European cat snake (Telescopus fallax)

Short answers

European cat snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 150×75×50 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cat snakes); with climbing opportunities (a guideline figure — no solid literature source, interpreted conservatively).

European cat snake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

European cat snake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended, but weak (crepuscular/nocturnal; Ferguson zone 1–2).

European cat snake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–15 years (not firmly documented).

European cat snake: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C

Humidity

40–60 % (dry/Mediterranean; slightly higher at night)

UVB

UVB recommended, but weak (crepuscular/nocturnal; Ferguson zone 1–2)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×75×50 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cat snakes); with climbing opportunities (a guideline figure — no solid literature source, interpreted conservatively)

Substrate

A sand-loam mix, dry, with rock structures and rock crevices

Feeding

Food

In the wild lizards, geckos, skinks and small snakes; in captivity they can sometimes be switched to mice (this is difficult)

Feeding interval

adults ~1×/week to every 10 days

Key facts

Adult size

60–80 cm, rarely up to 100 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 10–15 years (not firmly documented)

Origin

South-eastern Europe (the Balkans, Greece and its islands), Turkey to the Caspian Sea, the Near East, north-western Africa

Protection status

Habitats Directive Annex IV (strictly protected in the EU); legal proof of origin or captive breeding is required (not CITES)

Brumation

A winter rest of ~2–3 months at ~10–15 °C (Mediterranean; recommended for breeding)

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – a nocturnal ambush hunter that also eats smaller snakes (a risk of cannibalism). Put them together only under supervision for breeding

Notes

A rear-fanged colubrid (weakly venomous, with fangs far back) – usually harmless to humans, but defensive and only for experienced keepers. Crepuscular and nocturnal; it needs plenty of hides, climbing branches and a warmth gradient. A lizard eater – switching it to mice is often difficult.

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Related species

• Common egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) – Intermediate
• African house snake (Boaedon fuliginosus) – Beginner
• False water cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas) – Experts
• Spotted house snake (Boaedon maculatus) – Beginner
• Western whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) – Intermediate
• Striped house snake (Boaedon lineatus) – Beginner
• Smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) – Expert
• Rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep European cat snake (Telescopus fallax) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×75×50 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cat snakes); with climbing opportunities (a guideline figure — no solid literature source, interpreted conservatively)), substrate (A sand-loam mix, dry, with rock structures and rock crevices), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.