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Care Sheet for the Malaysian Cat Gecko ( Aeluroscalabotes felinus )
The Malaysian Cat Gecko, Aeluroscalabotes felinus , is a medium-sized gecko from the sub-family Aeluroscalabotinae . They inhabit a range that extends through Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore , Thailand , Kalimantan , Sarawak and Sabah . There is a known sub-species endemic to Indonesia , said to inhabit Sanana of the Sula Islands . This ssp. is known as A. f. multituberculatus .
They prefer cooler temperatures and predominately inhabit montane forests or lower elevation areas that have moving bodies of water, such as stream beds and smaller rivers. They are designed with an arboreal lifestyle in mind. Entirely nocturnal, they have small retractable claws that are opposing each other. Females are always larger in the nominate species, up to 7 inches, whereas males are typically up to 4 inches in length. They are a rich coffee-colored brown, ranging to a bold rust coloration, with some vertebral striping.
Most specimens in captivity today are wild-caught. Some come in very thin and emaciated. Because they are a gecko that retains fat in their tails as a means of survival, this is a good indicator of health when purchasing wild-caught animals. Upon receipt, they should be housed individually in a 10-gallon tank or similar sized glass or plastic enclosure. Substrate should consist of orchid bark or similar non-toxic mulch, mixed with clean soil. Cork bark tubes or flats provide daytime hides and smaller diameter branches for climbing are always appreciated. Provide a small water dish for adults. Live (check for toxicity) or synthetic plants complete the cage furnishings. Temperatures should range between 65-82°F. Relative humidity should also be close to the same range, extending on the higher side at times, up to 90% for short periods. Misting is very important to the health and well-being of these geckos , it cannot be overlooked. They will develop a myriad of health issues if their humidity requirements are not met. Handheld bottle sprayers or automated misting systems are a must. All of my tanks are furnished with a combination temperature gauge/hygrometer to measure temps and relative humidity. Set them up individually, as they are a shy and reclusive species. Housing pairs would only be for breeding purposes, and this should not be tried until the acclimation period is over( typically 4 to 6 weeks), and that will be part of another discussion.
Feeding and watering are key, and feeding should be done every other day in very small amounts, 2-4 small food items per gecko. Vitamin supplementation should be used carefully, every third feeding at most . Early keepers had specimens that had renal problems, and water and supplementation were suspects. Use filtered or reverse osmosis (RO) type water as a means to hydrate your A. felinus . Your ability to properly hydrate your new charge will mean everything to your new gecko. If you mist daily (do not saturate), feed accordingly, provide correct temps, and use quality water, you will be granted the privilege of owning and properly caring for one of the most unique geckos to date.
Copyright © Marcus Quesada
The Malaysian Cat Gecko, Aeluroscalabotes felinus , is a medium-sized gecko from the sub-family Aeluroscalabotinae . They inhabit a range that extends through Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore , Thailand , Kalimantan , Sarawak and Sabah . There is a known sub-species endemic to Indonesia , said to inhabit Sanana of the Sula Islands . This ssp. is known as A. f. multituberculatus .
They prefer cooler temperatures and predominately inhabit montane forests or lower elevation areas that have moving bodies of water, such as stream beds and smaller rivers. They are designed with an arboreal lifestyle in mind. Entirely nocturnal, they have small retractable claws that are opposing each other. Females are always larger in the nominate species, up to 7 inches, whereas males are typically up to 4 inches in length. They are a rich coffee-colored brown, ranging to a bold rust coloration, with some vertebral striping.
Most specimens in captivity today are wild-caught. Some come in very thin and emaciated. Because they are a gecko that retains fat in their tails as a means of survival, this is a good indicator of health when purchasing wild-caught animals. Upon receipt, they should be housed individually in a 10-gallon tank or similar sized glass or plastic enclosure. Substrate should consist of orchid bark or similar non-toxic mulch, mixed with clean soil. Cork bark tubes or flats provide daytime hides and smaller diameter branches for climbing are always appreciated. Provide a small water dish for adults. Live (check for toxicity) or synthetic plants complete the cage furnishings. Temperatures should range between 65-82°F. Relative humidity should also be close to the same range, extending on the higher side at times, up to 90% for short periods. Misting is very important to the health and well-being of these geckos , it cannot be overlooked. They will develop a myriad of health issues if their humidity requirements are not met. Handheld bottle sprayers or automated misting systems are a must. All of my tanks are furnished with a combination temperature gauge/hygrometer to measure temps and relative humidity. Set them up individually, as they are a shy and reclusive species. Housing pairs would only be for breeding purposes, and this should not be tried until the acclimation period is over( typically 4 to 6 weeks), and that will be part of another discussion.
Feeding and watering are key, and feeding should be done every other day in very small amounts, 2-4 small food items per gecko. Vitamin supplementation should be used carefully, every third feeding at most . Early keepers had specimens that had renal problems, and water and supplementation were suspects. Use filtered or reverse osmosis (RO) type water as a means to hydrate your A. felinus . Your ability to properly hydrate your new charge will mean everything to your new gecko. If you mist daily (do not saturate), feed accordingly, provide correct temps, and use quality water, you will be granted the privilege of owning and properly caring for one of the most unique geckos to date.
Copyright © Marcus Quesada
