My Siamese cat, Robyn, seems fascinated by our home aquarium. I used to worry that she might harm the fish or try to jump into the tank. But Robyn has zero interest in harming the fish, to my surprise. She has spent hours watching the fish swim in their peaceful little world.
This got me thinking: is this just a quirk of Robyn’s, or do Siamese cats, in general, have an affinity for aquariums?
This article will explore this question and share my observations and insights. Let’s dive in!
Is it Good for Siamese Cats to Have an Aquarium?
Siamese cats are natural hunters. They have a strong instinct to stalk and pounce. This means they may see your aquarium as an opportunity to catch themselves a snack.
But don’t let that discourage you from having an aquarium! Here are ways to ensure your cat and fish coexist peacefully:
- Make sure your aquarium is secure. You don’t want your cat accidentally knocking it over or having easy access. A sturdy stand or table can keep it in place.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior around the aquarium. It’s important to redirect their attention from the tank if they’re pawing at the glass.
One technique that has worked for me is providing my cat with a designated play area away from the aquarium. I keep her favorite toys and scratching posts nearby. She has a specific place to release her hunting instincts that way.
- Educate yourself on the types of fish and plants safe for your Siamese cat. Certain fish or plants may be toxic, so research before bringing them home.
Will a Siamese Cat Mess With a Fish Tank?
Siamese cats are known for being active and curious. They love to explore and are not afraid to take risks. But that doesn’t mean they will mess with your fish tank. It all depends on your cat’s personality and level of curiosity.
Some Siamese cats may not even pay attention to the fish tank. Others might sit and watch the fish swim by without trying to catch them.
Note that not all Siamese cats are the same. Some might lose interest quickly, and some become fixated on the tank. It’s up to us owners to make sure our cats are safe, and our fish are unharmed.
Why Do Siamese Cats Like to Watch Fish in the Aquarium?
Here are some exciting reasons why Siamese cats adore watching fish:
- Siamese cats have a natural instinct to hunt. They would observe and stalk their prey in the wild before pouncing on them. This instinct has been ingrained in Siamese cats for generations. It is still very much present within them, even as domesticated pets. Watching fish swim in an aquarium triggers their hunting instinct. It also brings out their playful and curious nature.
- Siamese cats are captivated by the movements of the fish. How they move around, gliding through the water, can mesmerize cats. It’s like watching a real-life motion picture before their eyes.
You can see their pupils dilate, and their ears perk up when the fish start to swim about.
- Watching fish in an aquarium has a calming effect on Siamese cats. It’s like how watching a fire or listening to soft music can be soothing for humans. Watching fish helps them relax and de-stress. This is crucial for indoor cats who may not have access to outdoor spaces.
- The bright colors and patterns of the fish are visually stimulating for Siamese cats. The way the light reflects off the scales and the fish move through the water is fascinating to our felines. It’s like a changing work of art!
- Siamese cats are curious creatures. Their innate curiosity kicks in when they see fish swimming in an aquarium. The fascination with fish in Siamese cats is not limited to aquariums. Siamese cats have been known to watch fish in rivers, lakes, and even on TV screens!
How Do I Cat Proof My Aquarium?
Here are some easy steps you can take to cat-proof your aquarium:
- Secure the location: Consider placing your tank in a room where your cat doesn’t spend much time. This can be a spare bedroom or an office. There’s less chance of unwanted incidents if your cat can’t physically access the aquarium. Avoid placing it on low shelves or near areas your cat likes to climb.
- Cover the aquarium: This is the most effective way to prevent your cat from sticking its paws or head into the tank. Many options are available, from glass lids to custom-fit mesh covers.
- Add a barrier around the aquarium: Consider adding a barrier to prevent your cat from getting too close to the tank. You can use baby gates, acrylic screens, or a DIY enclosure around the aquarium. Make sure the barrier is sturdy enough to withstand your cat’s antics.
- Distract your cat: Provide your cat with other fun toys and activities to keep them less interested in the aquarium. A scratching post or interactive toys are a great way to redirect their attention.
I was sitting in our living room one day, watching our Siamese cat, Batman, as he watched the fish in our aquarium. His eyes were glued to their every movement.
I noticed that he leaned closer to get a better look. Suddenly, his paw reached out to touch the fish! I realized what could happen if he fell into the tank – it would be a disaster. So, I got up from my seat and rushed towards him.
I kept an eye on Batman whenever he got near the aquarium from then on. I bought him some toys resembling fish, so he could play with them. He loved playing with those and would carry them around like real ones!
- Train your cat
You can introduce a verbal cue such as “leave it” or “no” when your cat approaches the aquarium. Reward your cat with a treat when he responds positively to the cue. Consistency is key, so use the cue whenever your cat approaches the aquarium.
- Use deterrents: You can also try spraying a deterrent around the aquarium. Most cats don’t like the strong scent of citrus, so a citrus-scented spray could do the trick.
Alternatively, you could use double-sided tape around the aquarium. Cats don’t like the feeling of sticky things on their paws, so they’ll learn to stay away from the taped areas.
- Secure any loose wires or cords
Cats are notorious for chewing on things they shouldn’t, and a frayed cord is a serious hazard if it comes into contact with the water.
Tuck the cords away behind furniture or use cord protectors. Make sure they’re out of sight and inaccessible to your kitty.
- Use a sound-emitting device
This is an excellent tool for cats who like to get up close and personal with the tank. These devices emit high-pitched sound that is unpleasant for cats to hear. It will deter them from coming too close.
Use a motion-activated alarm rather than a constant noise, which can stress out your cat.
As always, talk with a vet if you have questions or concerns. Thanks for reading!
Want to immerse yourself more in the captivating world of Siamese cats? I’ve got all the information you need from their distinct color points to their fun personalities: Siamese Cats: Unique Features and Personality
