Is there any way to have a parakeet as a pet in a house with two cats? Would it be terrified constantly?

Answer 1

I have two budgies (for over 3 years) and a cockatiel in a house with two cats (who are 8 years old and lazy, if you have mischievous cats you might reconsider). They're fine. The most the cats have ever done was sit below the cages and look up, as if they were looking at a fish tank. They're on stands, they can't knock them over or jump on top. They're covered at night so the cats won't be tempted to creep around and scare the birds.

My budgies always stay in their cage, they're afraid of us people. If we haven't given them heart attacks when we open the cage and stick our hands in to change toys and what have you, the cats looking at them won't do it.

Just make sure the cage is secure so the cats can't knock it over, break it or swat at the birds tail feathers if it's sitting close to the edge.

My cockatiel spends most of his day out. We're careful that he doesn't get too close to the cats and the cats do know better than to try to get at him. When he sits on our shoulders the cats look, very intently but keep glaring back at us because they know better. I explained them a long time ago that we don't eat family members.

I'm not a fool mind you, he has to be with a person at all times if he's out of his cage, if he's on his jungle gym someone is sitting beside him with water bottle close by. We want him to have full flight so he can get away from them if it's ever needed (plus he'll be able to go to his cage when he wants to poop).

He doesn't know how to fly yet, he's learning and is doing well but when he's on a roll with it he sucks at landing so two people will jump up and cover the cats while the other goes to fetch the bird. They rarely notice he's in flight though, they sleep all day, he once landed on the end table face to face with my sleeping kitty and she didn't even move, she was too much in shock (probably thought she was having the best dream of her life, lol).

Answer 2

I breed cockatiels, lovebird, parakeets and finches. At all times we have cats coming and going, You set the rules, you pick up a cat and put it out if it's "hanging" on the cage or has it's paw on the cage. This tells the cat, I get thrown out if I play with the birds. I put fabric over the top of the cage, and down the side if they can get to the cage from that way.

Now, after a bit they learn, they will sit and watch the bird, and then go out side and eat a bird. Parakeets will attract them, finches I gave up on. They are the size of wild birds. No hope there. I keep finches up high if I have them in the house in small cages. The parakeets will attract the birds too, but not as much as finches. My 10 plus cats mostly don't care about the house birds any more. But I set the limits and I say to the cat. NO, this is mommys birds. Pat on there paws and say no and put them out, with some of the cats it takes more time outs but as long as they only look and don't put paws on the cage I will allow it. And at first I have found Cats on top of the cages. That is why the fabric. (don't use towels). birds nails will get caught in the fabric. Good luck.

Answer 3

I have 4 cats and a parakeet. They all exist in the same living area, but the bird cage is ceiling suspended and there is no way for the cats to reach it. The cats have a mild curiosity sometimes, but they just stare up at the cage because they figured out there is no way up. The parakeet has never given much attention to the cats down below.

Just use common sense, keep the bird cage inaccessible to the cats, and everything will be fine.

Answer 4

I own four parakeets (and other birds totaling up to 14 various individual birds), and an indoor/outdoor cat plus dogs and small children.

Obviously, you need to take steps to make sure the cats can not reach any birds that come into your home. If you provide enough for the cat then unless it is particularly active (such as Siamese tend to be), your budgie/s should be fine.

I was at first concerned about bringing home birds. However I found that our kitty did not bother them. She is able to go outside as she wishes, has food readily availible, gets the attention she wants when she wants it and has toys to play with as well. She has no need to go after the birds and I don't make the birds easy to get to. I also cover them up at night so the cages don't appeal as places to climb or jump during the night. I've never had an issue & she's a fairly active calico.

Good luck to you-listen only to people who own both since they can share best what works for them!

Answer 5

You'll be fine, and so will your bird. Yes, birds do have heart attacks from cats-but that is canaries, not parakeets. Parakeets are "sturdy" birds, that is why they are reccommended as first birds for kids/teens. I have 2 cats, 2 parakeets, 2 lovebirds and 1 conure. As long as the bird cages are up on a stand or suspended from the ceiling it will be fine. Good luck with the birdie!!

Answer 6

I wouldn't worry, as long as you can find ways to protect you budgie :) .

I breed cockatiels and conures and i have several budgies in my small aviary. I also have 2 cats with the occasional rescue that stays until re homed. My birds do get spooked by the cats on occasion, but as a whole the birds get used to them The rare time my cats attempt to stick their toes into the cages is met with a good dose of water between the eyes and a loud 'mad cat hiss'. I also take precautions to prevent the cats from sticking their toes between the bars by covering the kitty accessible areas of the cage. When the birds come out, the cats are locked out of the bird room, which in my home, is also my computer and rodent room. It also helps if you put a towel under the crack of the door so that when the birds are out, the cats can't stick their toes under the door in an attempt to 'play' with the birds.

Answer 7

We have always had cocktails only, then a stray cat came into our yard soooo we kept her, we had to keep the birds and cat separate, well then we found a stray dog in Mexico, she does not get along with our cat at all but never bothers the bird, we don't lock our bird in the cage, he's free to go where he wants which isn't far, sometimes he goes on the floor (their ground birds) our dog will walk right by the bird not problems at all. I guess it just depends on your pets personality.

Answer 8

If you keep them in separate areas of the house, that would help. Absolutely never let the keet out of the cage if the cats are present. Cats are naturally predatory, so you will never be able to teach them to leave the bird alone. Make sure to give each animal plenty of attention individually.

Answer 9

Poor, poor bird. Don't worry i think when cats eat a bird it wont leave the cat constipated that's the good part. another good thing is that the cats havent aten the bird yet.

Answer 10

I do have house pets: Two cats and one dog. Yes, they get along fairly well...until the cats start waking the dog with slaps! Then, it becomes a speed race around the house.