If you’re currently raising felines, detailed research before bringing hedgehogs home can be vital. One of the basic things you’d want to know is whether cats can tolerate the presence of hedgehogs without causing harm.
This article answers the question “Can Hedgehogs Live With Cats?” by uncovering the home dynamics between the 2 pets and whether peaceful co-existence is possible. We also reveal a few smart ways to provide a comfortable life for both.
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Can Hedgehogs Live With Cats?
Hedgehogs can live peacefully with cats because the felines may get intimidated by their sharp quills. Since hedgehogs are solitary with no interest in interacting with other animals, they will probably leave each other alone without being a threat. Always supervise cats and hedgehogs in the same space for quick interventions when need be.
The personalities of hedgehogs and cats couldn’t be more different. Hedgehogs keep to themselves because they are naturally solitary and avoid getting near other pets. Cats, on the other hand, are extremely curious creatures that investigate their environment including the presence of other animals.
The personality differences almost guarantee that the probability of hedgehogs and cats cuddling each other or engaging in playtime is minimal at best. Anyone looking for two pets that can be best buddies should look elsewhere because cats and hedgehogs will never have that kind of relationship.
However, the fact that they can tolerate each other in the same home without engaging in physical altercations is enough for many folks.
How To Introduce Hedgehogs and Cats Together
A gradual introduction of hedgehogs and cats is recommended to increase the chances of peaceful co-existence. It’s a slow process that can backfire when attempts are made to cut corners regardless of the owner’s intentions.
1. Let Them Smell Each Other

Cats and hedgehogs both have powerful senses of smell and this could be exploited during the quest to induce familiarity with each other. You could start off by rubbing the hedgehog’s body in a clean fabric that is thrown to the cat and vice versa.
We recommend repeating the process daily for about a week to allow enough time for both animals to smell and get used to each other’s scents. Once that bridge is crossed, it is time to move to the next step.
2. Side By Side Cages
Although both pets may be somewhat familiar with the other’s scents, they’re not ready to spend time together just yet. We recommend placing them in individual cages positioned side by side a few meters apart.
The result is cats are able to see the hedgehogs from up close without having free access. Although hedgehogs have weaker eyesight, the close proximity provides more details including the cat’s sounds and other characteristics.
Eventually, both animals may get used to the presence of having the other in proximity which could reduce the risks of trouble when the physical barriers are removed.
3. The Initial Stages of Spending Time Together
Patience is the key when hedgehogs and cats are finally allowed to spend time together because getting comfortable in each other’s presence does not happen overnight. Each animal is likely to approach the other with skepticism particularly due to their independent nature.
While hedgehogs may not seem too interested in the cat, do not be surprised to discover overzealous physical attempts by the feline to get close to the hedgehog to find out more details. The hedgehog’s quills can intimidate cats into maintaining their distance but the owner still needs to keep a close eye on the situation.
4. Monitor The Situation
Never allow cats and hedgehogs in the same space without supervision. Animals can be unpredictable and things often escalate quickly. If you have to go to the bathroom, for instance, put the hedgehog back in its cage before leaving.
Never allow hedgehogs to move around the home in the presence of cats and other pets because the results could be devastating. Elevating the hedgehog’s cage is recommended for households with cats, dogs, and other pets.
This ensures the hedgehog’s safety and protection from loud sounds that could trigger stress and force them into hiding.
5. Pay Attention To The Hedgehog and Cat’s Reactions

Unfortunately, animals cannot speak and only communicate via body language and sounds. Paying attention to their reaction can ensure the quick separation of hedgehogs and cats when one or both begin displaying signs of discomfort.
Clues to watch out for in hedgehogs include:
- Curling up into a ball
- Loud and continuous hisses
- Erect and sharp-looking quills
- Anointing their quills
- Huffing and puffing
Here are the signs to watch out for in Cats:
- Tense appearance
- Hissing
- Flat ears
- Growling
- Butt wiggling
- Spitting
What Defense Mechanisms Do Cats Have Over Hedgehogs?
Cats are larger and more adventurous than hedgehogs. Cats are also more aggressive meaning the probability of attacking hedgehogs could be much higher than the other way around. However, hedgehogs have a natural defense mechanism that helps fend off the cat’s advances including:
- Quick reflexes that enable them to curl into a ball in less than 10 seconds
- Rolling up into balls to protect the soft underbelly
- The presence of 5000 to 7,000 quills that can poke the cat’s skin during physical contact
- Anointing their quills with saliva which may serve as a turn-off against the cat’s advances
As previously stated, cats can be extremely curious initially and it is not uncommon for them to make repeated attempts to get closer to the hedgehog physically. However, getting poked by the hedgehog’s quills a few times could fend off the feline’s curiosity and interest.
Cats are likely to leave the hedgehog alone afterward and focus on minding their own business even if they are in shared spaces.
Can Hedgehogs Attack Cats?
Hedgehogs are naturally gentle and have no interest in attacking cats or other household pets. The worst a hedgehog could do is attempt to sniff the cat’s scents and then get off to focus on its own activities without much interest in the feline.
It is no secret that hedgehogs are solitary by nature and would rather enjoy their own company than mingle with other household pets including other hedgehogs. In a few instances, an owner may end up with an overly sociable hedgehog that enjoys playing with other household pets but the probability can be very low.
Can Hedgehogs Transmit Mites and Fleas To Cats

Fleas are common parasites in hedgehogs but they cannot be transmitted to cats. Unlike other parasites, fleas can be specific to varieties of animals meaning even if the fleas end up on the skin of cats, their chances of survival are non-existent.
Hedgehog mites on the other hand may be transferred to cats and vice versa. We recommend checking both for mites and getting treatment when necessary before allowing both pets to mingle with each other.
This can minimize the risk of full-blown mite infestations and the resultant side effects in households where hedgehogs and cats exist. Signs of mite infestations include:
- Constant itching of the affected spot
- Detached quills
- Stunted growth
- Super dry, flaky skin
- Lethargy
- Scratching
Can Hedgehogs Transmit Salmonella To Cats?
Salmonella is a common infection in hedgehogs and unfortunately, physical contact with cats may lead to easy transmission. Although the bacteria is more prevalent in wild hedgehogs, there have been a few cases of transmission to humans and other pets.
Many hedgehogs do not exhibit physical symptoms even when infected with salmonella. Others may suffer diarrhea, stomach upsets, and organ failure in certain circumstances.
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Breathing Difficulties
- Inflammation of lymph nodes
Can Hedgehogs Transmit Ringworm To Cats?
Ringworm is a common fungal infection in hedgehogs characterized by the presence of worm-like skin rashes. Other common symptoms include:
- Loose or detached spines
- Dry flaky skin in the affected area
- Cracks on the edges of the skin
- Scabs around the border of the spines
Physical contact with ringworm-infected hedgehogs can result in transmission to cats and it is often characterized by the following:
- Ring-like rashes on the hedgehog’s skin
- Hair loss
- Skin inflammations
- Crusty skin
Conclusion: Can Hedgehogs Live With Cats?
Hedgehogs can share the same household environment with cats as long as they are gradually introduced to each other. Hedgehogs and cats typically mind their own business without interfering or trying to attack each other.
However, constant supervision is still important which is why you should never leave hedgehogs and cats alone even for a minute because strange things can happen. Hedgehog cages can be elevated from the ground to keep cats and other household pets at bay.