Parakeets & Cats?

Question

Can a parakeet coexist with a cat in the family? My son is begging for a pet bird but I have concerns bringing a bird into a family with 3 dogs and 1 cat. I'm not sure it's even wise to consider such a thing. It would have a cage, of course; but I've read that they need exercise (i.e., flying about).

Answer 1

Well I've had a cat in the house with three parakeets (budgies) at one point. I remember he use to jump on top of the cage, and my cleverest bird would climb up and nip him on his paws! He was more wary of them after that!

It's fine to do this, but you absolutely MUST be careful! Make sure the cage you buy has a door that a cat cannot open! The particular cage I had was a dangerous one because a cat could hook it's claws into it and pull it down. It had one of those landing perches like this, but without the handy lock:

http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/product_i...

You can solve this problem by locking the cage with a combination lock, or close-pinning it down (plastic only, or those birds WILL tear up the wood!). Or you could just get a cage with a built in lock like the one pictured above.

I'd also recommend a stand like the one here with rolling wheels. Birds feel safer in it and it might discourage a cat from going through the trouble of jumping up to get to the cage:

http://www.birdscomfort.com/Image/cockat...

As for your problem with the birds needing flying time without the other animals being around, I personally never had this issue because our cat was usually outdoors anyways because he loved the outdoors.

But if I ever came across this problem, I'd just keep the other animals in a separate room for an hour or two. Or the bird's flying time could be the same time when the dogs were taken out for their walk. Then you'd only have the cat to worry about.

The birds should always be supervised when they are allowed out of the cage anyways. I keep a very close eye on mines even though I don't have a cat anymore. There are other dangers like them flying into a window, ceiling fan, or out the door!

Good luck, and I hope your son does get those birds! Budgies are great birds despite their size and price! They are beautiful animals!

{{...*Spontania*...}}

ADD: I have to admit that I don't agree with Chetco's answer (no offense or anything). I do believe that free flying is hazardous, but it's absolutely not true that a bird doesn't NEED to fly if the cage is roomy. There isn't a cage on the market that is big enough for a bird to fly in, and they need that!

That's like telling someone a dog shouldn't need to run around outdoors if inside is roomy enough. He's gonna need to go outside to stretch his legs and have enough room.

I can't imagine leaving my birds cooped up in a cage all day, even though they have a nicely sized cage. They WILL tell you when they need to fly by flapping their wings inside the cage, and if they get this far, then it means you haven't been providing them with enough exercise.

Answer 2

Our family always had Cockatiels with cats and dogs. We never had an incident.

If the cage is roomy, they don't need to fly about. Free-flying can be very hazardous.

He might want to allow it out in his bedroom occasionally, and keep the cat out..But, our cat never bothered our two lovebirds, when they were allowed out. I'm sure that some cats would, though.

If the cat seems persistent, you could use a scat mat (x-mat) under the cage, so the animals will stay away. You can buy it from most pet supplies, or online, http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pr...

or make your own, using vinyl carpet protector, turned upside down. the vinyl carpet protector is just a dollar per foot at Lowes or Home Depot.

Answer 3

Cats eat birds.

Answer 4

It depends on the temperment of both animals.  Sometimes you'll find cats get along with their supposed enemies (dogs, mice, birds, etc) just fine.

If you're cat is laid back, it shouldn't bother the bird too much. If its a very playful cat that likes to chase things, I'd think twice about it.

Answer 5

definitely!

I have a bid a cat and a dog and their al fine together - but you do have to keep an eye on the cat - when you first get the bird the cat seems to think it's a gift for her - just keep an eye on it and make sure the cat doesn't get to close to the bird.

My cat isn't allowed in the same room, or at least she is allowed in the room but I think she prefers to sulk rather than sit in the same room as the bird and not go near it.

And as for dogs, my dog isn't a concern. He only becomes cutely jealous sometimes if he catches you bothering with the bird and not him.