Ask The Gerbils

Dear Herman,

I have two cats, one dog, and a fish. I was thinking of asking for a gerbil for Christmas. Would my gerbils be okay to these animals, or should I wait? My cats are indoor/outdoor and are usually outside, but my dog is inside most of the time, but she does have a VERY GOOD temperament.

Please help me,

Sam

---

Dear Sam,

I’m glad that you’re thinking about these things before you get your gerbils!

Gerbils can live safely in a home with other pets, but you need to be careful and protect your gerbils from the other animals.

First, make sure that your gerbils live in a safe home that will not tip over, break, or have parts fall off. I suggest a glass fish tank with a screen lid and lid clamps to keep the lid on. (You can find a screen lid and the lid clamps in the reptile aisle of your pet store.)

Don’t get a plastic home or cage with tubes. These are very light and easy for a larger pet like a dog or cat to knock over. Also, the plastic tubes can break or fall off, letting your gerbils escape. This is very dangerous if you have other pets in the house.

Next, make sure that you keep your door shut when you aren’t in the room with your gerbils so that the other pets can’t get to your gerbils.

Finally, when you play with your gerbils, make sure the other pets aren’t in the room and that the door to the room is shut.

If you make sure that your other pets can’t get to your gerbils and that your gerbils can’t escape, your pets should be able to all live peacefully in the same house.

What’s most important is that you are careful to keep them apart and that you have enough time to take care of and play with all of your pets.

From your buddy,
Herman