We have 4 cats ranging from 10 years to 2 months, and are considering a parakeet. We have several fish that the cats just watch without any problem, and they are indoor cats. Is it possible to train cats to be okay with birds? Is it best to tuck the bird away, or is there away to teach the cats to curb their predatory instincts? We've used the water bottle method pretty sucessfully to keep them away from my large plants (after they'd knocked them on the floor a couple of times).
Any ideas or experiences?
I have 2 cats with my 5 birds. I think the answer is YES, but... I would never trust the cats fully with my birds. It's instinct for them. 3 of my birds would eat the cats for dinner but I still worry about it. The cats sleep in the bedrooms with us and our son because I don't ever want them to be free near the birds just incase. We have had both together for years, but...
I have cats and a bird. We never had problems until we got our 3 year old cat. When we first got him we had tiger finches, he promptly figured out the door and ate my little birds. Recently we received a parakeet. My cats stalked the cage until I moved it higher. I also took an extra precaution and tied the doors shut with bread ties. My cats still watch the bird, but I don't think they have figured out how to get to it. Yet. It is a natural instinct for cats to hunt birds. However I still feed the cardinals and hummingbirds in my yard, although I've noticed they only come around when my oldest cat is out hunting. I recommend not only tying the door(s) shut but don't bring the bird out when your cats are around, even if that means locking them in another room. Good Luck!
Hi
- mamaamber2003
on May. 12, 2009 at 10:32 AM