Binturong

Obesity / fatty liver

SignsWeight gain, sagging belly, sluggishness, lethargy, poor appetite, jaundice

PreventionAvoid a fruit-heavy, high-sugar diet; combine animal protein with vegetables. Record weight monthly

Periodontal disease / tooth fracture

SignsBad breath, drooling, chewing on one side, avoiding hard food, facial swelling, discolored teeth

PreventionDo not give bones or overly hard items. Yearly dental check under anesthesia for tartar removal and tooth inspection

Chronic kidney disease

SignsIncreased thirst and urination, weight loss, dull coat, vomiting, bad breath, poor appetite

PreventionFresh water always available. From age 10, blood and urine tests twice a year for early detection

Dermatitis / parasites

SignsIntense itching, hair loss, dandruff, red rash, constant rubbing, scabs

PreventionKeep bedding and perches clean and dry. Flea and mite prevention as advised by the vet

Digestive disease / diarrhea

SignsSoft or watery stool, bloody stool, mucus in stool, vomiting, bloated abdomen, poor appetite, dehydration

PreventionNo sudden diet changes. Remove leftover perishable fruit; wash and dry dishes daily

Heatstroke / hypothermia

SignsSummer: open-mouth breathing, drooling, collapse. Winter: shivering, curled up and still, cold body

PreventionNever above 30°C in summer or below 15°C in winter. Air-condition year-round and install a thermometer

Fracture from a fall

PreventionUse thick, firmly fixed perches and cover the floor with thick mats or straw. Lower the height for old or obese animals

First aidDo not move it; restrain gently. Do not touch the injured area; support with cardboard or a blanket and go to the vet the same day in a large-dog carrier

Tail injury

PreventionCheck where the tail is when opening or closing doors. Never lift by the tail. Eliminate gaps in wire mesh

First aidPress on bleeding with clean gauze. Do not pull the tail. If it hangs limp and does not move, go to the vet immediately

Broken or torn-off claw

PreventionCheck claw length regularly and provide concrete or bark for natural wear. Avoid carpet

First aidPress on the bleeding to stop it. A claw torn off at the base infects easily: see the vet the same day and discuss antibiotics

Bite wounds between animals

PreventionDo not house incompatible animals together. Separate during breeding season and meals. Provide several hiding places

First aidRinse the wound under running water; press on bleeding. Deep wounds abscess easily: see the vet the same day. Safety first; do not approach by force

Pasteurellosis

RouteBites, scratches, saliva

PreventionRinse wounds under running water and disinfect. Swelling or fever: see a doctor

Salmonellosis

RouteHands that touched feces; contaminated dishes and bedding

PreventionWash hands after care. Keep animal dishes separate from human ones; change bedding with gloves

Ringworm (dermatophytosis)

RouteContact with bald patches or fur

PreventionCircular hair loss: see the vet. Wash hands after holding; do not share bedding

Scabies / mites

RouteBody contact, shared bedding

PreventionIntense itching: see the vet. Wash bedding in hot water; if people develop a rash, see a dermatologist

Food

• Omnivore. Base the diet on quality meat, boiled egg, fish and vegetables; fruit is a supplement
• Main meal once or twice a day, in the evening to night
• Design a diet with your vet using complete dog food or a specialty food

Water

• Fresh water always available in a heavy ceramic bowl
• Change twice a day in summer and record changes in intake

Toys & play

• Thick logs, ropes, hammocks (climbing and hanging)
• Boxes or puzzle feeders to hide food in
• Sturdy rubber toys (nothing too small)

Nest, bed & hideout

• A large wooden nest box mounted high up
• Also a roofed hiding bed at ground level

Bedding & litter

• Layer thick straw, wood chips and towels
• Use its habit of eliminating in a fixed spot for a litter area
• Remove droppings daily; replace all bedding once a week

Cage / housing material

Large indoor/outdoor enclosure of welded wire mesh or heavy metal fencing

Size & space

At least 3 m wide × 3 m deep × 3 m high

Layout

• Several thick branches and perches fixed at different heights
• Nest box up high; water and feeding area down low
• Both shade and sun, plus hiding places

Placement notes

• Out of direct sun and drafts, where temperature can be controlled
• Double doors; restrict access by visitors and children

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• No walks needed. Daily climbing exercise inside the enclosure
• Nocturnal, so allow activity time from evening onward
• Use only a purpose-made harness, and always with two or more people

Temperature & humidity

Temperature20–28°C (avoid below 15°C or above 30°C)

Humidity50–70% (too dry causes dermatitis)

Summer & winter

• Summer: air conditioning and shade; place frozen water bottles
• Winter: keep room temperature with heating and thick bedding; shield the bed from drafts

Nail trimming

Provide bark and rocks for natural wear. If overgrown, consult the vet; do not force trimming

Brushing, skin & coat care

During molting, brush once or twice a week, only tame animals. Hair loss or dandruff suggests skin disease

Other care

Yearly checkup to check tartar and weight. The scent-gland odor is normal; do not wash it off

Protection from predators

• Double fence on outdoor enclosures against stray dogs and wild boar
• Surround with insect netting in summer against mosquitoes and ticks
• No contact with other pets (dogs, cats)

Foreign-body ingestion

Keep plastic, string and small toys out of reach. If swallowing is suspected, do not induce vomiting; note any vomiting or loss of appetite and see the vet the same day

Being stepped on

It sleeps on the floor; watch your step near doors and in dark places. If it limps or cries after being stepped on, see the vet the same day

Getting pinched

Tails and toes get caught in doors easily. Always check its position and close slowly. Swelling or deformity: suspect a fracture and see the vet

Falls

Falls from height cause fractures. Fix thick perches firmly and lay thick mats beneath. If it moves sluggishly after a fall, see the vet

Escape

Double-lock doors with padlocks and check where the animal is before opening. If it escapes, do not chase; lure with favorite food, search treetops at night, and notify the police and the municipal office

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving; hold the bitten part still, pushing inward
2. Distract it with water or the smell of a favorite food
3. Drop a thick blanket over its head to block its sight
4. The moment the grip loosens, withdraw quietly and close the door

After the release

Rinse the wound under running water for 5 minutes and press to stop bleeding. Deep wounds, swelling or fever: see a doctor the same day and ask about tetanus

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Bring weight, age, usual diet, when symptoms started, and photos of stool or vomit. Phone ahead to confirm the clinic can see it

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Does it respond to calling and touch?
• Count breaths by chest movement (15–30 per minute at rest)
• Check the pulse on the inner thigh of a hind leg (60–120 per minute)

Stopping bleeding

• Press with clean gauze for at least 5 minutes
• Raise limbs above the heart; do not remove the gauze
• Bandage tail or ear wounds; if bleeding does not stop, go to the vet immediately

Transport

• Wrap in a blanket to keep warm and transport in a large-dog carrier
• If breathing is labored, let it extend its neck and keep the car quiet