Cockatiels and cats?

[Lorinn]

Hello everyone, I have had Buddy, a white face cockatiel, for about nine months now. I am really missing having a cat, having had one all my life until the last year or so. I'd like to hear from any of you who have both a bird and a cat; can they co-exist safely? I'd really like to get a rescue cat; any tips on types of cats that get along more easily with birds?

I'd appreciate any help with this decision!
Thanks!
Lorinn

 

[Mayden]

I lived with three cats when I first got Merlin and my cockatoo. It was a simple rule, the door to the room Merlins cage was it MUST be closed 24/7 unless someone was in the room. If Merlin/cockatoo was out, ALL cats out of the room and door closed. So if everyone was out at work, the livingroom was shut off to the cats.

If you think you can be strict enough with rules such as that, then yes, not a problem. Don't expect them to get along as it's in their instinct to be a predator/prey.

Many people on here might say no as it only takes one slip up. But having lived with cats and birds myself, I know it's possible, just not for everyone or the less vigilant

 

[Lorinn]

Thanks Mayden, great suggestions!

 

[Rio Mom]

I agree with making sure the cats are in a room closed off from the bird anytime the cage door is open. I lost my first GCC, Rio, to my cat by only having my back turned for a moment

 

[southern_feathers]

I have to cats that live perfectly fine with my bids (tiel and GCC) and have no problems with them at all. If anything the birds harass the cats more than the other way around. I have more to worry about my dog. If the birds end up on the floor, he's on them in seconds but the cats could care less. But as a general rule you should be very vigilant when they are in the room being predators and all.

 

[Bright Star]

I currently have 2 birds and 2 cats. While I recommend caution, as others have, I believe they can co-exist. My cats are always in the bedroom behind a tightly closed door if the bird cage doors are open. I also keep my budgies' cages high enough that the cats cannot jump up to them. This means that since I'm in the market for new bookcases, I'm being very selective about their height, as they must also work as bird cage stands. I don't know if I'd trust my cats if we had cages down where they can reach. My other strategy to keep the cats away from the cages is to set up obstacles around the bookcases. This means that there are things that topple easily if they make an attempt to climb on them or get around them to the bookcases and cages. Luckily, one of my cats is unable to jump much at all (due to severe arthritis, poor thing) so I don't worry about her getting the birds as much as the younger one. That might be my one piece of advise if you're in the market for a cat - choose an older, more settled cat, rather than a kitten that still has all his play and predator drive on '10.' Also, make sure your bird cages are high enough, far enough from ledges and other perches, and secure enough in their places to protect the birds.

 

[MikeyTN]

I keep my birds in a Glass aviary so I don't have to worry about my dogs or gets bugging the birds. My bigger birds on the other hand, my cats don't bother them at all. BUT as a precaution I keep them in separate rooms, only allowed to be around each other IF I am present. I do NOT trust my dogs or cats with birds at all. Both cats are rescued from outside so they already have the predatory instinct inside of them.

 

[sabrecat666]

My suggestion to you would be to get a kitten as young as you possibly can. Ideally 6 weeks old and no older. You will have to finish weaning the kitten at that point. While doing so keep your 'tiel with you at all times and in view of the kitten. Let them play together, while the kitten is still a tiny baby. You are trying to overcome the cats innate instinct to think of the bird as prey, it will take a lot of work.

I will get lambasted by some but if youre ok with having a pure inside house cat then think about declawing the kitten.

Even after that is all done and your 2 pets are best buddies I would never leave them alone with each other and all interaction should be closely supervised.


Now... that all said I personally would never try to have both cats and birds. I was so impressed with the cockatiels that my daughter got after my best bud a, Snow Shoe Siamese named Sylvia, passed ( at the ripe old age of 20 I am happy to say ) I decided that for my next pet I wanted a companion parrot, and eventually Guido made an appearance in my life Even though we are not on real friendly terms ( yet ) I would be devestated if Guido were to leave me abruptly.

Just some food for thought. I dont mean to come across preachy or judgemental at all. Take my advice for what its worth to you

 

[IolaniAviary]

I don't personally think a kitten is a good idea. I've foster cared probably a hundred or so kittens, and I never suggest them for children or other animals. Yes, they can bond... but they are also much more likely to use their teeth and claws. They are mouthy and have needle sharp little teeth and their claws aren't too fabulous either. They are also prone to random unpredictable bites and claws.

I suggest picking out a mellow older cat. I have two cats, and one is fine because she grew up with a bird who used to play with her. No not as a kitten, she was a few years old. The other is learning not to "hunt" the birds. I keep both in a separate room, it' not worth the risk. I have cats, dogs, and birds who are kept in different areas

 

[Mayden]

I will get lambasted by some but if youre ok with having a pure inside house cat then think about declawing the kitten.

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER declaw a cat.

I don't care what arguements people have for declawing, it's a horrible procedure and should NOT be done, it's not for the cats own safety and if you really were that worried about the bird and a cat with claws, don't get a cat. Declawing is completely rediculous and horrible for the cat.

Also, as someone has already suggested; opt for an older cat, they're more likely to be 'lazier' about hunting, rather than kittens who would be playplayplayplay 24/7.

 

[Bright Star]

I will get lambasted by some but if youre ok with having a pure inside house cat then think about declawing the kitten.

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER declaw a cat.

I don't care what arguements people have for declawing, it's a horrible procedure and should NOT be done, it's not for the cats own safety and if you really were that worried about the bird and a cat with claws, don't get a cat. Declawing is completely rediculous and horrible for the cat.

Also, as someone has already suggested; opt for an older cat, they're more likely to be 'lazier' about hunting, rather than kittens who would be playplayplayplay 24/7.

Gotta give a +1 to this. Declawing is not a good option, and an older cat really is going to be better with a bird. Remember, dogs have masters; cats have staff. You cannot train natural hunting instincts out of a cat, no matter what age you get them at, but an older laid-back cat could do well with birds.


Edited to add: I have 2 cats - one is 16 1/2 and one is 12. One likes toys/prey on the ground. The other favors toys/prey in the air. It's the kitty who likes airborne activity that I have to watch the most with my birds. If at all possible, spend time with the cat you think you want and learn their habits. Play with them, see what holds their interest and how much. Again, it's going to be easier to do this with an older cat that has developed fully. Kittens will go after everything, all the time. It's part of their learning process, and you can't stop it. I do honestly believe that cats and birds can co-exist, if things are done so that both can be safe and happy. It takes thought and preparation, but it can work.

I'll get off my soapbox now

 

[Lorinn]

Many thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I have been browsing rescue cats, and am looking for an older, very mellow female. Still haven't decided for sure; Buddy is very special to me!

 

[melinda]

I have two cats and birds in my home. The birds were here first then my kids wanted cats. I adopted Mazie from the shelter. She was at least 2 years old. At first she wanted to eye the birds, at the time i had cockatiels and parakeets as well. I found a spray bottle that would shot a long stream of water and every time she even looked at the birds she got shot with water. After a week of that she hasn,t looked at them since. When i got Sophie she might have been 4 weeks old and was in bad shape. She stayed with me 24-7 the first 3 months she was here so she was in my lap when i had my bigger birds out. My sun conure loved playing with her. When she got bigger she jumped in my lap when i had my cockatoo on my hand and got bit on the ear. So now she will lay at my feet until i don't have a bird on me. I trust her around my birds because she just is not interested in hunting anything. But my outher older cat does have the hunter in her so i keep my eyes on her at all times the birds are out. So it depends on the cat not so much the age of it. I do keep claws trimed on a weekly bases just incase. Good luck finding a new member of the family

 

[ZeusKingCockatiel]

You should try out "kitty caps" or "soft paws" never declaw that is litterly amputating bones out of your cats paws
How would you like it if someone cut off your fingers let alone someone who is supposed to be your family
As longs as you always supervise there interactions you'll fine

Keeping birds together with cats and dogs - SAFELY!
The last picture on this site is so cute