By cat-proofing your fish tank, your fish and kitty can live together in harmony. Protecting an aquarium from cats will allow you to enjoy the company of both your feline and fishy friends. Here's how.
Predator and Prey
Cats are mischievous by nature. Cats big and small share the instinct to hunt and attack. This is why even a docile indoor cat will catch a mouse who makes the unfortunate mistake of sneaking into your home.
Cats are attracted to fish for the same reason they love mice. Simply stated, cats are predators and little fish are prey. The flowing, graceful movements of a fish are relaxing and soothing for you to watch, but to a cat they signal it's time to spring into action and catch a snack.
Cat-Proofing Your Fish Tank
Protecting an aquarium from cats requires a cat-proof tank and deterring your cat from getting to the tank.
Choosing a Tank
If your kitty and fish share the same space, steer clear of open-top aquariums like a traditional fishbowl.
A tank with a hard lid will best protect your fish from peckish intruders. Make sure the lid securely fastens to the tank so a prying cat won't be able to remove it.
Keeping Kitty Away
Given the power and force with which a cat can leap, even placing a fish tank on a high bookshelf or ledge won't necessarily keep them from reaching it. Cats are capable of jumping up to six times their own height with grace and pinpoint accuracy, as originally reported by to National Geographic.
If your cat reaches the tank, they could cause it to fall and break. They could also fall themselves or get stuck. As Scientific American explains, cats' backward-facing claws enable them to climb up tall objects but can make it hard for them to get down.
The good news? You can deter your cat from jumping onto the high surface where your fish tank is located by keeping it clear of any food — including human food, fish food and cat food. You can also try sticking double-sided tape, aluminum foil or a textured shelf liner on the surface the tank sits on. Cats dislike these materials' textures so your kitty will learn to avoid the tank if it's surrounded by them. You can take extra precautions by attaching any of these materials to the fish tank lid to discourage your cat from trying to open it. Just be sure not to cover up any air holes that are essential to your fish's well-being.
Tasty Tips
There's an App for That
Another option is to distract your cat with a virtual fish tank, so they won't be as interested in your real one. You can provide your cat with the interactive entertainment they crave with apps or TV programs designed specifically for cats. When they're mentally stimulated, your kitty is a lot less likely to get into mischief.
Now that you have tips in hand to protect your fish from your kitty's sneaking ways, you can enjoy the company of both species.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe cat food
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe cat food
20% lower calories vs. Hill's Science Diet Adult
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Do Cats Have Periods?
Learn more about cat periods, when you can expect them, and what kind of impact your cat's heat cycle has on her body.
Cat Leukemia: Symptoms, Testing and Prevention
Learn important information about cat leukemia, including how it spreads, common symptoms, testing & diagnosis info, treatments and prevention options.
Can Cats Have Pumpkin? (& Is It Healthy?)
Learn whether or not its healthy for cats to eat pumpkin, how much would be an appropriate amount, and types of pumpkin that you might want to avoid.
A Guide for Choosing the Best Cat Carrier
Use this comprehensive guide to help you find the best cat carrier for your feline friend. Learn what to look for in a quality carrier and what to avoid.
Cat Zoomies: Why Your Cat Gets Them & When to Call the Vet
Learn why your kitty gets cat zoomies, random bouts of energy that cause them to race through the house, and when zoomies could indicate a health issue.
Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions
Get tips on how reduce your cat's stress level for the next time you have to move or relocate. Find ways to help your cat settle in.
5 Tips to Help Your Cat Exercise in Winter
Discover fun and creative cat exercise ideas to help your kitty stay fit and active through the winter months.
What Is the Best Couch & Furniture Material for Cats?
Wondering what couch materials will survive your cat's claws the best? Discover the best furniture material for cats, as well as some fabrics to avoid.
Real Life Stories of Caring for Cats with Disabilities
Read about the journey of three cats with disabilities and how, despite their handicaps, they're just as lovable and capable as any other cat.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Learn whether it's safe and healthy to give your cat peanut butter, including certain ingredients to watch for that can be toxic.
Cat Metabolism: How it Affects Your Feline Friend
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover how your cat's metabolism can affect her health, including weight fluctuations, and how metabolic cat food can help.
Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It
Learn how to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her life.
Managing Osteoarthritis in Cats
Learn how osteoarthritis in cats affects your cat's joints, how to spot the signs and how you can help slow the progression.
Male Cat Urinary Blockages: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
While male cat urinary blockages are common, they can be life-threatening. Learn how to spot symptoms and info on prevention, treatments & stress factors.
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
Dealing with a Cat That's a Picky Eater
Cats are notoriously picky eaters, but there are ways you can encourage her to eat her food. Discover some tips for getting her past her picky habits.
Your Cat's First Month At Home: Tips & Suggestions
Learn more about the basics of cat care in the first month, including choosing the right cat bedding, cat toys, cat carriers, pet id tags and litter boxes.
Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Learn helpful information about ringworm in cats, including how cats become infected, symptoms to watch for, treatment options & prevention.
Cats & Slow Blinking: What Does it Mean?
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
What Temperature Do Cats Like?
Cats love to be snug and cozy, but what temperature do they really like best? Learn about the optimum cat climate and how you can accommodate it.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.