I want to get a couple Fire Bellied Toads and a few Fire Bellied Newts, in two separate tanks of course. I've done extensive research on both species. But i have a cat. You know the problems this presents, especially since fire bellied toads and fire bellied newts are toxic to animals. I'm not worried about the amphibians escaping, i'm worried about the cat getting to them. Knowing her, she will most likely get on top of the screen lid, even if the terrarium/aquarium is set on a high shelf or dresser. She will then cause stress to the frogs and newts, or worse, find a way to get to them.

So what is the best precautionary solution for this? I've heard of using a mesh screen lid or using screen lid clips available at pet stores. I know amphibians need a lid that allows ventilation, but i don't know what you could do to make it secure enough to be cat-proof.

I thought of having a wood shelf made for the terrariums that provides a cover about two inches above the screen lid, or maybe a few inches higher so i could fit a fluorescent light source. And the shelf would have hinges so you can lift up the board that's covering the screen lid for access to the terrarium. This would prevent the cat from getting on the screen lid. But i don't know if i could obtain such a shelf with the proper dimensions. Any input or ideas?