Last Updated on October 7, 2022 by ellen
Sugar gliders are such cute-looking tiny animals, aren’t they? Many of us want them as pets. But, can you have a sugar glider with a cat?
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Why not? A pocket-sized pal would be fun to own!
But sugar gliders are not that easy to have at home. They have specific habits, dietary requirements, and living preferences. And what if you happen to already have pets at home? Will your cat like a sugar glider as a housemate?
Table of Contents
Can You Have a Sugar Glider with a Cat?
Animal instincts are hard to overcome, even if the animal has been domesticated for a long time. Without proper understanding and knowledge, bringing a sugar glider into a home with cats (or even dogs) is a risky move.
The ultimate answer is yes; you can have a sugar glider with a cat. The two species can coexist in your home if you take all the required safety measures.
Any time you decide to bring home a new pet, you should be careful about how the existing ones would react, and the new one would respond.
What you need to know about Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are marsupials and are considered exotic pets. Those large ears, sparkling eyes, inquisitive nose, and tiny squirrel-like body make them high on everyone’s wish list. These are nocturnal creatures and live in groups, so you’ll want to adopt more than one.
Do you know why they are called sugar gliders? These little buddies love sugary foods.
Plus, they glide through the air. Think of a flying squirrel. Not just that, all the sugar they eat gives them loads of energy.
Sugar gliders are super active animals! Leave them out, and they’ll crawl all over the place. Put them in the cage, and they’ll be climbing over the walls and bars.
These cuties make an adorable picture, don’t they? But this activity can put them at risk from other pets if you are not alert.
Cats + energetic sugar gliders = danger
This is hardly surprising, isn’t it? Unless you have an old and lazy cat that doesn’t even bother to move from its place throughout the day, leaving a sugar glider running around can be dangerous.
A small furry animal, an active one like a sugar glider, can bring out the buried hunting instincts in cats. Animals, as such, have peculiar smells that attract their predators and prey.
With sugar gliders emitting a strong (and foul) smell, it is easy for a cat to spot it in any corner of the room.
Cages are Compulsory
Sugar gliders live in tree hollows with their families. They like it nice, warm, and cozy. If you are going to bring home sugar gliders, you absolutely need to get their cages.
These cages have been designed to create a safe haven for your teeny pets. The cages also have spill-catchers built into them as sugar gliders pee and poop anywhere. Yep, even on you.
Also, other pets cannot get into the cages and attack these little furry cuties. Don’t be startled if you find your cat sitting near the cage all day and watching the sugar glider run around in a frenzy.
Socialization, Interaction, and Friendship
Slowly introduce the sugar glider to your cat and allow them both the time to get used to each other’s presence. Stay alert.
If you feel either of the animals started to get spooked, cut short the introduction, and keep them away from each other. Soothe the pet and let it rest before planning another session.
It will take time for a pet to accept another at home. It’s going to be no different in the case of sugar gliders and cats. Be patient and give your pets the time and space to trust each other.
Don’t let the sugar glider out of the cage with the car around, especially during the first few days.
Conclusion
If you take time to understand your cat’s temperament and the living habits of a sugar glider, it shouldn’t be much of an issue with keeping them together at home.
Just remember that sugar gliders thrive in their own company and can get depressed if they are alone or lonely.
So, can you keep a chinchilla and cats?
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.