What is a tank cat?
A tank cat is a cat that lives in an aquarium tank and hunts fish. The origins of tank cats can be traced back to World War I, when cats were sometimes kept on tanks and armored vehicles to hunt rats. According to sources like https://lazyhistorian.com/a-cat-on-the-frontline/, cats served as mascots and pest control on tanks during the war. After the war, veterans brought the practice of keeping cats on tanks home with them. Over time, keeping cats in home aquariums emerged as a way to provide enrichment for the cats by allowing them to simulate hunting fish.
The main pros of having a tank cat are providing exercise, mental stimulation, and meeting natural hunting instincts for the cat. The enclosed space of a tank allows the cat to hone its skills. Some cons are the responsibility to properly care for both the fish and cat, potential for broken tanks or escaped fish, and concerns from animal activists over the practice. Overall, tank cats remain relatively rare but have an enthusiastic following among some cat owners seeking a unique way to engage their pet.
Choosing the right tank and fish for a tank cat
When selecting a tank for a tank cat, bigger is usually better. The Planet Catfish Forum recommends a minimum 50 gallon tank, but larger tanks of 75-100+ gallons are ideal to provide plenty of swimming room for both cat and fish. The tank should also be wide enough for the cat to comfortably sit on the edges. A depth of at least 18 inches is recommended so fish have space to retreat from the cat.
Tank cats do best in a cycled tank with good water filtration and oxygenation. Water parameters should be kept stable, with a pH around 7.0-7.5 and low ammonia and nitrites. Gravel substrate rather than bare bottom provides places for fish to hide. Plants, driftwood, rocks, and caves also give cover. The tank should have a hood to prevent escape.
When selecting fish tankmates, go for fast-moving schooling species that are less likely to be caught. Catfish and Corydoras catfish often coexist well with tank cats. Other compatible options are danios, white cloud mountain minnows, tiger barbs, convict cichlids, guppies, platies, and mollies, as noted by Cat Breeds List. Avoid slow swimmers like goldfish or bettas which are easily caught. Only add fish once the cat is trained not to overhunt.
Training a Tank Cat to Hunt Fish
There are a few key methods for training a cat to become an accomplished fish hunter in an aquarium environment. If starting with a kitten, it’s best to begin acclimating them to the tank from a young age. Kittens are naturally curious and will be drawn to the movement and colors of fish. Start by placing the kitten near the tank and rewarding with treats when they observe the fish swimming. Over time, let them get closer while supervising closely to ensure they don’t tip over the tank.
For an adult cat new to tank life, be patient and take it slow. Place their bed and toys near the tank so they view it as a comfortable space. Feed them near the tank and toss treats into the water so they associate it with rewards. Occasionally tap on the tank when feeding to spur their hunting instincts. Over many weeks, a cat can learn to see the tank as an exciting food source versus a scary foreign object. Avoid scolding them for showing interest and reinforce pawing behaviors. Eventually they will discover how to catch a fish and will hone their skills if allowed to consume the prey as a reward.
Regardless of age, provide plenty of toys and simulated hunting opportunities outside the tank as well to satisfy their prey drive. With time and positive reinforcement, even skeptical cats can transform into skilled tank hunters.
Source: https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-train-a-cat-to-hunt
Caring for a tank cat
Keeping a fish tank and a cat in the same home requires some extra care and maintenance. According to experts at iCatCare, regular tank cleaning and maintenance is crucial for the health of both fish and cats[1]. When doing water changes and tank cleaning, be sure to completely secure the tank lid to prevent the cat from drinking dirty tank water or eating tank decorations and chemicals.
Tank cats should be fed a diet rich in taurine and omega fatty acids to support eye and heart health. Feed high-quality wet or raw cat food and avoid fish flavors, as this may increase interest in the tank. Cats should also have access to fresh water at all times away from the tank[2]. Provide interactive toys to keep your tank cat stimulated and distracted from the fish tank.
Monitor your tank cat closely for signs of illness and stress. Changes in appetite, lethargy, or aggression can indicate health issues. Annual vet exams are important, and be sure to treat any parasites, upper respiratory infections, or dental disease right away. With proper care and preparation, tank cats can live long, enriched lives in a fish-filled home.
[1] https://icatcare.org/5-things-cat-lovers-need-to-know-before-keeping-fish/
[2] https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/resources/cat-proofing-your-fish-tank
Precautions for tank cats
Owning a tank cat comes with some important safety considerations. Tank cats have a natural instinct to hunt, so it’s critical to take precautions to prevent accidents and injuries for both the cat and the fish.
One of the biggest risks is the cat getting wet and potentially drowning. Always keep the tank covered and use a secure lid to prevent the cat from falling in. Consider using a mesh or grated lid that allows the cat to peer in but not physically enter the tank.
Monitor the cat closely during feedings and never leave them unsupervised near the tank. Kittens or rambunctious cats may be more prone to taking an accidental plunge. Have a towel on hand in case the cat gets wet so you can dry them off immediately.
Check that any tank equipment like filters or heaters are safely secured and don’t have any exposed electrical parts a curious cat could get hurt on. Unplug all devices when doing tank maintenance.
Avoid overcrowding the tank which could stress the fish and lead to disease outbreaks. Test water parameters regularly and remove any dead fish immediately to keep the tank healthy.
Watch for signs of stress in both the cat and fish like changes in behavior, appetite or appearance. Separate the cat from the tank if needed and consult a vet for any health concerns.
With some common-sense precautions, it’s possible to enjoy the unique experience of owning a tank cat safely.
Finding a Tank Cat
If you want a cat that can live harmoniously with fish, you have a couple options. You can adopt a cat that seems naturally drawn to water and fish. Or you can get a kitten and train it from a young age to become a tank cat. Some breeds tend to produce better tank cats than others.
Siamese cats often exhibit an interest in water and fish. Their intelligence and curiosity makes them well-suited for tank life. Other breeds like Bengals, Maine Coons, and American Shorthairs also often take readily to water and could make good tank cats.
If adopting a kitten, it’s best to introduce them to the tank environment early. Let them observe the tank and reward them for calm, gentle behavior around it. Gradually work up to allowing them to put their paws in safely while supervised. The key is taking it slow and making every experience positive.
With time and patience, many kittens can be trained to peacefully co-exist with fish in a tank environment. Just be sure to put safeguards in place and never leave them unsupervised until you’re 100% sure they won’t harm the fish.
Setting up the tank habitat
When setting up an aquarium for a tank cat, the habitat needs to be enriching and entertaining to keep the cat engaged. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, “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 dislodge it.”
The tank should include places for the cat to perch on and observe the fish, like aquatic ledges and cat bridges. Adding cat toys like fake fish that bob at the surface or glitter wands can make the habitat more enriching. Providing scratching posts and climbing areas near the tank gives cats an outlet for their natural scratching instincts.
When decorating the tank, opt for smooth decorations that won’t snag the cat’s claws if they do end up in the water. Avoid sharp edges on ornaments and plastic plants. Instead, go for soft, silk plants and soft hides for the fish to take shelter.
The habitat can be further accessorized with bubble machines, bubbling logs and filtration systems to keep the water clean for fish and cat. Just be sure cords and tubing are secured so cats can’t chew through them. With the right enrichment and accessories, the aquarium can be an engaging habitat for both cat and fish.
Tank cat controversies
There are some ethical concerns when it comes to keeping tank cats. Some argue that it is inhumane to keep cats confined in tanks solely for the purpose of hunting fish. They say it denies cats their natural behaviors and contributes to animal cruelty. Some specific arguments against tank cats include:
Tank cats are prevented from engaging in natural cat behaviors like climbing, scratching, and exploring their territory. The small enclosed tank habitat severely limits their activity.
Cats have a natural predator drive, but tank cats are forced to hunt fish by their owners, against their own free will. This could be considered unethical.
There are risks of injury with tank cats falling into the tank water or getting injured from thrashing prey. The calm temperament required for a tank cat could be psychologically stressful.
However, proponents argue tank cats provide enrichment to the lives of domestic cats in a caring home. With proper tank setup and training, the cats can engage in natural hunting behaviors safely. Tank cats should be adopted only with informed consent and care.
Overall the ethics of keeping tank cats remains hotly debated. More study and discussion is needed on ensuring tank cats receive humane treatment. But many owners attest to healthy, enriched lives for their tank cat companions.
Famous tank cats
Tank cats have become internet celebrities thanks to viral videos showcasing their impressive hunting skills. Here are some of the most famous viral tank cats:
Grumpy Cat – This famous frowny feline has over 8 million Facebook fans. His owners started putting him in a tank in 2011 after videos of him catching goldfish went viral. Fans love watching Grumpy’s cranky expression as he snags fish from his tank.1
Lil Bub – This perma-kitten’s tongue always hangs out adorably due to genetic anomalies. Lil Bub’s tank videos have garnered millions of views on YouTube. Her owners say she loves “hunting” in her tank, even though she just ends up snuggling with the fish.
Colonel Meow – The Guinness World Record holder for longest fur on a cat also enjoys splashing around in his tank. Colonel Meow’s majestic fluff gets soaked as he tries catching neon tetras in his videos.
Some tank cats have gained fame through cat shows and competitions. Top contenders train extensively with their owners to perfect their technique of catching fish in tanks during competitions. The Annual International Tank Cat Championships award prizes like “Best in Show” and “Fan Favorite.” Competitors can win money and sponsorship deals. However, many criticize these events as exploitative and dangerous for cats.
The future of tank cats
The popularity of tank cats shows no signs of slowing down. As more cat owners discover the joys of having a tank cat, we will likely see continued growth in the tank cat community.
Advancements in tank design and technology catering specifically to cats will help improve the tank cat experience. Larger tank viewports, platforms and ramps inside the tank, and motion-activated feeding systems are some innovations in development for tank cats. Companies like Cat Fish Co. are pioneering new tank designs optimized for curious felines.
Tank cat owners and breeders continue to gain knowledge on best practices for caring for these unique pets. Recommendations around ideal tank size, water quality, fish selection, and training techniques continue to evolve as we learn more about keeping tank cats happy and healthy.
Overall, the future looks bright for tank cats as more cat lovers embrace the joy of having an underwater hunter in their home. According to some Reddit posts, tank cats can be persistent but also bring great fun and enrichment to a cat’s life.