Cats and Chams
A female Chamaeleo calyptratus, approximately 8 months old, was presented to the clinic with the complaint of being attacked by a cat. I asked the owner as to how this happened, and the response was that this Veiled chameleon was in a free-range setting in a bedroom. The chameleon had access to every corner of the room via plastic vines but would sleep in a ficus tree that was placed inside a 10 gallon aquarium. Apparently, the door to the bedroom was left open and the family house cat got in a tried to help itself to a tasty morsel.
Upon physical exam, the female had 4 puncture wounds, 2 on each side of the body. Both hind legs were paralyzed and a very weak grip was felt in the front legs. the chameleon was still alert but clearly in pain and having difficulty breathing. Radiographs showed a collapsed left lung and some fluid density in the abdomen suggestive of internal hemorrhage.
Euthanasia was advised since the extensive damage caused by the cat warranted a poor prognosis. the owner declined euthanasia and decided to take the chameleon home. He called the next day to report the chameleon had died.
Although free-roam settings seem appropriate for large species of chameleons, they may not be the best option in a household shared with other domestic animals that would consider a chameleon a meal.
Ivan Alfonso, DVM