Keeping both a cat and a chipmunk

[Nate]

I've been asked a question through the comments section on this site about how risky is keeping a cat and a chipmunk, when your chipmunk is kept indoors.

I don't think I can give an authoritative answer on this since I don't have a cat. I know of a few bad incidents, but you know how the Internet is, there must be another side. Does anybody reading this board keep both a chipmunk and a cat? Would you like to tell us of any tips and tricks you have picked up for keeping your chipmunk safe, or perhaps you have a cat that actually gets on with your chipmunk.

Here's what the visitor to this site asked me:

hi i am lookiing to get a chipmunk soon i have read all the safety parts and what i need i ticked all but 1 got cat it will be easy enough to keep her out due not allowed in room where gonna keep chipmunk and she is 80% time outside and 20% sleeping but if i have a cat will it be in really bad danger

[Gilly]

You`ll have nothing to worry about if it`s been to the same Dojo as this one  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuPYZX2cUXE

[jennyb]

Hi, i have three cats and three chipmunks who live indoors. I do let my chippies out of their cage but only when there are no cats in the room. It is definitely risky keeping the two together but as long as you are careful when the chipmunks are out that the cats are kept away then i don't think there are any problems. I've had a few incidents though when chipmunks escaped that the cats chased them but i removed the cats from the room and then caught the chipmunks and luckily there was no injuries. Most cats couldn't be with a chipmunk unattended as they would see the chipmunk as a prey source because of being a small animal with fast movements. My cats are fine when the chipmunks are in their cages, they don't hardly take any notice of them.

[DizzyMoo]

Hi , Ive heard time & time again many people say no you cant have cats with chipmunks & tbh its utter nonsense. providing you have a secure enclosed cage & you do not let the chipmunks out whilst the cats are in the same room they will be fine. Chipmunks are escape artists so double check the cage they are in & make any amendments if need be. I have 2 cats & after a few weeks of getting them they completely ignore the chipmunks knowing fine well they simply can not get at them.

So yes you CAN keep both cats & chipmunks xx

[tarcus/Kevin]

I have three cats and a German stupid, they all love the chips and sit watching them for hours.
My chips are quite happy to tease and pose for all of them safe in the knowledge that they can't be touched behind the mesh.
One cat 'alfie' rolls around on the top of the aviary while the chips pinch his fur to line their nest boxes.
I take the German stupid inside sometimes and we sit quiet while the chips bounce off his head on their way to the peanut stash I hide for them.
It is all a matter of treating all of your pets with the same amount of respect and love, I find they are just like kids and need attention in much the same way.
Bye the way the chips are only one week old; as in thats how long they have been with us; so they are fast learners.

[juliusanewyork]

i have six cats and an indoor only chippie....the chippie lives in our bedroom..lots of interaction with hew human family...but none with the feline persuasion...we also have seven dogs..so getting out of her area would be extremely dangerous...i take great care when "little cleo"(the name of my favortie lure) has a chance to get out...she usually lets me catch her quite easily  as she doesnt like to be ou t of her cage at all! good luck hope th is helps juli in new york state usa