Malayan Cat Gecko (Aeluroscalabotes felinus)

Common Name: Malayan Cat Gecko
Scientific Name: Aeluroscalabotes felinus
Source: WC
Adult Size: Approximately 15–18cm total length
Native Range: Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, and surrounding islands of South-East Asia

Enclosure: A minimum 60×45×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult, with a bioactive or moisture-retaining substrate, plenty of cork bark hides, and a network of branches and live or artificial foliage to allow climbing and retreating at height
Heating: Ambient daytime temperature of 22–26°C, with a gentle warm spot around 28°C; allow a natural night-time drop to 18–22°C, mimicking the cool highland forests they inhabit
Humidity: 70–90%; achieved through regular light misting in the evenings, a moisture-retaining substrate such as coco fibre or tropical soil mix, and good ventilation to prevent stagnant air
UVB: A 2.4% UVB tube positioned across the vivarium provides beneficial low-level UV exposure appropriate for this nocturnal, forest-dwelling species — while not strictly essential, it supports natural behaviour and vitamin D3 synthesis in animals that may be active during twilight hours
Diet: Carnivorous insectivore — feed a varied selection of appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, and tropical woodlice, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. Feed juveniles every day and adults every two to three days, offering prey items in the early evening when they naturally become active

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Malayan Cat Gecko is one of the most captivating and unusual geckos available in the hobby, hailing from the humid tropical and montane forests of South-East Asia. Unlike the vast majority of eublepharid geckos — the family that includes leopard and crested geckos — this species is genuinely arboreal (tree-dwelling), spending much of its life amongst branches and foliage rather than on the ground. Its name comes from its distinctly feline habit of curling its tail over its back when at rest, a behaviour that is instantly charming and wholly unique among geckos.

These are calm, delicate geckos best suited to keepers with some prior experience who are happy to appreciate them as a display animal rather than a hands-on pet. They thrive in a well-planted, bioactive-style vivarium and reward patient owners with fascinating natural behaviour during their twilight and nocturnal activity periods — making them a truly special centrepiece species for the dedicated enthusiast.