It makes sense why someone may want both a cat and a bird. Both creatures are curious and playful, making them fascinating to watch. Added to this, they can both be independent yet social, are beautiful creatures, and give opportunities for bonding.
However, there is an obvious problem: cats kill birds. Does this mean that you can’t have both a cat and a bird or can you find a way for them to live harmoniously together? Let’s find out.
Understanding the Natural Instincts of Cats
Cats are natural hunters and have a high prey drive. The reason that cats were domesticated is to hunt small prey, including birds. This behavior is deeply ingrained into them and very difficult to suppress.
If you’re thinking of having both a bird and a cat, it’s important to acknowledge these instincts. Some cats may adapt to sharing a home with a bird, but for many others, they will always see the bird as a target to kill.
Due to this, it’s generally not advisable to have a bird and a cat in the same household. While this is true, if you take the right precautions, then it can be done. However, this will never involve these two creatures being free to roam the same space.
Choosing a Bird Species
The smaller the bird, the more likely it is to be seen as prey. Smaller birds such as finches or canaries will be particularly vulnerable. Larger birds are better suited to cohabitation, such as parrots or cockatiels.
Even then, larger birds will need protection from potential harm. They can defend themselves to an extent, but a cat is always likely to come out as a winner. In reality, there is no pet bird that is perfectly suited to living with a cat.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Bird
Birds require a stress-free environment to be happy. This requires two things in regards to a cat. The first is that you should have the cage placed somewhere a cat can’t reach. Given that cats are both excellent climbers and jumpers, this should ideally be away from any high pieces of climbable furniture.
Due to the remarkable ability of cats, this isn’t enough, as you can never be too sure they won’t get to the cage. Therefore, your cage needs to be sturdy, escape proof, and have narrow enough bars that a cat can’t reach in.
With these factors, it’s best to hang your birdcage instead of having it placed down on a flat surface. Even if it’s cat-proof, your bird having constant visuals of a predator can make them stressed and impact their health.
Sharing the Same Space
It’s possible for a cat to become friendly with a bird, but highly improbable and shouldn’t be risked. You can try to introduce them together, but this should be under strict supervision. In truth, we wouldn’t recommend it; it’s just too risky.
If they are ever free to roam in the same room, then you should always be on high alert. Look out for signs of predatory behavior. This includes intense staring, crouching, and tail flicking. Before they pounce will usually crouch down, wiggle their butts, and have their eyes locked on the target. If you see this behavior, intervene immediately.
How to Handle Time out of the Cage
Depending on the species and their personality, birds need around one to two hours of time out of their cage each day. This is the time for them to explore, stretch out their wings, and get some much-needed exercise.
When giving your bird this time, it’s best to lock the cat out of the room. Due to this, your cat’s food, water, and litter tray should all be in a different room from where you keep your bird. Until your bird is back in the cage, keep the doors closed.
You also have to be mindful of others in the household. For example, if unsupervised, someone else may inadvertently let your cat in the room. It’s best for the bird owner to always be in the room when the bird is out of the cage.
Training Your Cat to Coexist
While they should never freely be together, it’s still worth training your cat to coexist. This will make them less likely to attack the cage, will make your bird feel more relaxed, and reduce the chance of an attack should a mistake happen.
It’s best to start with controlled interactions which will help to desensitize the cat. Positive reinforcement should be used when calm behaviors are made, and you can redirect them to alternative forms of stimulation.
A firm “no” should be given whenever your cat is becoming overly interested. With patience and consistency, your cat should be able to roam around the room the bird is in without taking too much interest in the cage.
Minimizing Stress for Your Bird
Birds are highly sensitive to stress. The presence of a cat can be intimidating. It’s best to give them hiding spots where they can break direct lines of contact. At nighttime, it’s also wise to ensure your cat can’t enter the room the bird is in.
Ideally, you need to find a spot for the cage where the cat can be locked out of, while still giving the cat plenty of room to roam. For example, you can keep your bird in the living room while giving your cat access to the rest of the home.
You should monitor your bird closely for any signs of stress. This can include excessive vocalizations, feather plucking, and a change in eating habits. With enough separation and time, you can hopefully avoid these behaviors.
Can I have a Dog and a Bird?
With having a dog, all the above applies but just to a lesser extent. Dogs still can see birds as prey but have a lower prey drive. Dogs weren’t domesticated to just to kill prey, and they are descended from wolves that hunt in packs. That being said, they can still kill birds, sometimes accidentally.
Dogs also don’t have the same climbing or jumping skills as cats, so it’s easier for the cage to be in a safe position. Plenty of owners have reported their dogs are fine around birds, but this should never be taken for granted.
If you want to get a dog, then it’s best to choose a breed with the lowest prey drive, such as a labrador retriever. Even then, supervision is always required, and it’s never a good idea to leave them alone in the same room together.
