Do Sugar Gliders Get Along With Cats?

  • Date: January 20, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.
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Sugar gliders and cats are different types of animals, so they won’t necessarily get along. Cats have a natural hunting instinct, and sugar gliders are small prey animals.

If you have a cat and a sugar glider, it’s important to supervise their interactions to make sure the sugar glider is safe. In general, it’s best to keep sugar gliders and cats separate.

In this article, we will talk about the implications of having both sugar gliders and cats as pets and how can you increase the chances for them to bond.

Do sugar glider get along with cats

This is a difficult question to answer, as there are multiple factors to take into consideration, such as the predator instinct of the cat or how cat saliva is toxic for sugar gliders. 

In general, however, it is not recommended to keep sugar gliders and cats together due to the potential risks.

If you are determined to have both, please be sure to take all the necessary precautions by making sure they are less likely to cross path and if they do, the sugar glider’s cage is keeping him safe.

Is cat saliva toxic for sugar gliders?

Yes. Cat saliva is toxic to sugar gliders because it contains a bacteria called “Pasteurella multocida”. This bacteria can cause infections in a sugar gliders body.

If you are not sure what would be the best course of action, the best thing you could do is to make sure that your cat is living in another part of your house as the sugar gliders and that cats never have acces to the room in which sugar gliders cage is sitting.

How the sugar glider is affected by a cat

Stress

Stress is the number one factor that can negatively affect a sugar glider’s health. If a sugar glider constantly smells the cat on you, it can give him stress. If this stress is a constant state of mind, it can lead to a range of health issues for the little glider.

Fear

The next health concern that can come from living with a cat is fear. A sugar glider who is constantly living in fear will not be as active as he should be, and this inactivity can lead to weight gain and a lost of other issues.

Injuries

The third concern is injuries. A cat’s claws and teeth can do a lot of damage to a sugar glider, even if the cat is just playing around. A sugar glider’s skin is also very delicate, so even a small scratch can lead to infection.

How the cat is affected by sugar gliders

Sugar gliders are nocturnal, so they will be up and running around while the cat is trying to sleep. This can lead to the cat being tired during the day and can cause him to be less active.

The second concern is that sugar gliders are very active and can jump long distances. This can startle the cat and cause him to lash out.

The third concern is that sugar gliders are very curious creatures. This can lead to the sugar glider getting into places he shouldn’t be, such as the cat’s food bowl or litter box. This can cause the cat to become agitated and can lead to him attacking the sugar glider.

Will cats hurt sugar glider?

Cats are predators and have natural hunting instincts. They are drawn by little birds and small animals, including sugar gliders.  When a cat sees a sugar glider, the first instinct will be to stalk and then to attack it.

cat rolling over

Pet pairing tips

Make sure that your pets have friendly personalities

Sugar gliders and pets can have different personalities. Some sugar gliders may be more aggressive, while some cats may be more docile. It is important to make sure that the personalities of your pets are compatible before you allow them to interact with each other.

Let them smell each other

You should never allow your pets to meet face-to-face without supervision. A good way to introduce them is by letting them smell each other under a door or through a screen. This will help them get used to each other’s scent without being in the same room.

Introduce them one to another gradually

When you do allow them to be in the same room together, you should do so gradually. Start by letting them see each other for a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase the amount of time they are together.

Make sure that the environment is safe

You should make sure that the environment is safe for both your sugar glider and your cat. This means removing anything that could be used as a weapon, such as sharp objects or loose wires. You should also make sure that there are no escape routes for the sugar glider.

Don’t force the interaction

You should never force the interaction between your pets. If they don’t seem to be getting along, it is best to separate them and try again after a break of at least several days.

Give them treats

You can give your pets treats to help them associate each other with something positive. For example, you can give the sugar glider a treat when the cat is around or give the cat a treat when the sugar glider comes close.

Be patient

Pets can take time to get used to each other. It is important to be patient and give them the time they need to adjust.

With a little bit of patience and effort, you can have an extra chance that your sugar glider and cat who get along well with each other.

Conclusion

Overall, cats and sugar gliders can get along if they are introduced properly and the environment is safe for both pets.

It is important to be patient and give them time to adjust to each other. With a little bit of effort, you can have a sugar glider and cat who get along well with each other.

If the two pets don’t get along with each other, it is important to have them in separate rooms to avoid any potential conflict.