How to Keep a Pet Bird or Other Animals When You Have Cats

With a little care and forethought, it's possible to keep a pet bird and other animals when you have cats. It's best to keep in mind, however, that cats are predators, and as such, they can be dangerous to small animals. But this shouldn't dissuade you or your family from welcoming another pet into your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Keep the cage of your pet bird or habitat of any other small pet in a safe location. The bird cage or pet habitat should be secure where a cat can't knock it over.
2. Watch the habits of your cats at various times of the day. See if they show any interest in the other pet that warrants correction. Batting at the cage or using extended claws is serious business and can prove fatal to small pets and birds, in particular.
3. Ensure door locks and lid covers are in working order. Pet birds can unlatch door catches or simply lift the doors of many cage models. Cats can knock aside covers on various small pet habitats or get caught on a bird cage cover.
4. Contain your cats in another room when interacting with your pet bird or other small pet outside of its habitat. The smaller the pet, the more it looks like prey to a cat when it's flying or roaming about the house.
5. Consider the safety of the cat, as well. Bird beaks can be very sharp, and many large parrots are not fearful of some animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Cats are basically nocturnal creatures. Pair them with a pet that isn't nocturnal to avoid the prospect of your cat hunting for prey at night. Some pet birds, the Bourke Parakeet for instance, are nocturnal and active in the evening.
• Seek immediate medical attention for a pet bird that's been scratched or bitten by a cat. A bacterial infection can lead to paralysis, which is followed by death if not treated.
• If you're a bird owner of a stressed bird that feather plucks or has other issues, bringing home a cat may be too stressful for your pet bird.