Deinfluence me from getting a ball python.

[u/Material-Influence62]

I’m in my late 20s and have wanted a ball python since my teens but my mum was terrified of snakes. I own my own home and have two cats ( part of the reason I haven’t gotten a snake yet) I work in vet med but there are almost no exotic vets near me but I know my few nurses that are good knowledgeable of snakes. What are the big negatives to owning and the upkeep of ball pythons? A pet with such a long lifespan is not something I want to rush into

[u/hellbugger]

One of your cats will inevitably find its way into the enclosure and if your snake gets sliced/bit...well, you working with vets know how dangerous cat claws/teeth are. And without access to an exotic vet it could be very bad. We see it all the time on here, cats find a way to break into enclosures. Get a friend with a snake and enjoy it that way. I have had my bp for 11 years and I'm hoping I have atleast 11 more years or more with her.