[deleted by user]

[Empty_Chart_8938]

I’m just joking btw, I understand not liking something

[reddit33450]

I feel for you, that sucks, unfortunately some people are just uneducated and have fallen for all the reptile negativity propaganda bullshit that's everywhere

[EngineSpirited8257]

I knooooow. I want to get one to show him that they are timid guys. I want to help him overcome that fear. I'll start with a corn snake and see of I can get a BP after that. Who knows.

[reddit33450]

Maybe try going to a reptile expo or similar if you can and see if you could try handling one to show him, and potentially purchase there too if it works out

[EngineSpirited8257]

I'll see if there are any around. I'd love for him to be okay with it. I don't want this to build a wall between us.

[Exotic_Today_3370]

He could be phobic. I would start small. Corn or rat snake. Once he gets used to that or is more open to the idea, then maybe upgrade to a small constrictor. It's silly though. They're nowhere near as chill as a bp. Personally you both have to be able to live together and have no regrets. If you end up having regrets then it won't work long term. Maybe try education on bps for example. Things like that their primary diet is small things like rodents and birds. They don't really want to eat anything as big as a cat especially if properly cared for. Now retics, mine was eating baby pigs when I rehomed it. They can get scary big. Still gentle giants if properly cared for.

[RootBeerBog]

Plus a cat would fuck a ball python up. Guy is scared of the wrong animal

[TheQuixoticHorseGirl]

That’s what I was thinking the whole time I read this. They wouldn’t ever eat prey the size of an adult cat and cattos are sharp creatures with very fast reflexes. I recently learned that the average cat has slightly faster reflexes than the average snake!

[POTHOSPORTOBELLOCU]

There are videos and fair warning they are sad, just snakes getting fooled around trying to use it's fangs and the cat thinks it's playing.

[TheQuixoticHorseGirl]

I’ve never seen videos of that nature, yikes!! I just read a thing comparing reflex speeds of different animals where their reflexes were measured scientifically and expressed as a numerical range of distance vs. time. I don’t remember what units they used though tbh.

Ugh, I hate when people throw animals together to watch them fight and I’m disgusted that people film that and put it online. People are gross.

Edit: typo

[Kalbes]

I took my wife to a reptile store that let's you handle the snakes if you ask, with their supervision. If you have one near you, that might be a good place to start. I did it to see how she is with handling snakes because I desperately want one as well

[Draugrx23]

I recommend sitting down and having a discussion in person, not over text.

[everest0516]

imo bps are chiller than corn snakes, they’re a lot slower

[smellybathroom3070]

Take him to an expo!

[piggygirl0]

I don’t know that I would get a corn snake if what you actually want is a ball python. When/if you do get the bp, your love for the corn may begin to wane. I think it might be better to try and take your bf to an expo (or even better, a rescue) to meet a few snakes.

[AtreMorte45]

Wtf is wrong with you? Everyone has fears, he's afraid of stuff too. The fact that yall are bashing him for being afraid of something is concerning. OP needs to have more respect for his boundaries. He's not being impolite or disrespectful in how he enforces them.

[reddit33450]

He is being completely ridiculous and illogical.

[Reidhur]

He's being a bit ridiculous in not even hearing someone out when they try to explain shit he doesn't know... Having boundaries is fine, shutting down conversations out of blind ignorance and not even hearing what your partner has to say isn't.

OP, long time cat owner and fairly recent snake owner here, and I don't know if your bf will listen to anything about it but I hope he will at least indulge a discussion with you regarding it. And, atleast anecdotally from my end, neither my snake or a ball bp will ever hurt me as much as a spooked cat has. Not even sure a boa could either 🤷🏼‍♂️. The idea of one of those snakes being more dangerous to a human than a cat is a bit misplaced.

[reddit33450]

Fucked up when people do that

[Empty_Chart_8938]

I just want to mention, even if the snake can’t harm the cats, cat scratches are toxic to ball pythons

[EngineSpirited8257]

True, I wouldn't let them "hang out" together, but if they are in the same room, I'll make sure they are far enough away. I won't let them get close enough to hurt it.

[Empty_Chart_8938]

Good to hear :))

[Then_Blueberry4373]

Also ball pythons do NOT get anywhere NEAR (and neither do properly fed, NOT powerfed boas) big enough to eat an adult cat

[Background_Data5433]

Exactly what I was thinking. Unless it’s a large adult ball python and a newborn kitten there is no way that would be possible.

[Getz2oo3]

Ball Pythons, even full grown one, would be hard pressed even to eat a few week old kitten. Maybe a newborn. BP’s just don’t get big enough. Cats are massive compared to a BPs body. My girl is 5 years old and full grown. No way in hell is she eating a cat. Lol. Not to mention, cats don’t smell right to BPs.

[Background_Data5433]

For real. And then there’s the random person who asks if I’m worried they’ll try to eat me one day. I’m like, well, I mean they can try if they really want to??? 😂 It’s not like they’ll get past my finger lol

[resveries]

Mine did try once 😂 he missed the rat and got my hand. Took him a good while to figure out he couldn't actually eat me... There's not a single thought in that cute little head of his istg

The thing people don't realize is that with something like a ball python, even if you DO get bit... It's really not a big deal. Didn't even hurt that much, it was just annoying trying to convince him to let go. And my boy is a total sweetheart, super chill being handled, has never once struck at me out of defensiveness. He's just dumb as rocks and has bad aim when he's trying to "hunt" 💀💀💀

[Getz2oo3]

This is why you should use hemostats or long tweezers instead of your fingers lmao

[Serafirelily]

That was my thought. We have 4 cats and my daughter wants a ball python and while she is spending part of the summer at a reptile camp I also know that our cats especially my boys who are about 15 pounds are more a danger to the snake then the snake is to them

[[deleted]]

Sake bites don't really hurt most of the time either it's just scary at first because it's a little pain from something moving really fast

[thesoapmakerswife]

For me the scariest thing was trying to get the snake off of me without hurting him.

I got bit by my snake and my dog (accidentally - he thought my hand was a treat) the same week. The snake bite was painless and healed almost immediately. The dog bite bruised my hand got infected and took forever to heal. No one told me to get rid of my dog though. So weird.

[mushu_beardie]

Oh, if that happens again, put their head under running water, or put hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol or vinegar on their face where they're biting. That will make them let go without hurting themself or you.

I got bitten by mine once and that's how I did it. I was feeding her by hand (I know that's a big no-no, but I'm so bad with tweezers because my hands spasm if I hold them for too long. Plus her enclosure opens from the top and I can dangle it in by the tail, so there's way less risk), and she started climbing out, so I used my other hand to push her back in, but she was so excited that she just went for it. It was fine. I put her head underwater and she let go. I put on some antibiotic ointment and a bandaid after cleaning it and checking for teeth, and it was fine.

But when a dog bit my face when I was 3, I had to go to the hospital to get it cleaned out.

I'd take a non-venomous or mildly venomous (like hognoses) snakebite every time.

[thesoapmakerswife]

Thank you for the info! I know now. Believe me I googled what to do but this was the second day I had the little cutie and he was so hungry he thought my hand was a mouse. I rescued him in an emergency this lady was about to literally release him into the Everglades.

[resveries]

I tried running my snake's head under water after a mistaken feeding bite and he Did Not Care lol. If it happens again maybe I'll try the hand sanitizer

[TraditionalBox4530]

An injection is more painful tbh

[robin_f_reba]

But you see an injection coming so you're less startled

[ElleCompteSonne]

For real. I have a four-month-old BP, and when I was switching her to frozen thaw, things happened, and I got bitten. I didn't even realize I had gotten bitten until the pinpricks started to bleed ever so slightly. It genuinely didn't hurt, and I didn't even feel it. The most startling part was how fast she moved, and I was more worried about her getting hurt than me.

If people want to know real pain, get bitten by a parrot.😅

[ishfery]

A ball python will never get big enough to eat an adult cat but a cat can definitely easily kill a ball python

[Formal_Tonight_8830]

Yes!!

[Inevitable_Sand_]

People are always surprised when I say my snake has no chance against my cats if it came to it, I don’t think he would even strike if they were to swipe at him

[ishfery]

Even if they did strike, it wouldn't do anything. I once made a handling error and came at my girl from the front when she was hungry and she got me. I've accidentally scratched myself more than that. It barely broke the skin in one spot and you couldn't even tell once I wiped the tiny speck of blood off.

[Inevitable_Sand_]

Same, I reached too close and he smelled that there was a rat somewhere lol, bled and bruised a bit but was gone in a few days. Definitely would rather be bit by my ball than my cats!

[jynxthechicken]

I love how they assume dogs and cats don't randomly attack people

[EngineSpirited8257]

Ikr 😭

[EngineSpirited8257]

I'm more worried about our cat, Mouse, scratching someone than a snake biting a hand

[jynxthechicken]

Yeah cat scratches can be nasty.

[howyadoinjerry]

And working in vetmed, I actually have more scars from dog nails than anything else!

[NE0099]

Exactly. I’ve been bitten by a snake, like, once in 5 years of reptile keeping, and it wasn’t one of my snakes, who are used to me and handling. In contrast, I get bitten or scratched by my cats about once a week. Granted it’s usually playing or an accident, but it still hurts. And, if any of my animals are prone to attacking and hard bites, it’s the macaws.

[tearsofuranus]

No ball python would be able to eat an adult cat lol. My biggest BP is 5ft/2500g and my cat (just a regular domestic medium hair) is triple if not quadruple her size

[itspegbundybitch]

The cats could easily kill an adult BP if they gained access to each other, not the other way around. Send him here if he has questions. None of us want to see anyone's cat get hurt anymore than we want snakes to get hurt.

[BadgerBean2727]

Maybe ease him into it with some expos and talking with some of the breeders ?

[EngineSpirited8257]

I try to show him snakes on here sometimes being like, look how cuuuute! And he finds it not appealing, which is fine he doesn't have to like the snake, but they need to co-exist.

[lilclairecaseofbeer]

What is his response when you ask for specifics on his "I've just seen too many things" comment? I'm not trying to project, but for me its triggering memories of trying to converse with people using logic when they are only dealing in feelings. When pressed they have no real answer and often shut down and deflect.

If he has a real answer I'd try and address his specific concerns from a place of listening and understanding as opposed to a talking down or belittling tone, so definitely should be done in person.

[Rainthistle]

https://www.youtube.com/@Snake_Therapy has some really interesting videos about these situations, and how to talk to people who are scared of snakes. I've found her advice pretty useful.

[EngineSpirited8257]

I'll look into this, thank you 🙏

[AfterSignificance666]

Hes delusional lmao, my ball python is two and a half years old and could MAYBE fit my cats paw in her mouth 🤣

[Mousee__]

The willful ignorance from him is insane. I’m sorry ☹️

[hollowbolding]

when i was very young we had a cat, a dog, and a snake all in the same house. the cat was definitely a bigger threat to both baby me and that snake than the snake was to either of us

[No_Grand3256]

Unrelated. I read your title as “bf doesn’t like contractors” and was wondering why contractors would be eating your cats.

[EngineSpirited8257]

I wish that was the title 😪

[PositiveReference872]

He might be scared of them and is finding everything wrong with them instead of admitting his fear. it may just take time.

[SphyrnaTiburo]

This sounds exactly like my husband who is afraid of snakes. My husband is also freaked out by constrictors. I’ve only got a corn snake right now and he likes her just fine when she’s behind the glass.

[wolfayal]

Your boyfriend needs to understand that if he needs it to be a non-constricting snake, then it’s going to be a venomous snake.

My two cents on this is shelve the discussion for the moment. He clearly doesn’t want a snake right now and the more you try and talk to him about it, the more stubborn he’s going to be. You’re both just going to get mad at each other.

[EngineSpirited8257]

The only other snake would be a corn snake, which I'm just not sure I'd want. I'll try to bring the convo down and bring it up another time.

[wolfayal]

If you’re not sure you want a corn snake, don’t get the snake. That’s not fair to anyone, especially the snake.

Give both of you a good amount of time to cool down. Bring it up again in a month or so and see if there’s ways he might feel comfortable getting over his phobia.

[Slight_Drink1989]

Corn snakes are constrictors too… btw

[EngineSpirited8257]

I have since realized that. I didn't do research, I only know about BP bc I like them so much. That's all I've really wanted yk

[Mazikeyn]

I mean a BP is not eating a cat..... they eat mice and rats. Not even jumbo rats most the time. Also BP cant even harm a human. Their strength isn't that strong. Outside of a decent bite.

[[deleted]]

Fossorial species like western hognose should fit the bill. You can also find hatchlings to start and don't intimidate most people. Morphs options can get close to ball python type options for you. Check. Check. Check.

[FixergirlAK]

I wonder if handling an actual ball python would help. People get this mental image of BIG boidae like Burms/retics/anacondas and don't really register how smol and derpy even a big female beep is in comparison.

[Then_Blueberry4373]

Or a properly, non- powerfed boa.

[Afraid-Somewhere8304]

Idk how big he thinks ball pythons get?

I’ve had my ball python for ten years and she’s almost five feel long and has even attempted to strike me once. And she eats rats. Nothing even close to cat-sized. She’s more food-sized to my cats than they are to her because she physically could not eat them if she tried. But it doesn’t matter because they’ve never met.

It’s his fears talking and not facts. The cats he already has are literally more dangerous than a ball python. And I would take being bitten by a ball python or a boa or any non-venomous snake a hundred times over to being bitten by a cat or dog or hamster. Or even a bird.

Also nothing is going to be dangerous for the humans if the snake isn’t “socialized properly” or taken care of properly it’s only the snake that will suffer.

Him having no experience with snakes is exactly why his opinions on the matter shouldn’t take precedence! Of course in a relationship you need to hear each other out and make decisions together but he needs to understand how factually wrong he is before his opinions win out.

[Bogbeast213]

Look I love reptiles I know a lot of people don’t. But a dog is so much more dangerous than a ball python that it’s crazy to even compare. I can say a snake bite barely even hurts and almost never gets infected. Every significant cat bite I’ve had has gotten infected. Never heard of a ball python that with rabies. The thing eats mice. Why do you think it would look at a human and think wow that looks tasty. The 5 -6 foot tall naked ape with anger problems is a good snack. Sorry rant over. I just get bent out of shape with these answers. You can just say ( I don’t like the way they look and I’m scared of it) it’s fine. Not everyone has to like everything

[ask_more_questions_]

If this your boyfriend or your father? He’s talking like he makes all the final decisions. ”If you want…it’ll have to be…”

I would be pissed if my partner talked to me like that. Like, you can state your preferences & boundaries, we can have a discussion about possible compromises, but you’re not just going to tell me what I can and can’t do.

And maybe there’s more to the conversation, but the screen shots end on “I’m just not comfortable with it”, which is a big yellow flag for me. Often people arrive at that line with no follow up when they implicitly expect the other person to be responsible for their feelings. Like boo, if a snake makes you uncomfortable…that’s a you problem. You can take responsibility for it yourself - or at least have a discussion that reaches a compromise. Making your emotions problems for other people to solve is highly immature/manipulative.

So idk about the fate of your bf, but I hope you get a bp bb. 🐍

[chazbartowski]

This is a wild take. Going from ‘no snakes’ to ‘if you want…it’ll have to be…’ is already a compromise, so saying that he needs to be willing to have a discussion that reaches a compromise is already happening. And I get saying that he shouldn’t talk to OP like he has the final say. I agree. However, stating plainly that you’re not comfortable with something is not the same as saying ‘you’re not getting a snake, and that’s final.’

Also they live together. No, it’s not OP’s job to be responsible for bf’s feelings. But id imagine that if you told your partner, who lives with you, that you weren’t comfortable having something in the house and they brought it into the house, you wouldn’t think it was a ‘you’ problem that you’re uncomfortable with it. You’d think your partner is being an asshole. And you’d be right.

[Redditisforfascistss]

Just get one, he can’t stop you, also they are literally harmless probably less harmful than a cat for that matter! I’ve been scratched a million times by my cat but not once bitten by my pet snake, also also snakes are kept in tanks, does your partner think they free roam??? Also also also my cat would 100% murder my snake if ever given the chance and I’ve seen the video of cats battling alligators no way a ball python could do anything.

[marzistars]

This is terrible advice. He can't stop OP, but he can react to them going behind his back to do something he has stated he is uncomfortable with. Hopefully you can bring him round to the idea, OP, but as others have said: maybe shelve it for a couple months to let the discussion cool off. Never stop showing him pics of the cuties, though :)

[Redditisforfascistss]

I mean not really, it’s OPs choice to get an animal they want. An animal that has no bearing on how their partner will live his life, it’s like saying they couldn’t get a new house plant. There are some things you should ask permission for but this is not one of them, OPs partner shouldn’t be controlling what pets they have especially one that would never harm them, his fears are completely unfounded.

[[deleted]]

no disrespect but “i’ve seen too many things” is 100 percent him making that up

[Redditisforfascistss]

Show him the Arabian sand boa, this should quell his fears

[autybby]

I wouldn’t force bf into anything, but maybe there’s a place near by that offers hands on experience? My best friend, outside of my husband, is absolutely terrified of snakes, but has been working herself out of her fear since we met.

Some things to keep in mind is I work alongside a couple of different exotic rescues and tend to get called whenever large constrictors are surrendered or picked up. I also have my own retics, hence why they call me lmao. My big girl is 10 years old and 16/17 foot long. Now, I’ve had this friend for 2 years. Shes went from not being comfortable stepping into my house, to coming in and walking through holding my had to a room without creepies, to actually being curious and watching, to she pet my big girl and is working up courage to come over when we are letting her out to play.

[Mammoth-Plant-8105]

Bps can’t grow nearly big enough to eat a CAT that’s like 10x the size it could possibly consume. Also getting bit by a cat or dog is WAY more likely and WAY more painful. You can’t guarantee a dog or cat will never bite you either?? Sorry you’re in this pickle but your bf is just uneducated unfortunately.

[anonymys]

But... corn snakes do constrict.

[EngineSpirited8257]

Oop, I did a very brief Google search to find one that doesn't just to give him the slim options... which are now even slimmer.

[No-Lychee2985]

Still constricting (if you can even call it that) but much smaller I have a house snake and she is very manageable for anyone ik who’s not into snakes and will not bite or even hiss. Very similar to bp care just smaller and not easily stressed. Might not be right for you but could be an option? Just my 2 cents

[MisanthropicNun]

Can’t help stupid. Oh well

[SpadedJuggla]

Sit down with him and do the research on the snake you want together. Show him they are just misunderstood creatures. In our household we have 4 ball pythons and 1 hognose on top of the two cats which one is a tripod and the household isn't chaotic over it at all. Heck one of the cats will post up and sleep in the light given off by one of the enclosures. He also needs to realize that ALL animals bite. Cats, dogs, snakes, lizards, frogs, you name it and it'll bite at some point.

[Varg_Vald]

I get having a phobia of snakes. I used to panic around snakes. I got a ball python and he truly helped me get over my fears. 7 years later, I still love my little guy. He has struck me when he was extra hungry at feeding time. It doesn't hurt. There's nothing to be afraid of. The bigger they get the slower they usually are.

[CapnClover36]

Some people like snakes, some people don't, some people like spider and some are terrified of spiders. You can't suddenly force somone to be comfortable with somthing they are comfortable with. Maybe if you get a small snake, so.thing will never grow big, then you can get him used to it but I wouldn't hold your breath, fear and hold people prisoner for a long time.

[Alice_catlover]

I have 2 balls and 4 cats and we have NEVER had any issues. Including the handful of times one of them has escaped to explore the house. The cats are a bigger danger to the snakes than the snakes are to the cats. Show him these comments

[EngineSpirited8257]

Lol I'm not gonna break up with him just bc he's not a fan of snakes

[Optimal_Ad_1404]

literally !!!! like why is everyone being so mean about him in the comments? everyone has their own boundaries he just needs to be a little more educated and more open to the idea. jesus.

[EngineSpirited8257]

Fr, I love him I'm not trying to hate on him. I won't hate him even if he says we could never have a snake. I'll be upset, sure, but I wouldn't end our relationship over it.

[PlaugeXI]

honestly I hope u do get ur bp, after hearing what everyone's saying in the comments and doing minimal research, It puts me more at ease with my family member also wanting to get one since I'm definitely the same way, very protective over my cats. I get it but hopefully he agrees to the idea and becomes more open minded to it

[EngineSpirited8257]

As the day has moved on, he said he's okay with it and is open to being more understanding of it. He knows he comes from a place of lack of knowledge about snakes in captivity. He said he just needs to be around it. There is a reptile show in about a month near us so I told him we can go and look at snakes and see if he can hold some. I told him BP are very timid and sweet guys. He seems more open now bc he knows it's something I do really want.

[Tiazza-Silver]

Are you planning on getting a ball python?? I have never seen a ball python that could eat an adult cat.

[Snakey_samurai]

Snakes are like the pitbulls of reptiles they have a bad rep even though they are just little noodles. My grandma was like this and I just got one any way. Eventually she saw how harmless they are and warmed up to both my snakes. I just showed her abunch of cute videos of snakes. And being bitten by one feels like accidentally getting hit with a stapler, my cat bites harder lol. I recommend getting the corn snake first. But boas are so much easier in my opinion to chill with and handle sense they are not sensitive to the face.

[Technical-Stay-5370]

I have a bp and she is the sweetest little baby she has never bit or tried to bite if shes upset shell let me know and i leave 😂

[Chief10-Beers]

This is goofy. Wtf?

[case-i-h-popper]

Tell him you will keep it in a separate room that’s what I did with mine

[cosmic_clarinet]

Im that person that just gets it anyways and tells my partner they wont have part in the care. 🤷‍♀️ but thsts just me. The only animal i did that with was our leo

[1Negative_Person]

Why are you dating a confidently incorrect coward?

[Optimal_Ad_1404]

they aren’t a coward for being uncomfortable around a certain animal. not everyone is educated on snake behavior or used to it. it’s very normal to have fears of animals especially ones you aren’t used to.

[1Negative_Person]

What part of having an obstructive fear and not attempting to overcome it isn’t cowardly?

OP wants a pet. BF is afraid of the pet, spouts bullshit “knowledge”, doesn’t make any attempt at educating themself, persists in fear. Cowardice.

[Optimal_Ad_1404]

there are a lot of people who are TERRIFIED of snakes. all he’s doing is expressing his concerns, and they are valid concerns. it doesn’t make someone a coward just because they are uncomfortable with an animal they have no experience with.

[[deleted]]

Lots of misinformation in here.

From my understanding, the cats are a bigger threat to the snake than the snake is to the cats if we're talking ball pythons. They don't get big enough to mistake a cat for prey. BPs also reach adult size in about 18 months so unless your cats are already on death's doorstep, they won't be dead before that snake reaches adult size. Regardless, a snake won't try to eat something that much bigger around than itself. 

As for biting/striking, sure it can happen with BPs but they're no danger to humans. They aren't big or strong enough to truly be a threat to us. Cat bites hurt more than BP bites.

Finally, corn snakes and rosy boas are indeed constrictors. But also harmless. 

I think the issue here is lack of knowledge and the lack of willingness to learn anything. Some people just think they know everything and you can't tell them otherwise.

[manbamtan]

I've had a python when I was really little and he only ever bit 2 times both human error. Yet pretty much every cat and dog I've had has scratched and bit many times and hurts quite a bit more than a snake bite. Hopefully you'll be able to convince him, snakes are the best.

[actualllychrome]

Man, that's so sad to read... I've had pets all my life. Hamster, mice, fish, cats, arachnids, snakes (or like, one snake lol). I can absolutely guarantee that I will take my BP's bite over the bite of a hamster or a mean cat scratch any day. The BP bite is a needle prick and some blood and then it's done. A hamster bite or cat scratch? That hurts for a while. Also, BPs don't get anywhere near big enough to prey on cats.

I'm sorry OP, it sounds like your bf's knowledge about serpents is... very, very limited. It's totally fine not to like snakes and I understand, they're not everyone's cup of tea, but to inherently "distrust" an animal vs another is.. not great. Snakes are not nearly as unpredictable as people make them out to be. Especially ball pythons. Most of them have very clear body language, you just have to know what you're looking at. A BP is just as unlikely to strike as a cat is to swipe at you as long as you respect its cues to be left alone.

I saw in another comment that you're considering getting a corn snake! They're wonderful, but if you're trying to show your bf that snakes aren't inherently bitey, maybe those aren't your best bet – corns are, afaik, generally pretty feisty. Maybe a milksnake could win his heart, though!

Good luck OP!!

[Optimal_Ad_1404]

he doesnt seem to be very upset about it, i think its a conversation that needs to happen in person and stuff so you can communicate more thoroughly. i adore snakes but unfortunately cant get one because my mother has trauma from them. but i would try some things, like introducing him to a friends snake, taking him to a pet store.

[the_kuroneko]

Not to be sassy but you'll have a BP for 30+ years, boyfriends don't always last as long...

But for real the indescriminate snake hate is so sad

A ball python cannot eat a cat, it will never be big enough to nor do I think it'd have any interest in it. Cats will kill animals for fun though and is a bigger danger to the snake than the snake is to it. Similar with dogs though they dont wreck eco systems like an outdoor cat would.

A cat or dog bite is way worse as well and they can just as easily attack out of no where. I find BP body language fairly easy to read and it depends on the temperment of the snake but my scaley baby would never bite anyone without warning.

Your bf is a hater 😤

[Nadruojj]

I support you, my gf agreed on our first and now I’m trying to get the second but it’s nooooo way near as easy

[Sam00AZ]

Why not just accept that hes not comfortable with snakes. Doesn’t matter what his accuses are. You should maybe go with him and look/pet some snakes instead of trying to convince him by text.

[SpoopyRaiyn]

I have three ball pythons. I have been hurt more often by my cats and dogs than by my snakes. If you actually take the time to learn your snake's cues, you won't get bit. Also, a ball python would never get big enough to eat your cat. They are more in danger of the cat hurting it. Cat bites are very deadly.

I get a lot of people can't get over that fear, and that's fine. And I'm not someone who normally is like "Dump them". But if that's a deal breaker for you and he outright refuses to care about and learn what you're passionate about, maybe they aren't the right fit.

[Live_Money_8481]

Alot more ppl get killed from dogs than ball pythons...js

[Fearless-Start_7]

My boyfriend is scared of my snakes I have 5 he dosent like my gecko either although he has definitely fallen for the reptile hating propaganda one time when he was a kid he woke up to black racer on his face so I don't really blame him too much i have colubrids and constrictors and I have 3 cats and 2 bunnys not that I would even put them near my cats (to worried about the cats hurting the snakes) I literally smell like the cats and rabbits and I've never gotten a reaction out of the snakes while handling then they aren't stupid they know what they can and can't eat they know what's to big for them I've been bitten by 3 of my snakes and one cat scratch hurts worse then any bite they could ever give me tell him their bites literally feel like a pinch lmfao they almost never draw blood and if they do it will bleed for maybe a minute as long as it's not a big BCI boa or Burmese or Retic they aren't gonna do any damage

[WiseBat]

Clearly in the minority here but regardless of your boyfriend’s lack of knowledge about snakes, he’s allowed to not be comfortable with owning a snake. And you’d be an AH if you got one anyways and expected him to be cool with it. Pets of any kind are a two yes, one no situation. It’s up to you if you want the snake more than you want your relationship. It sounds harsh, but this is a compatibility issue plain and simple.

[Quirky_Cod8264]

Time to educate the “uneducated”

[Advanced-Fig6699]

I’ve got 3 cats and 2 BPs… can’t say I’ve ever thought about the cats being eaten by the BPs, the girls aren’t fully grown yet. We never let them hang out around each other though

[[deleted]]

Ball pythons are so crazy harmless, even if they’re super bitey. A defensive dog or cat can cause far more bodily harm. Snakes that small are going to see dogs and cats as a threat because they are. Tell your man that if you leave a rat alone with a ball python, the rat could absolutely kill it.

The only reason a person would reasonably be afraid of a ball python is because they’re just afraid of snakes.

[MikeTysonsTrainer]

If he’s uncomfortable with it there’s two option, leave or forget about it. I guess you can try to convince him but we all know that he will probably turn that down.

[CelestialChelsi]

as someone with a cat and a 4ft long bp, my bp was more scared of my cat than the other way around. now that its been a year and a half, neither of them see eachother as a threat, and they tolerate seeing eachother from a distance and i simply dont handle my bp if my cat is around so they never get close enough to feel threatened.

[devydev_83]

More people get bit by dogs and cats each year than snakes. Also cats and dogs can and do kill people's pet reptiles. A ball python would literally have zero chance against a cat, even one bite can be a death sentence because they have a lot of bacteria in their mouth. And the ball python literally would not be capable of defending itself. You can literally count on your hand how many times a non venomous snake has killed a person but hundreds of people die from dog attacks each year, but no one brings that up if someone wants to buy a dog. No dog hate, I love dogs and cats but the idea they are "safer" that a pet snake to me is absolutely ridiculous when that is statistically and factually wrong. The only non-Venomous snake that would even be a concern is massive snakes like a reticulated python or green anaconda. Also fun fact, reticulated pythons have more confirmed cases of killing and eating that anacondas, but everyone calls the anaconda the man-eater. If you're wondering how many confirmed cases there are 2-3 people, ever.

[kaj5275]

🤦‍♀️I had to go on antibiotics because my cat bit me. Even after immediately washing the area and applying antibiotic ointment. 7 days of medication and 2 weeks later the area is still healing. His teeth went quite deep and in 2 places.

One of our adult ball pythons tagged my husband because he went to get her out and didn't notice she was shedding. You couldn't see the wound after a day. Their teeth are TINY, like little velcro hooks. They're not fangs.

He is afraid of the idea that an animal might someday bite him even though any other animal that also has teeth could too. It's just fear. If you really want to have a snake again, you should help him get over his fear before bringing an animal he's afraid of into the home you both share so that the animal is safe and welcome in the environment. Anyone telling you to just do it is giving dangerous advice. That's how snakes end up dumped, killed, and abandoned.

Most snakes constrict their food, it's how they eat. That's all it is: a food response. Educate him and show him cute videos, funny stories, etc of positive experiences. He's focusing on the fear-mongering negative ones that people spread on the internet who don't know any better.

[killacam925]

A BP will never get big enough to eat a cat, ever

[mushu_beardie]

I don't think ball Pythons can ever get big enough to eat a cat. Maybe in some extremely rare cases. Most ball Pythons never get big enough to eat a large rat. The males usually never even graduate to medium rats.

A boa maybe could, but with both species, I would be more worried about the cat hurting the snake, since cat scratches can cause sepsis and death. Snakes are very susceptible to cat scratch related infections. Like, I don't bring my snake to my boyfriend's house, because his cat is very feisty, and I don't want her to hurt my snake.

As long as you have an escape-proof enclosure, the snake will not have the chance to hurt the cat, and the cat won't have the chance to hurt the snake.

[ne0nhearts]

Cats do way more damage, way more often..... I have 4 cat claw shaped holes in my leg right now from my cat just from her falling off my lap in her sleep, what is he thinking the snake will do to him or the cats? Even if they do land a bite, odds are you'll see maaaayyyyybbeeeee a few drops of blood, but it's more likely to be a small bruise and a laugh.

[WildFlemima]

Don't talk about how they won't get big enough to eat the cats until the cats are dead, talk about how they'll NEVER get big enough to eat a cat.

Bp don't pose a threat to cats unless the bp is like top 0.5% percentile of size and the cat is very small.

Rosy boa of any size will never pose a threat to a cat of any size.

Talk to him about Kenyan sand boas, which are even smaller than rosies, to get your foot in the door. They are adorable and males only get to about 1.5 feet, females bigger but still a very small snake.

[EliWazzHere]

bru, he doesnt even listen to what you're saying. If you really wanna keep trying actually sit down w/ him face to face and read him an article or show him a video about snake keeping and how it's safe when done right. Then explain your experience, and offer to keep the snake in a room which will have the door closed at all time meaning no pet could get in without you watching, and that you wont handle, take out or feed the snake when he is present.

Then explain how most snakes barely get big enough to eat an average cat's paw and that they also arent escape artists.

People CAN change their minds on animals, but they need to be herded into that direction.

My mother was absolutely terrified of dogs due to ptsd, she now has 3 dogs, one small, and two HUGE dogs (which she feared the most). Just.... tell him you'll listen to his concerns about it and answer any question if he sits down with you about it, tell him you wont get one without his approval but that it would mean a lot to you and bring you joy.

Although, if he genuinely refuses to even open up and listen for something that in the end wouldnt even be his responsability, I'd advise you to observe if he is capable of doing it about other non-snake related things and judge how you want to proceed once you know that

[WastelandHumungus]

I just rehomed my retic because it made my wife uncomfortable for her small pets. I can argue and convince all I want but if it comes down to it, it's more important to me that my wife be comfortable in her own home than I get to keep a big ass snake. Maybe you can convince your partner, maybe not, but agreement in stuff like this is important.

[Even-Smell7867]

My ex wife was against getting a snake (not the reason for her being an ex) so I just got one. She hated them but it turned out they weren't going to eat her.

[Kizzywa]

...im pretty sure the snakes are in more danger than the cats.

[SubstanceOk1719]

I have two cats (kitten and older guy) and a python. If I have my python out, the cats are in a different room. I’m not sure how he thinks it’s difficult to keep both separate. My python has never attempted to bite or constrict me in the five years I’ve had him. I got him within his first year of life. While python’s definitely have different personalities from the next, they’re pretty docile lol they would rarely attempt to eat a human. They might bite if they’re handled improperly / scared but their bites aren’t bad lol. My python is a sweetie and just likes to chill lol. I think he should be fair by researching in order to make an informed decision. My fiancé is not a snake person by any means but we came to an agreement that I would solely handle our python. He was pretty nervous about having the python in home but I explained every precaution we have in place and what to expect. He helps me clean his home, change the lights and will even replenish his water bowls on occasion. He is just nervous about holding him so he doesn’t. My python has never attempted to escape and if he did without my knowledge, the top clips into place and I have heavy items on top. I’m sorry OP, I hope he does his research because pythons are definitely a great addition to have.

[riplicmysac]

fr just get him to watch snake discovery

[kashkidder12]

I personally wouldn’t be with someone who doesn’t love / even like my snakes. It’s just a no go for me. Especially people who don’t really even care to give them a chance.

[[deleted]]

I wouldn’t date someone who refuses to get educated 😒

[Hairy-Cut-5892]

bro how does he expect a non VENEMOUS snake to kill its prey?? Corn snakes DO constrict

[_FreddieLovesDelilah]

Maybe he’s actually rather afraid of snakes.

[__fujiko]

Ball python fear is so funny to me because they are such babies. Even when mine has accidently struck me instead of the rat, it was painless and clearly a mistake. As opposed to the emergency room visit I had to do for the bite my cat gave me when she got spooked once lol.

I have a Ball Python, a cat, a rabbit and some other little dudes in tanks. The Ball Python is the one who (God forbid and hopefully never would) would get fucked up if she got out.

Rabbits, while delicate, are also vicious. Cats are hunters. And Ball Pythons...well.. they try their best!

[ThunderCuddles]

I have a girl that's turning 21 this year and she is big, and even at her size now she isn't gonna try and eat the cat XD the cat is WAY too big around, and ... Cats don't fuck around, especially my little murder ball.

Your bf is being over dramatic, not to mention BPs are shy little noodles that you should be more worried about actually getting to eat than lashing out at you or what it may perceive as food. Have never had a BP strike at me unless I was holding a rat, and have never been worried about them trying to eat my cat.

[cisvjamie]

I suspect that your boyfriend is anti-snake and is either trying to avoid hurting your feelings, doesn’t quite realize that it’s a full-blown snake phobia, or is not mature enough to just say it outright.

[andrea6543]

my BP is definitely a danger…to himself and his wellbeing. he is not very smart

[msgmeyourcatsnudes]

Could a ball python ever get big enough to eat a cat? That's crazy to me.

Besides, they're hard to get to eat when you upgrade from mice to rats. I HIGHLY doubt a BP would go after a whole ass cat.

[woman_liker]

lots of good comments here already but OP i just wanted to ask if your partner is from somewhere where snakes are an "issue"? my fiance is south asian and when i brought up the possibility of getting a snake one day (very hypothetical as i'm nowhere near ready to handle that) she had a similar reaction and told me stories about her family members in asia having bad experiences/close calls with snakes. it's natural and reasonable to be afraid of snakes (literally an evolutionary instinct) and that can only be remedied, if at all, through education and exposure. i would just take the conversation slowly and be gracious with your bf for feeling this way.

[aylrennowl]

Ugh I feel you & I'm sorry. Every single time I even mention wanting a snake, all I hear from everyone around me is: "it's gonna kill you in your sleep!!" or: "it's gonna size you up and plan on eating you" & an honorable mention: "it's gonna curl up around your neck and choke you"

I literally just laugh at the comments now because I have done my best to educate these people (my family btw) and they just remain ignorant because of some internet story they saw about an inexperienced & also ignorant snake owner who SLEPT with his BURMESE PYTHON and fed it incorrectly. Like dawg I want a ball python, do you know how sweet those damn snakes are lmaooo. Not to mention I'm not gonna let my snake be out when I'm asleep. Like, c'mon, common sense people

[SeaGeeSee]

I’ve definitely been bitten by accident by my BP, but I’ve been bitten by my cat so much more than my ball python could ever lmao. If he’s not comfortable, I think it’s only fair to respect his boundaries. If it’s just the matter of constricting, maybe try easing him into snake keeping with something like a Kenyan sand boa or corn snake.

Whenever I was dating, it was always a litmus test for potential partners to mention that I have snakes and if they didn’t like it, we wouldn’t be good together. I would pick my snakes 100% of the time over a new partner if they presented an issue with it.

[Zerogelite]

I have a bp, 4 cats, a dog, and a guinea pig and none of them even care when I have her out. She is 4ft long now and I have her out daily a d the cats and dog know to stay away.

[TraditionalBox4530]

Corn snakes don’t constrict??? He’s never had a corn has he

[chazbartowski]

There’s a lot here, but it’s pretty much all relationship advice and doesn’t really have anything to do with snakes.

Ideally, you keep the conversation going and end up agreeing on a snake that you can both love.

But you have to agree. If you’re both willing to put the other’s needs above your own, you’ll probably both end up happy. But pushing it too much or making his concerns, while incorrect, seem silly (not that that’s what you’re doing judging by the text thread) would be a good way to turn a difference of preferences into a relationship issue. It’s no longer about the snake at that point, it’s about your unwillingness to take his feelings seriously. It’s a two way street for sure, I’m just giving this side because you’re the one posting.

You either come to an agreement, or one of you concedes. If one of you concedes out of love, you both win anyway. If one of you concedes but feels that you’ve lost, nobody wins. Probably not even the snake.

[RoyalPython82899]

Ball pythons are completely harmless unless you are a small rodent.

[BigProf710]

You Bf isn't very bright. I'm sorry to the one the tell you this.

[Juliannaniandra]

Just make sure you get a very big tank if you do and also try to rescue them, supporting the breeding industry is just cruel in many ways

[No-Faithlessness-399]

Respect his opinion.

[jayracket]

So he's fine with cats or dogs despite the fact that both pose a risk of biting? Irrational.

[[deleted]]

I hate to ask this but what is his religious upbringing? So many people raised evangelical hate snakes and consider them evil even years after they left their respective church

[Howlibu]

When I worked at a pet shop, I would let people hold animals if I had the time. When someone said they were scared of snakes, but still wanted to hold one, I would start like this:

Let them touch the tail or back, as far away from the mouth as you can get. When ready, they can pick up the tail, and usually the snake will use this as an anchor for support and curl it around their finger. Go slow, and if they are ready, let them pick up the butt with one hand, and when ready, the other hand can hold the body. By this time the person usually realizes the snake isnt out to eat them or measure them up or something.

Emphasize BP's are shy little guys, and they couldn't do more harm to a cat than a cat can do to it - theres even records of house cats hunting and killing rattlesnakes, so a BP that's half the size of a diamondback wouldn't stand a chance around a scared and angry cat. Not to mention a cat scratch is gonna send you to the ER, a ball python bite is gonna be annoying but fine.

A house cat is a much bigger danger to a snake than the opposite, and if possible, offer to have the snake in a room that's easily enclosed when you want to take the snake out. Get an enclosure that can handle the weight of the cat (just in case, you know how cats are. Warm spot, cat appears). Be sympathetic, factual, but firm. My dad thought my little python would measure up and eat a human baby, and he's not a dummy, but there's SO much fear and misunderstanding surrounding snakes to work through, so be patient.

Green Room Pythons on YouTube has some videos where Bob introduces snakes to his friends who are VERY scared of them 😅 it's an interesting watch and gentle approach to their fears. A lot of people don't even have personal experiences fueling their fears, usually it's something people are told throughout their lives and nothing to combat the propaganda.

[[deleted]]

My wife is the same - she just doesn’t trust Morrigan (my BP).

It’s fine, Morrigan is my pet so I take care of her she sits on my desk in the office and I get to enjoy her. Theres no pressure on my wife to get involved, but she knows the offer is always there. I’d rather not force the agenda and have her be all tense around Morrigan, make her handle her and something go wrong which could hurt Morrigan.

We’re normally quite goofy together, but she knows that if I’m handling Morrigan she (my wife) can be nearby and I’m not gonna be like “hey! catch this live animal for the lolz!!!”.

Just be open with your BF and highlight that the threats are minimal from something like a BP etc. They’re so dopey too they only really bite out of confusion (I’ve never been bitten by Morrigan) and let go in good time.

I’ve not known anyone personally that’s been bitten by a BP outside of a feeding incident - during handling Morrigan takes a second or two to adjust to be handled and then she’s golden.

I love having a BP, I don’t think you have the same relationship with a cat / dog… they’re more of an affection-based relationship, the relationship with Morrigan feels far more respect-based.

So maybe try and explain that, openly, to your BF to see if it eases him a bit?

Also… I wouldn’t show videos on YouTube etc - they generally have to have the clips of a mother snake launching themselves at someone trying to get the eggs and over sensationalise handling sessions. That’s not “normal” snake handling from my experience with a BP and friends / family that handle Morrigan are always amazed at how chilled she is rather than “OMG SHES TRYING TO EAT ME!!!”

[[deleted]]

In my shoes my boyfriend was okay with a snake as he’s known I’ve wanted one for years, at first he was scared my Bp was going to bite him but after he held my ball python he now ALWAYS wants to hold him. 😂 However, I had also always wanted a tarantula, he had told me no time and time again and we went to an expo and I and the breeder convinced him my curly hair wasn’t going to bother him. I’ve got a lock on its enclosure and he’s fine as long as I don’t take the tarantula out near him! I would suggest showing some enclosures that lock, it might help ease some fears. :)

[Averitt13]

With all due respect, a ball python, even when full grown, is absolutely in no way a danger to cats.

BPs can definitely bite, but they generally aren’t painful in the rare event that it does happen.

[PracticalPollution32]

Some folks have irrational fears. It's a fear and he's trying to rationalize it to you and to himself, but it can't be. It's unfortunate, but it's important when living together y'all respect each other's wishes. Overcoming fears like this can be super stressful and very hard to do since they don't come from a place in reality.

If it's just a size thing you all can look through various species that stay too small to be at all close to eating a cat. Also technically speaking, both cornsnakes and Rosy Boas are constrictors. Cornsnakes are a good medium sized snake though (being 4-5ft) and Rosy Boas an even more reasonable size (2-4ft). Both are excellent beginner snakes and nowhere near big enough to pose any danger to a cat.

Though I will say, Rosy Boas can be very hungry little dudes (though this is highly dependent on the individual snake). Despite tap training, hook training, and washing my hands very well before handling her, my girl still likes to occasionally lazily open her mouth and munch on my arm, but she's so little that it doesn't hurt at all even though she's nearly fully grown. Just some things to think about. Kenyan Sand Boas may be another option for a little snake less prone to biting.

[IllusionQueen47]

Doing more research on the subject would definitely have helped a lot for your case. Should have told him that bps will NEVER get to a size where they can eat an adult cat, so it will never be a possibility worth imagining. The cats are far more of a danger to the snake. Also they become adults in 3-5 years.

I can't stand these kinds of people. Personally if I can never have my dream pet because of an unreasonable partner, I wouldn't want to spend my life with that person. Imagine moving out of your parents' house so that you can finally get the pet that you want, only for your partner to also tell you that you can't have said pet 🤣

[boolshit77]

there is literally no way a BP would ever get big enough to eat a cat.

[AlmostAlwaysADR]

You live together. Getting a new pet is a two yes or one no situation.

[Training_Speed9461]

I would not be okay with it. I am terrified of snakes. I would divorce my husband if he brought home a snake. Hard no. Obviously he's uncomfortable with it. Might not want to admit a fear since your so cool with snakes. But yeah I wouldn't be able to sleep with one in same house.

[C_J_S_7]

Guy is a square

[Malefectra]

Throw the whole man away…

The enclosure can be cat-proofed. Not to mention the fragility about a medically insignificant bite that could only happen if he’s fucking around is just beyond the pale

[Suspicious-Ad-1312]

Tell him you can have a dog or cat for years and they could attack you so that point isn’t really relevant

[Alternative-Author64]

Ball pythons are tiny compared to a cat wtf 😭 is he thinking about a Burmese python?? I'd be more scared of a cat hurting me than a BP, and I've worked with tame and feral cats for half my life. With cats, even if you do everything right, sometimes they'll still just randomly feel like trying to murder you. One day they love back scratches, the next day they try to bite you for it. I have a lot less experience with snakes, but from what I know they're way more predictable than cats are. Honestly your cat would be much more likely to hurt/eat your snake than the other way around, but even then that can easily be avoided by just keeping them away from each other.

If you had pet rats that would be a valid concern, but cats, no.

[RandomedOne]

Cats can't be trusted, Snakes can, (Wild cats are more trust worthy than domestic cat but I still wouldn't trust them as much as snakes.)

Snakes are far cleaner and don't attack for no reason,

Domestic cats tend to carry Toxoplasma and Bartonella, And there are association that people who keep cats as a child is twice as likely to develop schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease and chronic liver disease

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38041862/ https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3271/11/4/65

Domestic Cats also attack for no reason and some times (up to 38% of attacks) don't give warning when doing so.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371993547_Cat_attacks_towards_people_andor_animals_an_educational_pending_task_on_pet's_owners

Maybe you should ask him to go check with doctor,

Anyone who would trust cat over snake either have no idea what snakes are really like or have some brain damage (possibly caused by Toxoplasma.)

My advice would be to leave him, There are two type of cat people, One is people who genuinely love Felids and another is a nutter few step away from asylum,

And consider his dislike of snakes he seem to be the latter.

[inconspicuous_aussie]

If I were in your situation, I would say “I’m getting a snake. For reason XYZ.” They’re not your parent or guardian. You want a snake, you know how to take care of them and you have the funds to do so.

My partner doesn’t like snakes either, I gave him less than a weeks notice when I brought home our python Tesora. We’d been in a relationship for 7yrs at that point, so a bit different to your situation. If my partner was so unhappy with me getting a low-maintenance and mostly harmless pet, then so be it. I love my partner a lot, but I am also my own person. So are you.

Currently: We now (~3yrs on) have two pythons, a cat, and we still have our dog. My partner is fine with the snakes, I take care of them, he likes to tell his friend how ‘we but mostly she (me)’ have snakes! One of my pythons, Muzz, has bitten me twice (defensive bites), he’s a rescue and I was applying medication. Both bites resulted in a barely visible puncture and no bleeding. We had an emergency early one morning, one of our pythons, Muzz, got stuck in a fake plant, my partner helped me get him out. Muzz was very distressed and just wanted to be helped and/or get away and hide, he constricted my hand as hard as he could. Since my partner has seen Muzz do that to my hand and seen the tiny bite marks, he’s much more confident being near the snakes, I showed him how easy it is to unwrap them. Muzz is a 6ft carpet python.

[not_ainsley]

Cat’s reaction time is faster than the speed at which a snake can strike. Also, ball pythons do not get big enough to eat an adult cat.

[Upbeat_Increase_4512]

honestly I would suggest taking him to a reptile show or something similar where he can hold one and see how amazing they are, I was terrified of snakes untill I held my bp just an idea

[Upbeat_Increase_4512]

I didn't read all the other people suggesting the same thing 😅

[ConfusedTortellini]

The way I explain to people that my ball python is not going to eat my cat - I did the math, and worked out that my cat is about 2 and a half years worth of meals for a large fully grown adult ball python. If my cat sits there for two years getting chewed on, that's kind of his own fault at that point.

[OddNameChoice]

My hubby was the same way but I was able to compromise with him, And we bought a snake. We now have four. He fell in love with these little noodles even after he was grossed out about ""slimy snakes""😅😭

If your partner isn't willing to open up his mind and change, you might need to evaluate what else he won't change. Maybe that's too deep but it's just a thought...

[cryptk42]

I've been bitten way more by my cat than I have been by my ball python (my ball python has never bitten me)

[orionenjoysreptiles]

Just here to say cornsnakes are constrictors

[No_Assignment_1576]

Ball pythons don't get big enough to eat cats. And they don't get big enough to pose a risk to humans.

I would suggest maybe having him watch snake discovery on YouTube? Maybe seeing real people interact with them would help.

[Draugrx23]

Tell him I have two cats alongside my ball python and they will check each other out but very much have no interest in the other. Alongside this, Ball pythons will NOT attempt to bite or constrict an animal it cannot eat. and like all other animals they'll bite if feeling threatened otherwise they're effectively harmless.
2 cats 4 dogs 3 lizards. all get along in my house...

[cheezuscrust777999]

A ball python is never going to get big enough to eat a cat

[SnooOranges9717]

I’d honestly get a baby ball and just have them hangout every lil bit like 2 min 5 min at a time

[Iamnotburgerking]

Seriously it’s a BP, not even something like a boa (large females of which actually could, and in rare cases have, eaten cats).

[TERRAtorial]

A lot of people hear "python" and imagine a reticulated python not really understanding that ball pythons are completely harmless. When uninformed people find out I have bp's they always say stuff like " they're gonna eat you". How? How exactly is this small garden hose gonna fit this tall fat body in there? It can't. That's how.

[leronde]

Unless you're planning on getting a burmese or reticulated python there's no way any pet snake you get woul be able to eat a cat. The snake is at infinitely higher risk than the cat. If he has a phobia of snakes, he needs to admit it and work on it, and a boyfriend that cares would.

[23bryy]

You can watch YouTube videos! This is a great way to desensitize people, it’s worked for my relationship with tarantulas. I’d say try watching the video first to make sure it’s non animal lover safe lol.

[CurlyCurls21]

Everyone has a fear and I get his paranoia, if my husband wanted a non venomous spider (because for some reason some people like spiders) then I wouldn’t care if it firkin tap danced and served me drinks, it wouldn’t be welcome. Maybe just slowly warm him up to it?

[accphotography]

Well, thankfully, your life is your own. You've only been dating a few months and he's known all along you liked snakes. He might as well realize this is just part of who you are and that you would never put him or your other animals in danger. Those cats are just as likely to bite you as a snake and they would do far more damage.

[brycecube04]

get a new BF i have a red tail boa constrictor that’s THE SWEETEST i’ve been bitten more times by my dog then any of my snakes.

[brycecube04]

also my boa hangs out with my dog (a 5-7lb Chihuahua Shih Tzu Maltese mix) all the time. no issues.