Can cats and a Cockateal safely live in the same house together? ?

Question

I have three cats and I really have always wanted a cockateal. Has anyone had a bird such as this in a cage with cats? How did it work out? I am worried that the cats would figure out how to open the cage and eat it.

Answer 1

I had a Cocktail for 20 years with other pets cats, dogs, and other birds.  My bird was very ornery and was able to scare off any troubles from cats.  The personality of the bird is key.  My bird did not act like prey but would hiss bite and attack if threatened.  We had a cage on a hanging stand.  Most recently we adopted a stray cat that I save hunting birds nearly in the tops of trees.  But when we took her in we declawed her.  The two got along ok.  My bird passed away and my cat was sad along with me when he passed.

Answer 2

I have cockatiels and 2 cats in doors. I keep a bell on my cats collar 24/7 so I and the birds can tell where the cats are at all times. I also keep my cats on a leash in doors away from my birds when they get here and until they figure the rules. IF I so happen to see my cats looking at my birds I tap them on the nose with a finger nail file. It may not be a big thing to tap them on the nose with, but it is a bad experience for them everytime they look at my birds. My cats are being raised around birds. I do not suggest getting a bird with 3 grown cats in the house unless you can properly train the cats that the bird is off limits. You can tap their noses, keep them on leashes or in crates, or use a water bottle on them if they so happen to look at the bird. My cats no the birds are off limits and have no problem ignoring them, knowing if they try anything, their butts will get in trouble. Cats can and are trained to stay away from birds all the time it just depends on how diligent you are in training them.

Answer 3

I have 5 Parrots and a cat in my house. I have always had both. The cat was a very young kitten when we adopted it and he enjoys the company of the Parrots. However as I tell my clients and when I give Public Parrot presentations I always recommend to supervise any time the animals spend together because accidents can and will happen, and even if the cat doesn't mean to bite or scratch the bird it could be fatal to it.

I even have to supervise the play between all my parrots with each other because they could get into a fight.

So the keyword to your question is supervision when they are at play

Sapphyre

Certified Avian Specialist

Answer 4

It can work, but you have to be very careful that the bird cage is high and sturdy and away from furniture that a cat could "launch" from.

you'll have to put the cats in a seperate room when you want to feed, clean the cage or play with the birds.

the cats will be very entertained, i don't know that the bird will feel the same way.