Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Cat-Proof a Guinea Pig Cage: 8 Possible Ways

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

white cat in cage playing with mouse_Di Studio_Shutterstock

When you have cats and small caged animals, one of the biggest fears for any pet owner is that the cat will find and attack the other pets.

Cats and guinea pigs are no exception. While some cats may ignore the guinea pig in their house altogether, others will see them as something to play with or something to hunt. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep your guinea pig safe by securing the cage.

Divider Guinea Pig

 

The 8 Ways to Cat-Proof a Guinea Pig Cage

1. Choose a Sturdy, Dependable Cage

The first thing you want to do is choose a sturdy, dependable cage to keep your tiny guinea pig in. You may have to spend a bit more than you’re planning to purchase a high-quality, durable cage, but it’s worth the money in the long run. If you notice, most larger rodent cages have wide gaps between the bars. You don’t want one of those cages, as it’ll make it easier for your feline pal to fit its paws between the bars.

It’s best to purchase a glass or acrylic cage so that your guinea pig is fully protected. Just make sure you choose a lid that fits the cage tightly, so your cat can’t knock it off.

guinea pig in cage
Image Credit: holandan, Pixabay

2. Consider Extra Locks

If you’re a cat owner, you already know they are masters at getting into places they aren’t supposed to be in. Most guinea pig cages are designed to keep your pet in, not to keep your cat out.

This means that your cat might be able to break the lock and get inside the cage. Investing in an extra lock can stop this. However, it’s best to use a combination lock so you don’t have to worry about losing the keys.

If you can’t get a lock, you can try zip-tying the enclosure so your cat can’t get in. This will work until you can get an extra lock or a better cage, whichever comes first.


3. Invest in a Mesh Covering

You can also keep your guinea pig safe by adding an extra layer of protection to the cage. There are plenty of places online where you can invest in a mesh covering for extra security. Not only will this give you added protection, but it’ll also keep the cat from being able to touch the guinea pig.

Make sure you get mesh covering that can stand up to the pouncing and scratching your cat might do while trying to get into the cage.

These coverings are made of lightweight material, so they are perfect to surround the cage with for extra protection. However, since the covers are mesh, you need to place it where it’s not too close to the cage, as you don’t want your pocket pig reaching through the bars and chewing on it.

guinea pig cage
Image Credit: Jackson Stock Photography,Shutterstock

4. Keep the Cage Surrounded

You can surround the cage with several obstacles to keep your cat away from the cage itself. For example, lining the area surrounding the cage with training tape can prevent your cat from stepping too close to it.

Cats don’t like certain scents, such as citrus and cayenne pepper. Place a small bowl of one of the deterrents near the cage to deter your cat from coming any closer. Of course, these methods don’t work to keep all cats away, and you still need to keep an eye on your feline.


5. Invest in a Pet-Proofing Kit

Just as you can find baby-proofing kits, you can purchase pet-proofing kits online or at your local pet store. The kits are made to help you keep your pets out of things that could hurt them.

pet-proofing kits
Image Credit: MAX4869, Pixabay

6. Use a Dog Crate

If you’re still worried that your feline is going to attack your small furry friend, you can use a dog crate to protect your guinea pig. Purchase a dog crate that is for large or extra-large dog breeds, then place the cage in the middle of the crate as an added safety measure. You can also place weights inside the dog crate so larger cats can’t move it around.


7. Put the Cage in a Hard-to-Reach Place

Another way to ensure your cat can’t disturb and terrorize your guinea pig is by placing the cage in a hard-to-reach spot. While this can be difficult to accomplish since cats are experts at climbing and getting into tight places, it can be done.

For example, try putting the cage on top of a cabinet or table where the cat will have a hard time walking along the edge. Try to keep the cage away from cat trees or steps that the cat can easily climb.

Guinea Pig
Image Credit: chiprida, Pixabay

8. Keep Your Guinea Pig Away From Other Pets Entirely

The safest way to keep your guinea pig from being injured or harassed by your cat is to keep them away from other pets. You can do this by keeping the cage in an area where your kitty is not allowed.

It’s still important to keep an eye on your cat so it doesn’t slip into that area. You still want your guinea pig to be where it can interact with other people, and you should keep the cage in a place that you or your family are frequently in.

hepper single cat paw divider

Extra Tips for Keeping Your Guinea Pig Safe

These are just a few of the best ways to keep your guinea pig safe from your cats if you are keeping both animals as pets. You can also do a few other things to keep your furry friend safe.

Provide Plenty of Hiding Places

Since guinea pigs are prey animals in the wild, domesticated guinea’s seem to have retained that trait. As a result, they become stressed easily, and you need to provide plenty of hiding places in their cage for them to retreat to when needed.

Even if you don’t have other pets, provide plenty of places to hide since they need places to escape if they feel they are in danger, even if the threat is only perceived and not real.

Guinea pig in grass
Image Credit: minka2507, Pixabay

Supervise When Out of the Cage

Your pet needs to get out where it can run a little and explore their surroundings. Since they’re skittish and move quickly, you must carefully supervise their free-roaming time.

Provide Your Guinea Pig With Enough Space

It’s recommended that guinea pigs have at least 2 square feet of space to roam around in when they’re in their cages. The enclosure should be spacious, full of hiding places, and comfortable.

guinea pig in cage
Image Credit: holandan, Pixabay

Set Rules for Humans

Anyone who will be interacting with your guinea needs to know the proper way to handle them and how to secure the cage when playtime is over. These rules should be discussed with anyone who is going to be around your guinea pig or in your home to keep your guinea pig safe from harm.

hepper cat paw dividerConclusion

Guinea pigs are skittish creatures, and it’s important to take extra steps to keep them safe from harm. On the other hand, cats are also naturally curious creatures, so you can’t blame them for wanting to examine and play with your new pet.

Keep an eye on your guinea pig by following the steps above, and your cat and your guinea should be able to live peacefully together for many, many years to come.

 

Featured Image Credit: Di Studio, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database