Newbie here, can you own a bearded dragon AND own a cat?

[Haleyk86]

My 12 year old daughter would like to have a bearded dragon as a pet, ideally a fully grown one. She has expressed interest in rescuing one. Not sure if that is even a thing, but my main concern is that we have a cat. The cat is a hunter and she likes to catch lizards and such. Does anyone on here have experience with owning a cat and a bearded dragon simultaneously?

 

[Sadie]

My 12 year old daughter would like to have a bearded dragon as a pet, ideally a fully grown one. She has expressed interest in rescuing one. Not sure if that is even a thing, but my main concern is that we have a cat. The cat is a hunter and she likes to catch lizards and such. Does anyone on here have experience with owning a cat and a bearded dragon simultaneously?

I have 5 cats --- all of which do not bother my dragons -- they sniff and walk away from them but I never leave them together unattended either - my dragons are on stands that are stand alone like a dresser that the cats cannot get to the top of the tanks -- they would haft to jump from the floor to get to the top of the tanks -- if your cat is a hunter then you would need to really keep an eye on the cat --- he would need to adapt to the dragon -- mine have and are pretty much not interested in the dragons- but like I said you would need to watch and not trust the cat either --- as far adopting a rescue they are out there but bare in mind if you adopt a rescue it may come w/ all kinds of health issues -- most due from lack of correct care and husbandry which is sad ---- please do research before getting a dragon you need the correct lighting in the tank for over all health of the dragon ---- that is the most important thing in the tank -- please ask for more assistance --- I can tell you NO coils for a UVB you want the long tube fixture --- and basking temps need to be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer NO stick ons they are inaccurate --- tank size for a full grown dragon should be 75-120 gallon tank --- 40 is minimum and I would not recommend that -- you will get a lot of glass surfing ---

 

[HoomanSlave]

It's perfectly fine to own both a lizard and a cat as long as you have room for both (beardies will need at least 4x2 feet of space), and the time and money to feed and care for them. Rescuing is an excellent idea-there are so many unwanted beardies out there that need loving homes. "Adopt, don't shop!" is a good rule for new pets unless the animal you're looking for is outrageously uncommon.

To keep the beardie safe from the cat, here are some precautions:

-Although you may see cute pictures of cats and reptiles cuddling, you never know when the cat may go from playing to attacking. Beardies and cats have very different methods of communication and playing, so they won't do well together.
-Get a secure screen top for your vivarium, or choose a model that uses ventilation grills instead of a screen top.
-Make sure the tank is off the ground and that the stand it is on is very sturdy.
-Consider getting a lock for the enclosure or weighing the lid down if your cat is very nosy.
-If possible, keep the lizard in a room the cat doesn't have access to.
-Get a secure, sturdy playpen to put the beardie in for cleaning and playtime. Don't allow the cat in the room during playtime.
-Get a cat collar with a bell if you haven't already


Here are links to great beardie supplies you can check out:

Food: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XIL8QA/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=ABBIRIYF6N3TO&psc=1 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014B87SQA/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ABBIRIYF6N3TO&psc=1 can make up most of the diet, but if the roaches are illegal where you live crickets are a good alternative. These two feeder types are the best you can provide, and both are lower maintenance and aren't as gross as crickets.

UVB light fixture: This one is good quality. The size you get should cover 70% of the enclosure. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AKKUD3Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Substrate: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z44PVQZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=AK8KODIOTRXHK&psc=1 or a similar product, just make sure it's non-adhesive. You can also use tile, a bioactive-friedly substrate, or paper towel.

Good YouTubers to watch for bearded dragon information are Wicken's Wicked Reptiles and Clint's Reptiles, there is a lot of misinformation out there and some bad pet YouTubers.

Good luck!

 

[Emilia Thuet]

Here’s a picture of my beardie and cat. Like yours mine is a hunter and goes after anything that moves. But with my lizards he’s at most sniffed them and have let them be. I think they can sense they are a pet as well and know not to hunt them.

 

[Bailey]

I wouldn't even chance it, just keep them away from each other at all costs.

I let my dog sniff my bearded dragon and all was good, but then he was on my shoulder and my dog jumped behind me out of no where and tried to snatch him right off my shoulder. Animals are just too unpredictable lol.