steampoweredgiraffe wrote:Okay, I know that the reason i want to get a betta is a little.... Different but in the past we've just had Bettas in bowls (Since my parents got them for us) But now I have a job and my own money so I want to get a proper tank for a Betta. You see I have a tiny indoor cat, she is extremely active and usually likes watching birds eat from the bird feeder outside in the day almost like a television. However, there are other outside cats that have started killing the birds coming into our yard so we took down the feeder. This has caused Cinders a great deal of distress, and she just stares blankly out the window. In an older book in the library I read recommended a terrarium with butterflies or frogs or a fish tank. Keep in mind that the tank would have a lid and she wouldn't have access to the tank 24/7, only in short periods when I was around and the fish would be provided with plenty of hiding spaces. The book said it shouldn't cause any distress to the fish or insects or frogs, but I would like to hear your opinion on the matter before I seriously even consider getting a betta again I would assume it would cause the fish a great deal of stress to have a cat stare at it from a ledge but maybe that's just me?
You may want a second opinion on this as i do not have a cat, i used to before i started keeping fish though. I do, however, have other animals that like watching my fish.
I would say dont introduce the cat to your betta right away as he will need time to adjust. When hes warmed up (like maybe after a week or two... i think i have my rescue crowntail 3 weeks and hes still not to happy with me, but at least hes not hiding all the time.) then introduce the cat, for short amounts of time at first, as it will likely scare the fish and quite possibly the other animal.
My bird and gerbils like to watch my fish, but thats one thing. When i have my dog in my room, only my angel, the minnows, and my more lively bettas will be curious. all the other fish get pretty strssed if he walks up to the tanks. (hes a yellow lab)
So he isn't allowed in my room that often.
Anyway, i wouldn't think it would be a very good idea considering that cats are a natural predator to fish, maybe not exactly to bettas, but fish in general. but as long as you keep a secure lid and never leave the cat alone in the room with the tank, and do it in short periods of time until the fish has becomeaadjusted (and the fish may never become adjusted) to the larger furry creature staring in at it.) I'd say if your betta starts to flare and pick at the glass or hides to remove the cat immediately for a while and wait until the next day or a few days to try again.
Like i said, i'm not an expert, so i would reccomend a second opinion
