One of the challenges of owning small, caged pets like guinea pigs is the fear that the larger, predatory pets in the house may get to them somehow. As pet owners, we try our best to keep all our beloved animals safe from harm’s way.
Some cats may pay no mind to their guinea pig housemates, but others may not be able to fight off that predatory drive that is common in these tiny, natural-born hunters. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to add some more security to your guinea pig’s cage to minimize the risk of an unfortunate encounter.
Top 5 Ways to Cat-Proof a Guinea Pig Cage:
1. Pick the Right Cage
First and foremost, you will want to pick a sturdy and secure cage, to begin with. You may have to spend a little extra for a high-quality cage, but it is well worth it. Opting for a lower-priced, flimsy cage can have catastrophic consequences. Not only do you have to worry about your guinea pig getting out, but you must worry about other pets getting in.
Search for a cage that cannot be easily penetrated by wandering cat paws. You will also want one sturdy enough to hold the weight of your cat (or any other pet) if they choose to climb on top to try and get them. Some more aggressive cats may even try to destroy the cage to get to their prey, so you need a cage that can withstand another animal trying to break in.
In addition to being strong and sturdy, make sure the doors on the cage close very securely so that your kitty can pry it open easily. Cats are intelligent and inquisitive creatures that should not be underestimated.
2. Purchase a Pet-Proofing Kit
Just like with babies, you can find pet-proofing kits online or in your local pet store. These kits are designed to keep your pets out of things they shouldn’t be getting into in the first place. Many of these kits come with a variety of items that work for different areas of the home. You may be able to work this kit to your advantage and cat-proof your guinea pigs cage by adding that extra security to the doors.
3. Try a Mesh Security Cover
Mesh security covers are sold online and at pet stores. They are typically made from lightweight nylon material or something similar and act as a screen for the cage. By securing one of these covers over top of the guinea pig cage, you can rest assured your cat’s paws will have no way of fitting through the slats in the cage.
With these mesh covers, you will need to be wary of how close the material is to your guinea pig’s reach, you do not want them having access to chewing on the material, as that could warrant a veterinary visit.
4. Zip Tie the Openings
Some cats will stop at nothing to try and open little critter cages. A lot of these cages are designed so that it is easy and convenient to pop the cage open to either get your pet out or put something inside. What you want to avoid is your cat figuring out how to pop that door open themselves. Try securing the doors on each side by placing zip ties securely around the bars.
This may be an inconvenient way to cat-proof the cage, as you’ll undoubtedly have to keep a stock of zip ties so that you can keep getting into and out of the cage, but it’s a good way to ensure extra security if you have a cage door that is questionable, it will even buy you time to provide your guinea pig with a more secure cage.
5. Keep Your Guinea Pig Away from Other Pets
The best way to ensure your guinea pig’s safety is by preventing an incident in the first place. The most surefire way to cat-proof your guinea pig’s cage is to keep the cage in an area that is completely off-limits to your kitties.
Either place the guinea pig cage out of your cat’s reach or place it in a room or other area in the house that other pets have no access to. You do not want to seclude your guinea pig cage away from all interaction, so make sure it’s an area you will frequent so that they do not become isolated.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Guinea Safe
Keep Pets Away When You Let the Guinea Pig Out
When it’s time for one-on-one interaction with your guinea pig and you plan to take them out of their cage, make sure you lock all the other animals out of that room. Your guinea pig needs to be able to roam around freely in a safe, secure space outside of the cage. Leaving the door open for your cat or other pets to have access is a recipe for disaster. Even pets that have no desire to harm your guinea pig could accidentally hurt them. This also keeps your guinea pig safe from escaping into other parts of the house and becoming lost.
Always Supervise the Guinea Pig When Out of the Cage
You should never leave your guinea pig unsupervised when they are out of their cage. These small animals can be skittish and move quickly, you don’t want to risk them escaping or coming across any of the larger pets in the home. Make sure you always ensure there is someone to supervise their free-roaming time and then securely lock them back in their cage when it’s over.
Provide Hiding Places in Your Guinea Pigs Cage
Guinea pigs are prey animals in the wild and those instincts stand true for the domesticated pet versions. These little creatures can stress out very easily, so you absolutely need to provide them with a large enough hide for them to feel safe and secure. This is recommended whether you have other pets or not. They need a place to escape from danger (or perceived danger) to keep their stress to a minimum. The more hiding places, the better.
Make Sure Your Guinea Pig Has Enough Space
Providing a spacious cage for your guinea pig will give them enough room to roam around without their cage frequently to get extra exercise. The cage is the safest place for your guinea pig, and they spend much of their life in there, so you want it to be accommodating, spacious and comfortable. It is recommended that each guinea pig gets at least two square feet of space.
Make Sure All the Humans Know the Rules
Once you have a strong cage and have all cat or other pet proofing in place, make sure the whole family is aware of the rules for keeping your guinea pig safe. All members of the family and anyone that will interact with your guinea pig need to know how to properly secure the cage and ensure the best ways to keep them safe when they have them out interacting with them.
Additional Information
Conclusion
If you are a cat owner that is thinking about bringing a new guinea pig into your home or are already dealing with a mischievous cat trying to get into your pet guinea pig’s cage, there is hope. Give these cat-proofing tips a try and even implement some extra safety tips to keep your home harmonious and all your pets safe.
Featured Image: Dantyya, Shutterstock
