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Question
Hi
I would like to get a bird,but am apprehensive as we have a cat.
The cat is wel behaved,but does catch birds and mice outside in the summer.
Would the bird be too stressed out from the cat,or would they live in peace after a while?
Hi, Barry,
I found your question(s) in the question pool this morning. Evidently, the person you sent your question(s) to originally could not answer for some reason.
Although it depends on the individual animals involved, birds and cats usually don't mix. They are natural animals. Cats like to catch birds when a bird is on the fly and/or flapping around. Cats can also get their paws through the cage wire of many cages, so this would be another problem in that a cat could inflict much damage/injury to a caged bird. I would also keep your cat away from a bird if it kills mice. Mice are ridden with illness/disease, which can be transmitted to a bird. The only way I would say you could keep a bird and cat is if you kept them completely away from each other at all times, particularly when you are not home.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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