If i got a parakeet would my cat get along with it?

Question

I want to get a parakeet but i'm not sure if my cat will get along with it can i slowly introduce them to each other?

thanks! =D

Answer 1

It's my opinion that you can never fully trust a cat with a bird.  There may be exceptions, but that would be rare.

I have cats and birds, they do fine.  The birds' cage is strong enough to protect them from the cats even unattended.  But I don't take the birds out when the cats are around.  One of my cats is not too bad; I can take a bird out and handle it, but I wouldn't leave her unattended.  The other cat is very playful and predatory, and I would never take a bird out if she is around.  She loves to watch the birds.  One parakeet seems to like this cat too.  When the cat sits next to the cage to watch the birds, this parakeet moves closer to the cat to get a better look.  She seems to know that the cat is dangerous, though.  A couple of times I forgot to put her away when the cat came in, and she reminded me to lock her up!  

Remember too, that cat saliva is very septic, and even a minor bite can get badly infected.  So, try not to take chances.  If the cat inflicts even a minor bite, you'd best take the bird to an avian vet for antibiotic.  

Answer 2

No.  No prey species is safe with a predator species.  Unless you are prepared to keep your bird and your cat totally separate, your bird will never be (or feel) safe.  Cats also carry the pasteurella bacteria in their mouths (and since they clean themselves so much, on their paws and in their fur) which is deadly - fatal - to birds.  Your cat doesn't even have to scratch or bite your bird to kill it.

If you keep your bird in a room where the cat is forbidden, and lock up the cat when you take your bird out, you might have some success.  But even one mistake can lead to the death of your bird.  (And it won't be your cat's fault for following his instincts :-)

Colette

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parro...

Answer 3

Well heres the thing...its nature for a cat to hunt any bird it sees. When the bird is up high on a table in his cage the cat won't be able to get to the bird at all. If you plan to let it out of the cage, think about getting its wings clipped and taming it where the cat can't get to it. Once its tame it will sit on your finger and if your cat comes you can quickly pick it up and hold it safe. Surprisingly my cat walks right passed my parakeets when im there and he doesnt bother them one bit.

Answer 4

No!! Cats eat small animals. Unless it's a kitten that just opened his/her eyes they might get along. Other than that, No, Bad idea.

Answer 5

I hope so.If the cat doesn't eat it for lunch.

Answer 6

Most definitely not!!!  People say that their cats don't bug their birds, but if you get a bird It will constantly live in fear of the cat.  You would never be able to let your bird out of its cage, but that is a crucial part of its health, to get exercise!  Don't get a bird if you have a cat!!!!!

Answer 7

I wouldn't even take that risk. if you do, don't introduce them by holding the bird up to its face or anything just allow the cat in the room while paying close attention to the cat. cats have a poison in their claws and bites to birds, and it can be fatal to birds. Be careful!  

Answer 8

You can find all kinds of stories about cats getting along with birds. You can even see film clips and animal acts using cats and birds. But the problem is that this behavior is not natural. A cat's instinct is to KILL birds!

My question would be, "Why do want to have your cat and your bird associate with each other? What will the bird get from this behavior?" I am not pointing fingers, but the majority of people who try to get their cats and birds to play together do it because they think it is "cute" or to show it off to their friends. This is a terrible and dangerous exploitation of a bird who has absolutely no defenses in this situation!

In addition, although you might be able to train them to associate, the cat's instincts could be triggered in a split second by any loud noise or other seemingly innocent occurrence. It could occur next week, next month or even several years down the road, but the cat will *Never* loose these instincts!!

Is it worth the risk to your bird's life to do this?

Cats can be trained to leave a bird alone while it is in a cage. Cats can be kept in a separate part of a house. But a cat can never be 100% trustworthy associating with a bird.

I hope you will rethink this.

Answer 9

no they wont get along. Unless it is a kitten that just opened it's eyes then yeah they can learn to live together. Dont get a parakeet if you gonna keep it in the cage all the time so the cat wouldnt get to him. Predator and prey