Do reef/ fish tanks and cats mix?

Rice Reef · #1 02-28-2012, 11:55 PM

I am considering getting a cute black kitten for my two boys but I am now concerned with the kitten may want to jump into the tank or go after the fish. Can anyone share of their experience, both good and bad and any suggestions if I do get the kitten?

Thanks
Wayne

Flash · #2 02-28-2012, 11:58 PM

i have lights on top of my tank and a screen cover! they sit on the arm of the couch and watch and tap the glass from time to time but that's about it

sphelps · #3 02-28-2012, 11:59 PM

It may jump in the tank once but it will never do it again after that. Mine only jumped in once but the tank say there empty for a few weeks and the cat got use to hanging out in it. Then when I started filling it the cat had a little swim but it got out just fine.

Honestly though my best advice, don't get a cat, they ruin your life and live forever.

makana · #4 02-29-2012, 12:01 AM

My cats can't reach my reef so its not a problem. It took me close to two years to realize that the reason my freshwater fish never lived more than a couple months was that the cat would sit next to the tank at bat at the fish all night long. I started putting a towel over the tank at night and didn't loose another fish for well over a year.

There are lots of videos out there of cats falling into open top tanks though. The trick is to have it tall enough that the cat can't jump on it, no room on the stand for the cat to use as a step, and no furniture next to the tank for the cat to jump from.

lockrookie · #5 02-29-2012, 12:01 AM

my cat just watches from the couch. if its something they are used to they pay no attention. just dontleave your fish aclimating on the floor without supervision

reefme · #6 02-29-2012, 12:17 AM

If fish ever jump out your cat will help you pick it up.

reefgirl189 · #7 02-29-2012, 12:21 AM

I think it depends on your cat.

Lazy Maine Coon probably not a problem.

Hyperactive Bengal may be curious and try to go fishing.

Most don't like to get wet.

I don't have a problem with my cat other than her trying to drink out of the ATO water. Simple lid solved that.

Coralgurl · #8 02-29-2012, 12:47 AM

My tank is in the kitchen/dining area beside a counter. Our cat will sit on the counter or a chair and watch the fish for hours, but has never tried to jump in. He's curious but doesn't seem to bother them. My new tank won't be as accessible but last night caught him standing on his hind legs trying to look in it. I've caught him drinking the top up water as well...lid is coming....lol

My dog only cares when something new is added and it's because he gets jealous the attention isn't on him.

Mrfish55 · #9 02-29-2012, 01:10 AM

I have 1 cat that could care less about the tank, the kitten stares at the tank but has yet to make a move, I was concerned about claws and the acrylic tank but I am shutting that down now and most likely cutting it up anyway so I'm not so worried now.

Coasting · #10 02-29-2012, 01:20 AM

I have 4 cats and none of them give a hoot about the fish tanks. With the stand my SW is 2 feet off the ground, beside the fireplace which has a 2ft wide ledge 1ft off the ground. Only the dog cares about the tanks, the most the youngest cat will do is put his 2 front paws on the fireplace ledge and sniff the QT tank that I have on the ledge. The FW tanks are in rooms the cats dont usually go in but are super accessable by them and they just dont care. The SW and FW tanks are however covered in dog snot. I have a egg crate top just incase a cat does decide to care