Cat gecko (Aeluroscalabotes felinus)
Photo: Melvin TOULLEC / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Gecko

Cat gecko care guide

Aeluroscalabotes felinus

Advanced

The cat gecko is a advanced-level gecko from Malaysia, Indonesia, S Thailand. Adults reach 15–18 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Cool, humid, densely planted build. Curls its tail like a cat.

  • Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
  • Temp 22–26°C, avoid over 28°C
  • Humidity 75–90%

How much does a cat gecko cost in Canada?

Animal$200–500Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$510–910Enclosure $190–370 · equipment $140–310 · bioactive supplies ≈ $200
Yearly upkeep$150–250Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$860–1660All prices CAD, estimates

Cat gecko quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
15–18 cm
Lifespan
8–12 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Malaysia, Indonesia, S Thailand
Minimum enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
Housing
Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
22–26°C, avoid over 28°C
Humidity
75–90%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – small roaches, crickets
Bioactive style
Tropical arboreal

Cat gecko enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm

Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.

Temperature: 22–26°C, avoid over 28°C. Humidity: 75–90%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a cat gecko eat?

Insectivore – small roaches, crickets. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.

Handling, temperament & health

Calm but delicate; minimal handling.

Health watch: Heat stress, dehydration and parasites in imports.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
  • Check temperatures at perch height.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
  • Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
  • Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.
  • Check branches and mounts are still secure.
  • Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.

Recommended for a cat gecko bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).

Cat gecko FAQ

Is the cat gecko good for beginners?

The cat gecko is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Calm but delicate; minimal handling.

What size enclosure does a cat gecko need?

At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a cat gecko cost in Canada?

Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $510–910 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a cat gecko need?

Temperature: 22–26°C, avoid over 28°C. Humidity: 75–90%.

What does a cat gecko eat?

Insectivore – small roaches, crickets. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.