Coatimundi are small, playful mammals that belong to the raccoon family. They are native to Central and South America, they have long bodies, a flexible tail, and short legs. Coatimundis have a distinctive appearance, with a pointed snout and a coat that is usually brown or gray. These animals are social and often live in groups, especially females with their young.
They are active during the day and enjoy climbing trees and foraging for food, which includes fruits, insects, and small animals. Coatimundi are known for their curious and playful behavior, making them interesting animals to observe in the wild. They enjoy spending time in trees and have brown fur, Long snouts for finding insects and fruit, and ringed tails that resemble catacombs. While they share some similarities with raccoons, coatis have many unique traits that set them apart.
Male Coatimundi vs Female Coatimundi
Male and female coatimundi differ in size, behavior, and social structure. Female coatimundis are about the size of a housecat, but males can be almost twice as big, sometimes weighing up to 12.2 kg, while females can be as light as 2.5 kg. Females are usually more active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon, while males are more active at night.
Females and their young live in large groups, but adult males like to live alone. They only join the group during the breeding season to mate, then go back to living by themselves. When a female is ready to give birth, she leaves the group to have her babies alone in a tree or rocky den and stays with them for 5 to 6 weeks before returning to the group. Coatimundi often groom each other to build strong bonds and keep the group happy.
Physical Appearance Of Coatimundi
Color
Coatis have fur that ranges from reddish-brown to black with lighter colors on their underbelly. They have a mask of lighter fur around their eyes that connects to their nose.
Snout
Coatis have long, flexible snouts with sensors that give them a strong sense of smell.
Tail
Coatis have long, bushy tails with dark rings. They can be up to 27 inches long and help them keep their balance.
Claws
Coatis have long, strong claws that are slightly curved. These help them dig and shred things.
Size
Full-grown coatis reach their full size by around 15 months old. They usually weigh between 7 to 14 pounds and measure about 20 to 24 inches long, not counting their tails. Their tails can be longer than their bodies.
Ears
Coatis have small, rounded ears.
Family
Coatimundi are in the raccoon family, called Procyonidae. This family also includes kinkajous, ringtails, and olingos.
Behavior and Temperament
Male coatis prefer to live alone, while females and their young stay in groups called “bands”, which can range from 4 to 40 members. These groups often stop during their search for food to groom one another. Unlike most raccoons, coatis are active during the day. However, when the weather gets too hot, the adults may take a break and rest in the shade. Coatis are social, energetic animals that are always on the move, searching for food or bonding with their group members.
Coatis can make fun of pets because they are smart and affectionate. They usually get along well with cats and dogs. They are easy to feed and don’t have a strong smell, making them low-maintenance in that regard.
How to Care for Coatimundi?
Space: Provide a large, secure area for them to roam and explore. They need space to climb, dig and play.
Health care: Regular vet check-ups are important. Make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and check for parasites.
Enrichment: Give them toys, climbing structures, and tunnels to keep them mentally stimulated. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting.
Clean Environment: Keep their living space clean. Regularly clean their bedding and food dishes to prevent odors and health issues.
Social interaction: Coatimundi are social animals, so spend time with them daily. They enjoy playtime and interaction with their human caregivers.
Housing Requirements
Coatis need a lot of space to move around, especially when they are young. Even with enough space, some can get stressed, which can affect their health. They should have a big indoor and outdoor area, with a cage that’s at least 10 feet wide, tall, and long. Adding toys and places to climb will help keep them active and happy. Some people even use bird cages for their coatimundis.
Coatis are smart and some owners take them outside on a leash, but this can be hard if the coatis don’t want to listen. It’s not safe to let them run around your house, as they can damage things or get hurt.
Specific Substrate Need
For their cage floor, gravel, sand, or concrete tiles are good options. Make sure to clean it every day.
Food
Coatis are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. In the wild, they enjoy a variety of foods like fruits, berries, insects, birds, eggs, lizards, and even small animals like mice and squirrels. They use their long noses to search through leaves and holes for food, and their sharp claws help them tear apart logs to find insects.
They can be fed mainly chicken, sometimes beef, and fruits like melons, oranges, and tangerines. You can also give eggs, and one of their favorite traits is marshmallows! Their diet is carefully managed with vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.
Exercise
Coatimundi are very active and need lots of exercise to stay healthy. In the wild, they climb trees, dig, and look for food all day. They like to run, jump, and explore their surroundings, which keeps them strong and fit.
If they are kept in a home or zoo, they need plenty of space to move around and play. You can give them toys, branches, and places to climb to keep them busy. Regular exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy.
Handling
Coatimundi needs time to feel safe around you. Don’t rush or force them. Always them softly and avoid quick movements so they don’t get scared. Always touch them softly and avoid quick movements so they don’t get scared. Giving them treats can help build trust and make them feel comfortable. Also keep an eye on them when handling, as they like to explore and might try to jump. If they seem upset or nervous, let them have space to relax.
Grooming
Brush your coati’s fur regularly to remove loose hair and dirt. This helps keep their coat clean and reduces matting. Check their nails regularly and trim them if they become too long. This helps prevent discomfort and injuries and always keep an eye on their ears for dirt or wax buildup. Clean them gently with a soft cloth if needed. Coatimundis don’t need frequent baths, but if they get very dirty, a bath is okay. Use a gentle pet shampoo. After the bath, dry them with a soft towel. Avoid using a hairdryer, as the noise can scare them.
Related species
- Raccoon: Raccoons are well-known animals with black markings around their eyes that look like masks. They are mostly active at night and are found in North America. Raccoons eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, insects, and small animals. They are clever and can use their paws to open containers and find food.
- White-nosed Coatimundi: The white-nosed coati is very similar to the coatimundi and is often just called a “coati.” They have long snouts and flexible tails and usually live in groups. Found in central and South America, coatis eat fruits, insects, and small animals. They are playful and great climbers.
- Ring-tailed cat: The ringtail, this small animal, has a long, bushy tail with black and white stripes. Ring-tailed cats are native to North America and are mostly active at night. They climb trees well and eat insects, fruits, and small animals. They are closely related to raccoons.
- Kinkajou: Kinkajou are tropical animals found in Central and South America. They have long tails that help them climb trees. Kinkajous mainly eat fruits and nectar and are known for being playful and curious.
- Olingo: Olingos are small, tree-dwelling animals found in Central and South America. They look a bit like kinkajous and have thick fur Olingos eat fruits and insects and are mostly active at night. They are also part of the same family as raccoons and coatimundis.
Health Issues
Rectal Prolapse: This happens when a coatimundi pushes too hard to poop, usually because of parasites or diarrhea.
Malnutrition: If coatimundis don’t get the right food, they won’t stay healthy.
Fighting: Coatis might fight and hurt each other if they are kept together.
Parasites: Coatis can get parasites like ticks, lice, fleas, and a disease called Trypanosoma cruzi.
Zoonotic Diseases: Coatis can catch diseases like rabies and canine distemper that can spread to people.
Reproductive Stress: During mating season, coatis might get sick more easily because their bodies are stressed.
Contact with pets: Coatis can catch diseases from pets or give them diseases.
Signs of Ill Health
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Mental health changes
- Breathing problems
- Stress
- Gut health
Where to Buy
Some breeders specialized in exotic animals like coatimundi. Make sure they are licensed and follow the legal requirements for owning a coatimundi. Certain farms breed and sell exotic animals, including coatimundis. It’s crucial to research these farms to ensure they provide proper care for the animals. Sometimes coatimundi are sold at exotic pet shows or conventions where breeders showcase animals for sale. Some websites like exotic animals for sale, including Coatimundis.
Reproduction and Breeding
- Female coatis in a group go into heat around the same time when the fruit is available, but the timing can change a little each year. Mating can happen either in trees or on the ground. Most female coatis start having babies when they are around 22 months old, but some may wait until they’re about 46 months old. All females might have babies, or only about 20% of them, depending on how much food is around.
- Male coatis can start trying to mate when they are about 36 months old, but because of competition with other males, many don’t succeed until they are 4 or 5 years old, if they succeed.
- Baby coatis are born weighing about 180 grams and are around 25-27 centimeters long. They open their eyes after 4 to 11 days and start walking and holding their tails up after about 11 days. Their teeth come in around 15 days. When they are about 40 days old, they join the rest of the group with their mothers and weigh about 500 grams by then.
Some Interesting Facts About Coatimundi
- Female coatis have babies in trees to keep them safe.
- Coatis help take care of each other’s babies in their group.
- Females and their babies live in big groups called bands, while males live alone.
- Coatis spread seeds and eat insects, which is good for nature.
- Some coatis live in high mountains.
- They use their claws to dig and climb trees.
- Coatis use their long, bushy tails to help balance while climbing and moving through the trees.
- Coatis are awake during the day and sleep at night.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Coatimundi as a Pet
Pros:
- Fun and playful: coatimundis are very active and love to play. They enjoy climbing, exploring, and playing with toys, which makes them fun to watch.
- Smart Animals: They are very intelligent and can learn tricks and solve puzzles, making them interesting pets.
- Unique pet: Having a coatimundi is rare, so it’s a unique pet to own. They can be fascinating to care for because of their exotic nature.
- Can Bond with owners: With proper care, coatimundi can form strong bonds with their owners. They can be affectionate and enjoy spending time with you.
Cons:
- High Maintenance: Coatimundis need a lot of attention, space, and toys to stay busy. They require a lot of work to keep happy and healthy.
- Can Be Destructive: They are curious animals and might damage furniture, dig in carpets, or get into things they shouldn’t if not watched carefully.
- Special Care Needed: Coatimundis need a specific diet and regular vet care from someone who knows exotic animals, which can be hard to find.
- Legal Restrictions: In some places. It’s illegal to own a coatimundi without special permits. You’ll need to check local laws before getting one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How long are coatis’ tails?
Answer: Their tails are about 2 feet long.
Question 2: Is a coatimundi a monkey?
Answer: No, a coatimundi is not a monkey but part of the raccoon family.
Question 3: Is a coatimundi a raccoon?
Answer: No, a coati is not a raccoon, but they are related. Both belong to the same animal family, Procyonidae.
Question 4: Can I touch a coatis’?
Answer: Yes, you can touch a coatis if it’s used to with people, like a pet or one in a safe environment. Coatis can be friendly, but they also have sharp claws and teeth, so be gentle and careful
Question 5: What is the common and scientific name of contimundi?
Answer: Common name: Coatimundi, coati, hog-nosed coon, Scientific name: Nasua narica, Nasus a nasua.
Question 6: Do coatis have sharp teeth?
Answer: Yes, coatis have sharp teeth. They use them to eat a variety of foods, like insects, lizards, and fruits. Despite their sharp teeth and claws, they can still be preyed upon by big cats, foxes, and birds of prey.
Question 7: What is the lifespan of the Coatimundi?
Answer: Normally 7-10 years in the wild, up to 17 years in captivity.
Conclusion
Coatimundi are interesting and social animals that live in groups. They have a great sense of smell and need a lot of space and things to keep them busy. If you are thinking about having one ass pet, make sure you can meet their needs for space and care. They can be fun and rewarding pets if you understand their needs.
