Um.

F/X: lilairen thinks, "I should see how the snakie's doing."
lilairen turns to look at the snake tank.
Snake, sitting on top of the snake tank, tongueflicks.
lilairen: "Um."
Snake: *makes like a slightly cranky snakie who does not want to be dislodged*
lilairen opens the lid so there is empty space partially under the snake, nudges at him.

After a variety of nudges and such, snakie has returned to his safe, cat-free enclosure.

Time to tweak the latches, I think ....