5 things cat lovers should know before keeping fish

This article first appeared on iCatCare over here.

If you want to keep an aquarium at home with your cat, this article will teach you what you need to know about keeping them safe.

In this article, you’ll learn about some of the behaviors that could indicate a problem between your cat and your fish, the reasons behind them, and what you can do to keep your pets safe and happy in their home.

Despite mainstream pop culture narratives, cats and fish can coexist peacefully in the same house. However, the fact remains that cats are predators And fish are some of their natural prey. As such, there is potential for conflict, which can result in harm to both animals if not properly managed and prevented. Fortunately, these conflicts are easy to understand with basic knowledge of cat and fish behaviors, and easy to prevent with a few simple and thoughtful precautions.

1. Certain types of fish will attract your cat more than others. As hunters in low light conditions, often at dawn and dusk, cats need to see movement more than anything, so while their night vision is excellent, as far as we can tell, they have very limited color vision. As far as the fish is concerned, this means that choosing fish that are brightly colored or paler won’t make much difference to your cat, but how they move will. small, fast-moving fish, such as guppies or goldfish; those that move in groups or shallow water, such as tetras; Or just a very active fish like red tail sharkCat’s eye is more likely to attract catfish, shrimp, or slow-moving snails. Reservoirs with a high flow rate or lots of floating, wavy plants may be more attractive to cats; The sound of running water, as well as the visual movement, are likely to catch their attention
   
2. A blanket or blanket is the easiest way to make your cat lose interest in an aquarium. As discussed above, seeing the movement of a fish tank is a big part of what gets a cat’s attention. You can eliminate the temptation almost entirely by covering the sink with a cover, blanket, or dark cloth when you are not there to watch your cat. Just make sure the cap you use fits the tank properly and doesn’t hang down where your cat can reach and play with.
   
3. Your cat can hurt your fish without touching it. Fish, like humans, are highly susceptible to stress, which in turn can have serious negative consequences for their health. Humans may relieve their stress by staring at a fish tank, but a cat staring at the tank all day will be a major source of stress for your fish. If they are allowed to tap the glass or sit on the tank cap, it will double the pressure. You can tell your fish to be nervous if they are hiding more often, not eating, becoming lethargic, swimming in strange or unfamiliar patterns, or generally behaving in unusual or unfamiliar ways. Chronic stress can also weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to serious illnesses like Ich. If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, first check the water parameters to make sure there is no problem with the fish. If this isn’t the problem, consider setting up a camera to see if your cat is bothering them when you’re not around.
   
4. Fish tanks can be dangerous to cats if not properly set up and maintained. Fish tanks are large and heavy, especially when they are full of water. Falling off an aquarium can easily be fatal to a cat. Place your sink on a sturdy stand, away from other furniture your cat could use to jump on. Remove the wires for any filters, lights, or other electronic devices, so your cat can’t play with them and accidentally pull the tank down. Additionally, although your cat may like running water, aquarium water is not safe to drink, and the tank should be covered with a lid for both your fish and your cat.
   
5. A happy, reactive cat is unlikely to disturb an aquarium. If you can find activities to keep your cat’s sanity and hunting instincts in check, she will be too busy for the fish tank. This may be Food puzzles, traditional cat toys, more human playOr even setting them up to watch TV or look out the window.

It is easy and unexpected for cats and fish to get into a fight; They are in nature, and still are animals. However, a cautious owner can easily prevent these conflicts with some thoughtful planning. You can’t train your pets’ instincts, but you can make them manageable.