hole cover down in the past and could do that too in case the cat gets a little paw-y. I'll take it slow and watch how it goes.

 

I have lots of tanks with no lids and my cat just isn't bothered despite being very predatory and brings in mice and birds every other day.
Other than putting the tank up high you could also make a diy lid that opens and closes with your current plastic lid by adding adhesive hinges and a lock (kind of like the ones used for glass vivariums) at least then there would be no chance of the cat getting their paws under to take the lid off.

 

It very much depends on the cats....but also on the fish

I have an open 2.5 gallon that was the exit plan for a female Betta who was too vicious for my sorority. My cats drink from it, for all that I put it on top of a book shelf. The cats don’t bother the Betta and she doesn’t bother them
I considered moving her to a bigger tank, but the female cat seems to have adopted her, and gets upset any time I handle the tank lol. I’d have to take her out of the room to put her on a bigger tank

I once had goldfish and a kitten, and he put his paw in the tank....the goldfish tried to eat him!

The thing with Bettas.....chances are, if a cat is poking around in the tank, chances are it won’t be taken kindly and that cat will get pecked. Which take it from Midnight is scary lol

All of that said, I suggest adding such things as tunnels and caves. Some leafy plants and other hiding places so that your Betta can get out of the cats way until it gets bored.

You can take your tank measurements to home hardware and ask them to cut you a plexiglass sheet as a lid. I got a lid and 3 divider for about $7per item

 

Those are all very good suggestions. It's reassuring to hear that your cats don't bother the fish very much, and I know my betta would easily defend herself if she ever felt threatened.