Cats and birds, how do ya'll handle it?

[kiwismom]

Ok, so as you might know I am mommy to a 14-wk old male ecelctus as well as two cockatiels, 4 parakeets, two chinchillas and two cats.
I have no problems mixing the birds and the chins with our new parrot. I'm just not sure how to deal with the cats.
One is 9 mos and the other is about 3 mos. For this introductory period I've kept the cats upstairs and only let them down for a limited time so they and the parrot can get used to each others' existence. I want us to coexist peacefully, what do you with cats and parrots do to ensure the safety of your bird but also enjoy the company of both?

 

[Peta]

My cat is really old 18 1/2, and she has been brilliant with all the animals that have come through our doors over the last 18 years, We let her in with the birds nearly straight away and everytime she went over to the cage we would move her back to a safe distance, She just looked at them and then walked away, but she isn't as lively as kittens are. I would let them in with the birds (same room) while you are there only, if they try to climb on the wonderful new climbing frame Mum has got them remove them, (as we know its not only the claws that can do damage to our birds.) and try again. I'm sure they will get the idea that they are not something they are allowed on. When the birds are out of cage, keep a very careful eye on them and if they are taking too much interest in them remove them from the room. I always remove my cat when our little guys are out, purely because they will spend time sitting on the side table, and the cat could sneak up on them if she so wished.

Generally keep an eye on them to see what they will do, especially when the birds are moving round the cage, if they try to paw or jump up at the cage, I wouldn't let them in the same room just yet.

I'm not really a cat person, (Andi is) and I know that we have members here who have cats and will be able to give you so much more info. Let us know how you are all getting on.

I have to ask, ARE YOU NUTS, 2 KITTENS together. one was bad enough how do you cope.

 

[kiwismom]

Oh I LOVE cats. I had three growing up so I'm just used to the little fluff balls. I didn't intend to get two, the second was a co-workers fault who posted adorable pictures of kittens who needed adopting. So I folded and I'm glad I did b/c he is just one sweetheart and he turned my semi-surly first cat into a calm sweet kitty as well.
Honestly the kitties are a 1/4 of the work of Mr. Kiwi! Not to mention I know what you can and can't do with a cat, I'm still learning (and are subsequently paranoid) with him

 

[Peta]

Hey we make a good team then, I know birdies but not cats, not even after 18+ years of having our one. Luckily she's not a lap cat so that suits me great. I love her to bits just don't know them at all.

 

[Tracy842]

My cat is 7 years old, and training her is simple. She will do anything for a treat. I eased her into life with the birds, and make out quite well. They are never left unattended, mainly because Popsicle chases the cat biting her paws.

Here's a little picture for you.

 

[Redballoon]

We recently found a single black Kitten in the ceiling. Long story short, its still here and part of the house hold. I showed the kitten that the bird belongs to me and is out of bounds to even look at. If the cat looks at the bird with his tongue out the bird screams at it and I kick the cat up the bum every time I hear the bird scream, its a perfect, working circle. So now if the bird screams, the cat leaves the room at a rate of knots. So far we are all happy and living together. but it only takes ONe instance for everything to change. I am still wary all the time. I think a level of "self care" is good forthe bird. He will never put him self in a silly position to get got by a kitten coz he is "Kitten aware". I think this is heathy for the bird. A firm and ever present feeling of self preservation gives him something else to think about through his day to keep the boredom away.
Not living in fear, just not living in a "fools Paradise"

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[kiwismom]

Aww...the cats are too cute, they look like my little Nara (see pic.) He's only 12 weeks now. The other day I had the kitties playing downstairs with Kiwi in his cage. My older cat, Neko, was nosing around his cage when I wasn't looking and Kiwi made a loud almost barking noise that let Neko know she wasn't welcome!

I'm still not prepared to have Neko out of the cage with them out, even if I were watching like a hawk. The kitten is still very rambunctious and could hurt him by accident.

 

[Peta]

I'm still not prepared to have Neko out of the cage with them out, even if I were watching like a hawk. The kitten is still very rambunctious and could hurt him by accident.

Yeah, cats especially kittens are so darn quick, only you know when your comfortable letting them out together and until that time its just not worth taking the change is it. Keep us informed. Sounds like Kiwi is quite able to keep them well away from her home anyway. Good for her.

 

[Redballoon]

Be aware, not alarmed.

 

[Minzer84]

Iggy was here before any of my current cats, so I think there's a kind of hierarchy going on in my house. I have 3 cats, and two of them could care less about Iggy and the other (a 2 1/2 year old persian) is very energetic and curious, but Iggy taught him from day 1 who was boss...the cat has not forgotten...And if Iggy is ever walking around on the floor, the cats usually head in the other direction...very funny.

 

[indigo]

I have 2 cats, 1 dog, 3 birds (not including the babies) and a fish tank. I also live with two more cats. What I do is keep the birds in my room. I spend most of my home time in my room, have a TV etc, and in my door there is a cat door.

My dog doesn't really pay much attention to the birds (shes a golden retriever), and my two cats like to sit and look at them (they just like to watch them, never anything aggressive or threatening). The other two cats I live with ... well, not the case really. They are both hunters and they are allowed to do pretty much as they want to. I keep a water bottle with a squirt top at hand at all times and blast the offending kitty as applicable.

Anyways in short I think it depends on the cat(s) involved. When I brought my first birds home though I didn't make a huge fuss of it .... the cats (and dog) sniffed the cage and not long after were fine with them here. I have never had troubles though when new animals have come into the home. I find making no fuss is the best way though. Then again I gush and hug them each up in their favorite way on a regular basis, so they never feel replaced or anything - maybe that has something to do with it.

One thing to remember though is that cat saliva is toxic to birds, so don't let the cat lick the bird(s).

 

[Deanna]

Yes, indigo, mee too. I use a spray bottle (sometimes referred to as "the attitude adjuster" ).

My dogs steer clear of my birds, they are freightened of their movement and make haste to get out of the area when necessary. I keep my birdies in my office where I spent quite a bit of time. Unfortunately, also in my office is the kitty box ... so, when it is "out of cage time" for da birdies, the kitties go bye-bye from the room (with the door closed and a big "Bird In Flight" sign on the door). My cats are too instinctual to trust them around a free flight bird. So, when the birds' time come to be let out, I just take the water bottle and show it to the cats and they leave the room (rarely have to use the bottle anymore).

I had my kitties before the birds and I began training them to give the cages a wide berth (took a LOT of water spraying! LOL). All but Boo abides by that "rule", so I have to discipline Boo more often than the other cats.

 

[Peta]

All but Boo abides by that "rule"

Theres always one isn't there.

 

[Robyn]

I have recently got a 15 wk old male eclectus and I also have 2 border collies and a 2 yr old cat. My dogs are never allowed inside the house , so they havent really been introduced to my eclectus jack yet. But my 2 yr old cat Bella has met jack straight away from day 1 when we bought Jack home. We made sure they were never left alone in the same room and so far ( fingers crossed ) all seems very fine.
One thing I have noticed though , my cat Bella loves to sit on our laps at night whilst we watch tv. And since I have got jack I have been putting him on my chest for a cuddle before I put him to bed. Bella is still coming to sit on my lap even with Jack on my chest. I dont believe its a good idea to start pushing away another pet that you have already had for 2 years when a new pet arrives as this would cause more harm than good , just extra caution has to be taught. But tonight was actually very very funny. I had Jack on my chest and up jumps Bella to sit on my lap. She starts to settle and I see jack starting to peer thru my fingers at her ( I covered Jack with my hands ) to cuddle him more and also to protect from any instant reactions. The funny thing was , jack wants to keep taking a closer look at bella, Im pretty sure he has never ever seen a cat and doesnt know what she is. So he starts peering thru my fingers at her and sees " hmmm something wants my attention " , so from what I could see , he decides this isnt on and all of a sudden he lets out this almighty squawk and my poor cat runs a mile. They have shared the same lap in the past , but tonight in particular was quite funny. Im 99 % positive that Jack doesnt know what a cat is and keeps wanting to get closer for a better look and we wont let him. They are never left alone together, if anybody has to leave the room somebody will put Jack in his cage until somebody is able to be in the room with them. My cat is a little nervous when she hears his squawks.
Robyn

 

[Spiritbird]

Oh I love this subject. I have a main coon kitty (6yrs old) who is so trained that she will go into another room when my african grey is out of the cage. She knows the bird is off limits. However I must say that I would never leave cat and bird in a room together unless I am there supervising. Cats have inbred instincts just as birds do. Then again, I am sitting on the sofa in the evening with bird on my knee, cat on sofa and small dog on sofa with no difficulties.

 

[Spiritbird]

copied from Winged Wisdom:

The wild housecat slinks across the living room, eyes bright and tail twitching. Across the room, she sees her prey, a pair of parakeets in a cage. Slowly, she moves into position, raises up to place her paws against a cage, then abruptly jumps away as the parakeet nips her whiskers. She backs away to lick her wounds. A loud flapping draws her attention. The parakeet circles his prey, enticing the cat over once again.

Such is the scene in my living room when cat or bird becomes frisky. Living with a cat and birds need not be a constant worry. While Sylvester and Tweety fight it out on the television screen, my cat usually ignores the chirps coming from the other end of the living room.
Not every cat/bird relationship will work out as nicely as mine, but following are some tips to help ease the strain.
1) Assure the cat you still care for him/her.
When I brought my birds into my home, my cat ignored me for days. Her loving, doting owner had suddenly found somebody new to play with. Assuring your cat that you still care for it, will help alleviate any jealousy. It's jealousy that drives the cat to dive for the feathered dinners stuck behind bars. Give plenty of attention to both pets, and soon the cat will see the bird as just another member of the family.
2) Don't court danger.
Only let your bird out to play when he can be supervised. A bird with his wings clipped suddenly becomes a meal on the run to your cat. In addition, don't place the cage where kitty can knock it over and free its terrified inhabitants. If your cage stands on the floor, make sure that it is sturdy enough to withstand the occasional bump by the human or feline members of the family.
3) Discipline
If you do not want your cat anywhere near the bird cages, then invest in a water gun. This humane (and inexpensive) way of disciplining your cat will soon teach it that the birds are off limits.
The same thing goes for your birds. If you have one of the larger species, that thinks cat fur is a delicacy, teach it not to chew on the cat when it is near. Just like children, both parties in a dispute need discipline.
4) Be Patient.
The first hours or days of cohabitation may be worrisome, but soon, that cat will ignore the chirps. Kitty will lay in a beam of sunshine, content that she or he is still the center of your life.
These four rules work well with smaller birds such as finches and parakeets. Larger birds will require more attention and patience, although the cat may not be as likely to try and attack a bird that may be as large as it is.
All may not be rosy, however, when an owner decides to mix cats and birds. An important consideration is that the cat MUST never be allowed to scratch or bite at a bird. Cats (and dogs) carry a small, gram-negative organism in their saliva called Pasteurella Multicocida. This bacteria causes osteoarthritis, which leads to septicemia and death, if introduced into a bird by a bite or a scratch.
If a bird is bitten, it has an 8-12 hour window before osteoarthritis occurs. This condition, which also affects older humans, causes swelling and damage to the joints, and the birds become paralyzed. If this is left untreated, septicemia, or blood poisoning, occurs which results in death. The best way to treat a cat bite is with tetracycline derivative such as docicycline or vibramycin.
Having birds and cats need not be a strenuous affair. With a little love, some patience, and some vigilance, your birds and cats will get along like old friends.

 

[Shmexay]

 

[BlueToast]

The squirt bottle is an awesome training aid. After a while with the bird in the house it seemed as if the cat was competing for attention which i made sure it got. Now the cat seems to understand that the bird is also part of the family and it might not be a good idea to hurt her. I still don't trust it for a second. But now they cat more playfully than aggressive and occasionally the bird will get a good nip in just to remind the cat she's no punk.

 

[JoanneC]

I never worried - I just brought Georgia in and let nature take its course. I was very watchful of my cat though. I watched her behavior and could tell if there was any ounce of feeling of a hunt or pounce. They are wonderful together. Tori (my cat) loves her and in the picture below, she was playing peek-a-boo with her. She tends to follow the bird around the room and I almost feel like it is more of a "sister" bond now. My cat is almost a year old and she is a very laid back cat. Best of luck!

 

[Tumbala's Girl]

I agree...using a spray bottle really helps! We are new to birds also and when we first brought Tumbala home my 4 cats were very curious. I was very worried that one of them would hurt him (not that we ever left them together unattented) but it was the other way around. When he was fully flighted (we recently clipped him for trainging purposes) he would dive bomb that cats and they would run. He also bit a cats tail that got too close to his beak. But it's been a few months now and things have gotten better. 3 out of the 4 cats don't even care or pay attention to him unless he's really making a lot of noise (He barks like a dog and will eventually start screaming if he is in his cage or with my husband and a cat is on my lap...he's very jealous). But as someone posted earlier...there's always one and she is naughty. It's a good thing she doesn't have any front claws or we would have a problem. With the other 3 I can have the bird on my chest or shoulder and a cat in my lap (drives the bird nuts but that cat could care less). We can hang out on the bed together and they will just ignore him and sleep but my one naughty girl, Halley (cuz she has a comet on her back) just stares at him and he will puff up and move his head back and forth and keep trying to get closer to her. I hate to have to kick her off the bed all of the time cuz that's where she hung out before he came along so I try to keep a very close eye on this! Unfortunately all it takes is a moment to look away and the next thing I know the cat has smacked the bird (again good thing she doesn't have any front claws). Fortunately it's only happened a couple times and it never hurts him but it really makes him made. He starts spitting and sputtering at me like it's all my fault that this happened (it's really kinda funny) but if he would quit trying to get close to her this wouldn't happen. I don't let her get that close and I try to put berriers up but he keeps trying to crawl up the berrier and she is fast! Like I said...just looking away for a moment is all she needs to get her paw over the berrier and on him. The funny part is that the youngest cat, Libby, who still has her claws could do the most damage was the one that I was most worried about and she seems to be the one that cares the least about the bird. So I guess my advise is like the others...get a spray bottle and just keep a close eye on them if they are in the same room together. Good luck!