Expert: Norman Auspitz - 11/12/2011

Question
Hi,

I am planning on getting a parrot (Blue & Gold Macaw) next year.
I have two cats right now (they will be 9 year old when I get the parrot).

I am just wondering if there is something special I need to do to make sure the cats will leave the parrot alone (either completely or at least not attack it).

My cats are both female, fixed and indoor only.
They have never seen a bird as far as I know (possibly through the window).
They have been around small caged animals (hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, etc) and haven't had a problem but they did try to eat/kill my leopard Gecko and killed two fish (both Betta).
They also might have killed some mice (some young mice got into our home and we found two dead before getting rid of them all).

The parrot's cage will be in a room the cats can't get into at night/when I am out and the bird will not be loose in the house (it will always be either with me or on the cage when I am around and in the cage if I am away/too busy to watch).

If you need any more info feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Jessica

Answer
Jessica,

A friend of mine is a cat breeder and has had parrots and other birds for a very long time, so I took the liberty of asking Sue your question. So this took a little longer to get you an answer.

Sue's response:

"In answer to your question, it sounds like she is taking the proper care in keeping the bird in it's own area when she isn't there. A Macaw can usually take care of himself..haha!! BIG beaks! My cats were very interested, but totally respected the newcomer. She needs to establish from the start that the bird is a *family* member and is their friend. #ha!# Maine Coons are so gentle, but other domestic kitties may not be. I would advise her to get a large cage that the bird can perch up high enough to look down at the cats. Frankly, I would worry more about the cats getting their toes bitten off, than them hurting the bird! If it's an adult bird she is getting, the cats will most likely learn early on it is nothing to monkey with. If it's a baby, then she needs to establish that it's their friend and to be nice!! One nip and they will learn. I can remember how the cats would jump up on Opie's playstand when he was on it. Wow..he would just say *HI!*..it was so funny..
Hope this helps and hope to see you soon:-)
...
Sue

Please let me know if you need more detail.

Best regards... Norm