Screen lid? Cat found the dragon

[KrissyLeigh]

So our cat finally noticed Skittles, even though we got the cat months ago and Skittles (beardie) has been here the whole time. Ever since he found him yesterday he has been OBSESSED - he will sit on top of the cage, stare at Skittles, and meow for over an hour at a time. I have no way to keep him out of the room.

How worried should I be about his weight breaking through the screen? The screen is the kind that folds in the middle, so it has a little more support because it is 2 small frames instead of one large one. It is the more durable firm mesh, not the flexible mesh. I think it will be ok for now but I worry it might give way soon. Thoughts? Experiences?

I don't really have any doors where I live, so I can't close Skittles off. And he seems unamused but unpurterbed by the whole thing.

 

[Jacqui Gibson]

I have found with my cats that the tops last a lot longer, if the cat is not jumping on to the lid. That being said, the lids do have a shorter life span around cats. Usually, if you check the lid often, you will see it as it starts to break down, but before it becomes an issue.

Homemade ones can be a lot stronger, if you have the ability to make one.

 

[Jacqui Gibson]

I might mention the bigger problem for me, is the lights getting knocked off. I also bungee cord the tanks to the stands, because the cats can bump them until they get moved, too.

Glad your bearded is not stressed by the cat

Also are you trying to get the cat to leave him alone by doing things like spraying the cat with a water bottle? Or just letting things be?

 

[PatsyB]

One thing I did with my cat was I put tape on top of the lid. It wasn't pretty and we did it for a month or 2, but I attached tape sticky side out, from the top of the tank to the shelf. She quickly realized she couldn't get up there without getting tape on her. The other thing I did you got to think outside of the box on this one, I learned she was interested more in the fact that there were bugs running around the tank. So I gave her a spot to sit next to the tank where she could lay and watch the bugs. Now you know your cat best, my cat was curious but she wasn't a cat that chased things to kill and eat and that included bugs so I knew that she wasn't out to hurt . When I would feed the dragons I included her, I would have her go with me to the basement to pick out the crickets and she would come back up with me and sit in her spot next to the tank and she would watch me put the crickets in the tank. She would paw at the crickets through the glass, it was almost like she was telling Dexter where they were and to come get them. Eventually she grew bored and stopped trying to get on the tank.

 

[KrissyLeigh]

I might mention the bigger problem for me, is the lights getting knocked off. I also bungee cord the tanks to the stands, because the cats can bump them until they get moved, too.

Glad your bearded is not stressed by the cat

Also are you trying to get the cat to leave him alone by doing things like spraying the cat with a water bottle? Or just letting things be?

Can you describe that type of homemade lid would be stronger?

He hasn't messed with or bumped the lights at all, he is pretty careful. But If I could find a way to keep him off it I would - I don't think spraying is effective at all, it just reaches him the things he can't do when I'm around. He does whatever he wants been we are sleeping or not home. When he gets the German Shepard going it looks like there was a frat party in the house. Sigh.

 

[KrissyLeigh]

One thing I did with my cat was I put tape on top of the lid. It wasn't pretty and we did it for a month or 2, but I attached tape sticky side out, from the top of the tank to the shelf. She quickly realized she couldn't get up there without getting tape on her. The other thing I did you got to think outside of the box on this one, I learned she was interested more in the fact that there were bugs running around the tank. So I gave her a spot to sit next to the tank where she could lay and watch the bugs. Now you know your cat best, my cat was curious but she wasn't a cat that chased things to kill and eat and that included bugs so I knew that she wasn't out to hurt . When I would feed the dragons I included her, I would have her go with me to the basement to pick out the crickets and she would come back up with me and sit in her spot next to the tank and she would watch me put the crickets in the tank. She would paw at the crickets through the glass, it was almost like she was telling Dexter where they were and to come get them. Eventually she grew bored and stopped trying to get on the tank.

Thanks Patsy! It's funny you suggest that, because when I am doing my morning feedings I have to give him a leaf because he will bother the heck out of me trying to get into them, and at night feedings I give him a sacrificial dubia so he will leave me in peace. The benefit though is that he has become quite the roach hunter! And then he eats them. Even the nasty house roaches.

I'm hoping he also eventually gets bored, especially since Skittles is pretty inactive (read: lazy hahaha). If it looks like the tank lid is degrading I may have to try the tape trick. I've also heard suran wrap and foil are effective, but I tried the foil trick and it did nothing.

 

[Jacqui Gibson]

Foil never worked here. The plastic wrap with mine, would be considered a playtoy. They love plastics. Lol

 

[Hdrydr31]

I agree with the above comments: fortunately that screen is pretty sturdy so hopefully the interest will wear off. I spray one of mine with a water bottle..I think worst case screen gives way and well you know where that is going next best case it just knocks the lights off costing you money replacing..

 

[xxlissydollxx]

I've never had an issue with my cats on the screen usually they sit next to the tank, but i found that I let snowball out with both cats under supervision, he does his dominance dance and now they are bored of him. Maybe try introducing them? My cats are super chill though