Quick Tips On Coatimundi Ownership

Coatimundi Owner Tips

The coatimundi is an increasingly popular exotic pet. Often overlooked in the pet trade by raccoons, which are cheaper and easier to care for, but with their goofy and mischievous personalities and adorable noses, the coatimundi certainly is not an animal you want to miss! So without further ado, here are my personal tips on owning one. 

1. Don't cage them. Seriously. I see a lot of people saying coatis can be kept in anything from a double macaw cage to a great dane sized dog kennel... But from my experience, caging a coati for more than 2 hours at a time causes significant frustration for the animal, even if they are given toys and enrichment. Instead, opt for an enclosure of at least 10x10 feet. 
2. Coatis love people. Giving your coati at least 7 hours of attention every day is important. How much your coati loves you and wants to be with you is often overlooked. If you can't spend almost all day with your coati, consider a larger enclosure and another coati to keep yours company.
3. Neuter/spaying is a must for a friendly coati! This goes for raccoons and kinkajous too. If you do not neuter your coati before they hit 1 year of age, they will develop numerous behavioral problems, including moodiness and aggression. 
4. Coatis love being outdoors. Harness training must be done from a very young age in order for your coati to get used to it, but it's essential to handling your coati. Being able to put a harness on, and take your coati on hikes or walks every day, is great! It really does make your coati happy too. Being able to have your coati under control on a leash when you say, visit the vet, is also important. 
5. Never underestimate your coati. Coatis are intelligent- I'd say more so than a raccoon. They can learn how to open doors, latches, and the like in mere minutes. They're good with their paws, crafty little critters. If you underestimate one, it will surely surprise you!
6. Prepare and expect for the worst when considering a coati as a pet, but hope for the best. It is vital that you, as a responsible owner, realize your animal may not be like you've imagined. Expect a coati that hates you, bites, has food aggression, etc. so that you may handle whatever is thrown your way, and only have pleasant surprises. 

That's all for now. Expect a proper care sheet on coatimundi in the future!.