Cat Gecko

Cat Gecko key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

About 18cm; males smaller than females

Temperature

Humidity

Diet

Small insects such as crickets and fruit flies, and other arthropods

Temperature & Humidity

As a species of cool montane forest it needs low temperatures: a basking area of 27-28C, a cool zone of 21-24C and 19-21C at night. It is extremely sensitive to heat and must always have a cool retreat. Hold daytime humidity at 65-80 per cent and mist heavily at night to raise it to 90-100 per cent, which brings the gecko out to lick water droplets off the plants.

Enclosure

Being semi-arboreal it needs a tall enclosure. The sexes differ in size, and the recommended minimums are 30 x 30 x 45 cm for a male and 45 x 45 x 45 cm for a female. Furnish densely with slender branches and live plants so that misted droplets remain on the leaves. Although nocturnal, it is considered to benefit from low-level UVB.

Diet & Feeding

It is insectivorous and is fed small insects sized to fit its mouth, such as crickets and fruit flies. Gut-load the feeders and dust them with calcium.

Temperament

It is nocturnal and hides by day. It is delicate and intolerant of heat and dryness, so keep handling to a minimum. Males must not be housed together.

Notes

The species is not listed in the CITES appendices and has no Species+ entry. It is neither a specified animal nor an invasive alien species under Japanese law. Captive breeding is difficult and much of the trade is said to rest on wild-caught animals, so confirm the origin of any animal you acquire. Eggs are incubated in the dark at about 22-24C and hatch in 90 to 120 days.

About Cat Gecko

A semi-arboreal Southeast Asian gecko, about 18 cm long, from cool mountain forests. Heat-sensitive and best suited to experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Cat Gecko

1. 1Extreme Heat Sensitivity

   Because the Cat Gecko comes from cool montane forests in Southeast Asia, it is extremely intolerant of heat. In summer, keep the enclosure cool with air conditioning or fans to prevent temperatures from climbing too high. If you're not confident managing temperature, set up your cooling equipment before bringing one home.

2. 2Needs High Humidity

   Since its native habitat is humid mountain forest, captive enclosures should maintain elevated humidity as well. Regular misting and a moisture-retentive substrate help recreate these conditions. Excessive dryness can lead to problems like incomplete shedding, so keep an eye on humidity levels.

3. 3Needs Vertical & Ground Space

   As a semi-arboreal species, it uses both the ground and branches in its daily life. Provide climbable driftwood or plants alongside ground-level hides so it has secure places to retreat. A taller enclosure gives you more flexibility in designing this kind of layout.

4. 4Calm, Nocturnal Nature

   This is a nocturnal species that tends to stay still in hiding spots during the day. Its movements are slow and unhurried rather than active, making it a good fit for keepers who enjoy quiet observation. Keep handling to a minimum, since it can be stressful for the animal.

5. 5Curls Up to Sleep

   A signature trait is the way it curls its long tail around its body while sleeping — the pose behind its Japanese name. When it's curled up resting, it's best to let it be rather than waking it. This distinctive sleeping posture is part of what makes the Cat Gecko so endearing.

6. 6Insectivorous Diet

   The Cat Gecko is a carnivore that primarily eats insects, so regular feeding is a core part of its care. Dusting feeder insects with calcium and other supplements is common practice to keep its diet balanced. Before bringing one home, consider whether you can keep up a consistent feeding routine.

7. 7Best for Experienced Keepers

   Despite its compact size — about 18 cm in total length — the Cat Gecko is considered a species for experienced keepers. Temperature and humidity control are especially demanding, so prior reptile-keeping experience is recommended. Make sure you have both the equipment and the knowledge in place before deciding to bring one home.

Frequently asked questions about Cat Gecko

Q.Is the Cat Gecko suitable for beginners?

A.The Cat Gecko is generally considered a species for experienced keepers rather than beginners. Because it needs especially careful temperature management and is highly heat-sensitive, it's best to have some reptile-keeping experience before bringing one home.

Q.How big does a Cat Gecko get?

A.Even as an adult, it stays fairly compact at around 18 cm in total length. Males tend to grow slightly smaller than females.

Q.Do I need to worry about summer heat?

A.Yes — the Cat Gecko comes from cool montane forests and is extremely sensitive to high temperatures. During summer, it's essential to keep room temperature under control with air conditioning or similar cooling.

Q.Why is it called the 'Cat' Gecko?

A.Its Japanese name comes from the way it curls its long tail around its body while sleeping, a pose said to resemble a curled-up cat. This distinctive sleeping posture is one of the species' most endearing traits.

Q.Is the Cat Gecko subject to CITES?

A.No — the Cat Gecko is not subject to CITES. There's no need to be concerned about CITES-related procedures for this species.

Useful tools for Cat Gecko care

Learn more about Cat Gecko in the encyclopedia

More in this category