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I just moved in with a new roommate and he has one hedgehog, and two cats. There are no cat toys, as they "just sleep and never play," the hedgehog cage is just full of bedding, with a single dome for the hedgehog to sleep in. He insists the hedgehog doesn't need things like toys, and rarely cleans the cage. The hedgehog was in a dark corner of the room, enclosed by two couches. I was helping him rearrange things, and noticed that the food and water for the hedgehog were empty. He didn't recall feeding or watering him in the recent past. He also tends to pick up the cats and hold them head down, swing them, and prioritizes his interest in the cats over their comfort. The newest cat has made friends with me, and will lick and nibble with affection, and he doesn't understand or care for how the cat approaches affection. Am I totally off kilter thinking he doesn't care about these pets? It feels like he should be giving them more enrichment, concern or just... effort. Or am I being totally off meds on this?
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| # ? Apr 17, 2018 01:29 |
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| # ? Apr 25, 2018 02:38 |
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Ugh this makes me so sad. I don’t think you’re wrong to be worried as it sounds like there is neglect or at the very least, your new roommate is a lovely pet owner. I’ve never owned a hedgehog, but if they’re like other small pets/rodents they need constant access to water at the minimum. When I had a hamster growing up, I also made sure she had some kind of food in her habitat and then would give her snacks like veggies or yogurt chips from time to time. The poor thing needs some kind of stimulation too, as I’m sure it gets bored hanging out in it’s dirty cage. As for the cats, a few toys wouldn’t hurt anyone. They probably “just sleep” because they don’t have any interaction.  I’m happy to hear that the one has taken to you. Poor baby just needs some love.This situation is kind of hard to approach, but maybe ask your roommate if he’d mind you getting some cheap cat toys (like catnip mice, crinkle balls, or pom pom balls). A small investment of <$5 might mean the world to these kitties. Additionally, you could approach him and say that you were researching ways to try and help with their and the hedgehogs care, and found out that they need (insert vet recommendation here about goof & social interaction) and see what he says. Hopefully that’s enough to get something rolling.
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| # ? Apr 17, 2018 03:49 |
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"It is better to beg forgiveness than ask permission." Buy these animals some toys, feed and water that poor hedgehog yourself. He probably won't even notice. And make like it's no big deal if he does.
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| # ? Apr 18, 2018 12:51 |
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Post poste posted:Am I totally off kilter thinking he doesn't care about these pets? It feels like he should be giving them more enrichment, concern or just... effort. Hedgehogs IRL live underground. They are nocturnal and have poor vision so I think the location of the cage sounds fine. But ideally he should have a solid exercise wheel (not a wire one) and some toys. They like little balls and small cat toy things. Get some toys for the cats + a few extra to toss in for the hedgehog.
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| # ? Apr 21, 2018 19:31 |
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shits.ridic posted:Hedgehogs IRL live underground. They are nocturnal and have poor vision so I think the location of the cage sounds fine. But ideally he should have a solid exercise wheel (not a wire one) and some toys. They like little balls and small cat toy things. Get some toys for the cats + a few extra to toss in for the hedgehog. Thanks. The hedgehog has no wheel or toys. Will get some next time I can go out.
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| # ? Apr 21, 2018 20:17 |
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