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Is a gerbil tank with cage topper a bad idea with cats?

8 replies

Ozzie9523 · 23/06/2021 16:07

Hi we’re getting two gerbils and are looking at enclosures. We have two cats and it won’t be possible to keep them out of the room the cage will be in. I’ve found an enclosure called Eco Living Habitat which is completely enclosed with a wood ventilated top which the cats wouldn’t be able to open and it would handle the weight of a cat if they were to jump on it. But I’ve also found another cage called the Falco 100 which is a huge glass base with a cage topper. Someone nearby is selling one and they are really expensive to buy new (and hard to find). Very heavy and solid so I’m fairly sure the cats couldn’t push it over but are bars a good idea, would a cat try to get to the gerbils through it? I don’t know how my cats are going to react to them, I’m hoping they’re just interested rather than intent on getting hold of them. Both the enclosures are very large, 100 x 50 x 75 for the Falco and 100 x 60 x 60 for the Eco. The Eco is a wood base but I’d seal it beforehand and maybe use a liner. I’m leaning towards the Eco but do like the idea of being able to see/interact with them through the topper and possibly also nicer for them to get fresh air? Or are gerbils not worried about that as they love burrowing?! Thanks for any advice

OP posts:
Ozzie9523 · 23/06/2021 16:07

Here are the two cages, both a similar size

Is a gerbil tank with cage topper a bad idea with cats?
Is a gerbil tank with cage topper a bad idea with cats?
OP posts:
TokyoSushi · 23/06/2021 16:10

We had a cage the same as the one with the house with the red roof. Absolutely horrible ending, don't do it!

dryersheep · 23/06/2021 16:17

Would the small prey animal gerbils not spend their lives in terror of the cats? Even if they aren't that intent on getting them? Their smell and being aware they are around and not able to escape - would this not be a huge stress?

Speaking as a cat owner. Who had hamsters when younger when I didn't have cats.

My cat eats gerbil sized creatures weekly. I think he'd consider a caged one a fun gift wrapped snack.

TheQueenOfTheNight · 23/06/2021 16:20

The gerbils will spend their lives in fear - as would any prey animal in this scenario. If you can't keep the cats out of the room then the gerbils will suffer immense stress.

ViperAtTheGatesOfDawn · 23/06/2021 16:28

The one with the wood top is nowhere near deep enough for gerbils.

Ozzie9523 · 23/06/2021 16:30

It’s 60cm deep which is the same as the glass area in the other enclosure

OP posts:
dryersheep · 23/06/2021 17:12

Gerbils burrow down about half a metre in the wild. Little tunnels everywhere.

Aquamarine1029 · 23/06/2021 17:17

If you can't keep your cats away from them, don't get gerbils. It would be horribly unfair to the little things. They will be in terror all the time.

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