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Hedgehog FAQ [3/7] - Intro to Hedgehogs as pets
Section - <4.7> How can I introduce my hedgehog to my (dog/cat/bird/fish/ rabbit/etc.) with the least trouble?

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Top Document: Hedgehog FAQ [3/7] - Intro to Hedgehogs as pets
Previous Document: <4.6> Hedgehog handling / socializing
See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge

In what limited experience I've had, I have seen no problem with interaction
between hedgehogs and other pets -- my wife and I have five cats (Kit &
Caboodle, Oreo, Snickers, and Scrapper) in addition to our group of hedgies.
Velcro always thought the cats would make nice mealtime treats and chased
them whenever possible, while some of the others take little notice of the
cats, other than an occasional duck of the head and a snuffling session.  For
their part, the cats have only shown peaceful curiosity towards the
hedgehogs.  The occasional very careful paw will reach out and almost, but
not quite touch one of the hedgehogs.  The cats seem to know that these
snuffling little armoured tanks are actually animated pincushions that would
hurt if they really connected.  For his part, Velcro omce actually shoved the
largest cat (18+ lbs.!) out of the way with nothing more than a slightly
indignant look from the cat.

Aside from this, I imagine that it will really depend on the personality of
your other pet(s).  I would expect more aggressive cats/dogs to try nipping
at or swatting at a new hedgehog (an action that is unlikely to be repeated
by any animal with the ability to learn from its mistakes).  Some terriers
and other hunting dogs might be an exception here, and might be best kept
separate from hedgehogs for the safety of both parties (not to mention any
humans who try to separate them!)  Hedgehogs are admirably well protected --
the worry is ``how safe are your other pets?''

As long as you supervise the first few encounters between your hedgehog and
your other pets, there `should be' no problem in either direction.  The only
time there should be cause for worry is if one or more of your other pets
could potentially be food in the eyes of your hedgehog (such as pet
mealworms?).  By way of an example of this, I would recommend that you not
introduce your hedgehog to any herps you might have -- it seems that, for
example, hedgehogs enjoy the taste of iguana tail.

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-- 
Brian MacNamara - macnamara@HedgehogHollow.COM
Hedgehog Hollow:  http://HedgehogHollow.COM/   
- 
Brian MacNamara - macnamara@HedgehogHollow.COM
Hedgehog Hollow:  http://HedgehogHollow.COM/   

User Contributions:

1
Rio
Hi, my hedgehog started running around her cage squealing so I took her out to see what was wrong. Her genital area was inflamed and she had open sores all around that area. I gave her a bath, but I'm really worried about her. Do you have any idea what this could be?
Thank you!

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:




Top Document: Hedgehog FAQ [3/7] - Intro to Hedgehogs as pets
Previous Document: <4.6> Hedgehog handling / socializing

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Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM