anyone know how to care for a malaysian cat gecko?

[Rhonda]

I have a malaysian cat gecko(aeluroscalobotes felinus). I thought it would be easy to do a google search and find lots of info about this species but as it turns out there is very little. If anyone can offer some info that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[HeatherRose]

There's not a lot of information about these rare little guys...from what I gather, their care is almost like the care of a crested gecko:

You don't need much extra heat, maybe 78-80 degrees. A UV light might help but I'm not sure if this is completely necessary. You can feed them crickets, give them heavy mistings at night and in the morning for water and humidity. From what I've heard, 1.1 can do okay in a 10-15 gallon tank.

Also, try googling their latin name...if I knew it, I'd give it to you but I don't.

If there's anything else, PM Aaron_S....

[Edwin]

Very cool acquisition, Rhonda. They are one of the few species I know of with retractable claws. Post pics when you can!

Here is some info I found, you can probably find more if you search on Google using its scientific name:

Aeluroscalabotes felinus has a semi-arboreal
mode of life in tropical rain forests of southern Thailand,
Malaysia, Kalimantan Island, and Sanana Island from the
Sula Archipelago.

I keep 1.1 adult pair in a 55 gallon aquarium. sub's
in 15 or smaller. I have one layer of heavy paper towel's
on the bottom of each tank ( clean top soil can also be
used ) which I mist once at night shortly after the lights
are out. This method holds the humidity through the night
when Cat Gecko's are active. The broad leaves must
also contain water droplets for the Cat gecko's to drink.

This species is strictly nocturnal so a Styrofoam
Sleeping box in each tank containing moist dirt, peat
moss and some leaves keeps the humidity level high
with out over misting the tank. The sleeping box can be
misted a few times a week, slightly moist to the touch.

I let the crickets free roam but always have gut
load Mixture and a moist food item available in each tank.
Soft bodied food items such as wax worms are also
eaten readily. The Crickets are Dusted with Miner-All
one a week.

The locomotion of the Cat gecko is very unique,
Their movement is deliberate and undulatory, slowly
walking and stalking their prey as they curve their body
in a very Cat like manner which is accented by a strong
prehensile tail , this enables them to literally hang from
branches. Their feet are adapted to climbing slender
twigs and potted vines, such as Pothos which are
contained in each tank. I maintain the hatchling and sub-
adults in the same conditions.

Cat Geckos, like most other reptiles are usually
imported with very high parasite loads which can cause
health concerns and high veterinarian bills. Obtaining a
captive bred and born specimen is the key to giving
your pet the best opportunity to a long and healthy
life. I find my CBB offspring to have a very docile
temperament compared to the imports I have obtained.
I find them to be a low maintenance gecko who's
very unique characteristics will provide great enjoyment.

Link:
http://www.dogfancy.com/anforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6666

[HeatherRose]

Sorry, I forgot to add that these were my ex-boyfriends' geckos, and while they're commonly kept in 55 gallons, there have been successful breedings in 10 gallons.

Cheers,
Heather

[Rhonda]

thanks for the info!