Do Parrots get along with Cats and Dogs?

cat,dog and parrot

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Cats and dogs are the most kept pets all around the world. And after that comes the bird, especially parrots. Now that you are planning to keep your furry friends along with your bird, you need to make sure they are compatible with each other.

Many will shun on the idea of keeping their parrot along with a dog or cat.  However, if careful measures are applied, it is doable to create this beautiful cohabitation. Cats are natural hunters of birds so pose the biggest risk.

So, do parrots get along with cats and dogs?

Cats and Parrots

Yes, in the wild, cats are natural predators, and birds are their prey. Cats are in a higher position in terms of the food chain hierarchy.

A cat’s instinct to attack a bird is its innate nature, but, if necessary measures are taken, then both can be kept in a harmonious environment.

Birds are delicate and are susceptible to catch any diseases sooner than other pets. So, they require more attention than cats and dogs.

If there’s a pet already residing in your home, then you need to take more precautionary supervision to keep your parrot safe.

Can my cat hurt my parrot?

Yes, they can hurt parrot. Their nails are sharp enough to damage your parrot’s delicate body. A single blow of a cat’s paws on your parrot’s feather can severely damage its wing. In a worst-case scenario, your cat might even kill your parrot if kept in an enclosed space unsupervised.

Can my parrot hurt my cat?

Adult parrots can hurt your cat too. Unlike cats, parrots do not attack simply out of curiosity.

Parrots do attack anything if they feel threatened. So, they will use their sharp claw and beak to attack the cat in case of fight or flight mode.

Both of them can hurt each other, so the owner should not keep them in the same room. Parrots like the African grey parrot can get jealous and attack other pets if you show affection to other pets in their presence.

They don’t like their owner to be intimate with other family members too.

Scarlet Macaw
A birds as big and strong as a Scarlet Macaw could harm your cat or dog

Can I keep a cat and parrot together in the same room?

No, we don’t recommend keeping them together in the same room. Cats are territorial and like to display their dominance over their territory.

They also want to stalk their prey if they happen to be in the same room.

Your parrot will notice this, which will cause anxiety in birds, and you don’t want a terrified bird in your house.

Instructions for keeping your parrot safe from the cats.

Secure the cage

Get a heavy-duty cage that can withstand any attacks by your cat. This is a must-have in the starting phase, where you will be introducing your cat to your parrot.

Use cage locks, carabiners that can be adequately locked to keep your parrot safe from attacks.

Physical stance and sounds as safety

Usually, birds above 12 inches are in the safe zone. Cats hesitate to intimidate big birds.

Parrots have a high pitch vocal, which in times can be loud enough to scare other pets. This is a good thing because it will ward off your cat from budging your parrot.

Don’t let cats near the aviary

Cats are territorial and can get overly aggressive towards other pets.  They will try to topple the cage, so get a sturdy one if you want your bird to be away from harm.

Parrots and Dogs

Dogs are much different than cats. They can be aggressive, but you can train them quickly with reinforcements. It’s important when first introducing a parrot to your family pet dog that your dog remains calm.

You don’t want to scare both your parrot or dog!

Breeds like spaniels, poodles, and retrievers are well known for hunting, so they have an innate nature of being a threat to your parrot. It all depends upon the nature of your dog.


How to introduce your dog and parrot?

Introducing a parrot to a dog

First phase

Slowly introduce them from a safe distance and see how they react in the presence of each other. Make sure your parrot is inside its cage and safe from the dog’s attack.

Repeat this process calmly and observe the reaction of both pets. Never let them unattended in the same room.

Do not take the parrot outside from its cage at their first meeting. Keep a safe distance to let your dog feel the presence of the parrot. Take your dog near apiary time and often to habituate each other’s company.

Keep your parrot confined inside the cage for at least a month so that they realize they do not pose a threat to each other.

Second Phase

After taking every precautionary measure, bring your parrot out of the cage and see how your dog reacts. Make sure your parrot doesn’t escape your grasp, so catch it firmly.

Dogs tend to charge over things that dart off so, secure your parrot to let it from flying off even if the dog reacts aggressively.

Now that you’ve got everything under your control, let your dog sniff and see if he accepts your bird’s presence in the same room. If your dog remains calm, then you can treat him, followed by praise and pat.

Positive reinforcement helps in this case. After several repetitions of this, you can discipline your dog to be gentle towards your bird.


Can dogs and cats transmit diseases to my parrot?

Dogs and cats carry bacteria known as Pasteurella in their mouth and paws. Thus, scratches and bites can transmit this bacteria. Birds are prone to this disease if your cat or dog attacks them. Make sure you keep your bird far from the sick pet’s reach.

What should you do if your parrot gets bitten by your cat or dog?

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If your furry pet bites or scratches your parrot, take them to the veterinarian for immediate treatment. Even if the casualty might seem insignificant, birds are sensitive to such wounds and could even result in life-threatening conditions.

How can I protect my parrot from my cat?

You can keep your parrot protected from your cat by keeping them apart. If you take your parrot out, make sure your cat doesn’t have access to the room your parrot is in.

Are parrots scared of dogs?

Generally speaking, parrots will be afraid of anything they aren’t used to. If you introduce your dog and your parrot slowly, and cautiously, your parrot can become friendly with your dog.

Will parrots mimic a dog barking?

Yes, parrots can mimic the sound of a dog barking. They are very good and replicating sounds, so make sure you don’t chastise your dog if it was your parrot who was barking!

Conclusion

While parrots don’t naturally get along with cats and dogs, you can always work your way around it with help of the tips mentioned above.

Who came first will matter.

The first pet you’ve brought to your house does matter while taking necessary preparation in keeping two pets together. Pets are territorial, and they don’t want another pet to creep into their territory.

You must keep this in mind if you wish to create a harmonious environment for your pets to live in the same house.

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