Posted by Blueink_CA on 3/9/07 12:09am
Msg #179091

OT..What to do with this kitty

The renters next door moved, evicted, whatever, but they left behind a cat. We've been feeding it and giving her water. We have 3 dogs and a bird. Do any of you know how to aclimate a cat into this household?

Reply by Larry/Ca on 3/9/07 12:40am
Msg #179095

I think the cat will always go for the bird. The cat and dogs will work out their relationship without any input from you. If they don't become friends a good fight will teach the dogs how dangerous this little ball of fur can be and they will avoid one another.

Reply by guardian on 3/9/07 6:31am
Msg #179104

The first thing I would recommend is take her to a vet to make sure she doesn't bring any bad bugs with her to jeopardize your pets. If the previous owners were so unresponsible as to leave a kitty behind, I'll bet she has not had any shots or other medical treatment. I have had a cat and dog living together (different ones) for the last 20 years, and they always fix their pecking order. I can't speak to the bird issue, but I can imagine. LOL.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 3/9/07 8:11am
Msg #179116

Mixing Cats and Birds

My cats are not a problem with the bird at all. Both cats, however, are declawed in the front.
My cats used to be very curious about the bird and would stalk the cage. Until one day one of the cats jumped on top of the cage and the bird chompped down on the bottom of my kitty's foot.

Lesson learned, the cats don't even bother with the bird anymore. In addition to that, this bird is S-M-A-R-T. After having the bird for about 4 months, she has learned the sound we make when we want the cats to stop doing what ever it is they are doing which sounds a bit like "Fsssst". Now, when the cat get too close to the birdcage, the parrott says "Fssst" and the cats run. It's really quite amusing.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/9/07 11:03am
Msg #179157

Re: Mixing Cats and Birds

LOL Our parrot 'barks' !

Reply by Stoli on 3/9/07 9:01am
Msg #179128

All birds are not created equal. What size is the bird? n/m

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/9/07 11:02am
Msg #179156

Re: All birds are not created equal. What size is the bird?

Snickers is a small parrot, a conure. (But he thinks he's huge!) He is definitely alpha with the chihuahaus and chases them around. He's only in his cage when we're not home.

Reply by KKinNoCal on 3/9/07 11:36am
Msg #179161

Re: All birds are not created equal. What size is the bird?

BlueInk --you have a good heart!!

Reply by Les_CO on 3/9/07 9:12am
Msg #179131

I've had all. The cat and the bird(s) should not be a problem (if the bird spends most of it's time in the cage) It also depends on the kind of bird, if it's a Macaw I wouldn't worry. After a couple of days the cat will discover it can't get the bird, then will ignore it. (even a parakeet) If the dogs are very territorial, that could be a problem. Usally after a short time, and you telling the dogs "no" they will get along. Good luck!

Reply by Stoli on 3/9/07 9:19am
Msg #179135

Do you think that will work with a pointer? n/m

Reply by Les_CO on 3/9/07 9:34am
Msg #179140

Re: Do you think that will work with a pointer?

Not if the bird is a Pheasant!

Reply by MistarellaFL on 3/9/07 9:35am
Msg #179141

I am a big fan of Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer

If you follow his techniques, you can train or rehab any breed, most dogs.
It takes motivation, patience and perseverance, but I think it could be done.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 3/10/07 7:27am
Msg #179325

I had a rabbit that ruled over the cats (did you know rabbits can growl?!). All my cats always ruled over the dogs. All the dogs ruled over the horses. All the birds ruled the house. lol!

I had a pair of Lovebirds - also had domestic rats - every evening, my large Maine Coon cat would lay in my lap, and either the birds or the rats would play on/around us. They'd groom the cat's whiskers - he would literally have a little bit of drool, STARE at me, but NEVER make a move. The rats and the cats PLAYED together - tag, and hide & seek. With both of these mixes, the cats were adults when the birds and rats came into the house as babies.

That's NOT to say I'd trust any one of them alone in a dark room with the other ....

**Please don't go 'eewwwww' over the rats - they're QUITE intelligent, extremely clean, and incredibly attentive & responsive. You just have to get past that tail - people are so weird over the tail.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/10/07 10:49am
Msg #179374

Put the cat in a room by itself for a couple of days, even a basement. Let the dogs sniff at the door, but not whine or scratch at it. They'll get used to the smell of each other so that their initial introduction won't be such a shock.

Then open the door and put a baby gate across the opening for a few days so they can see each other. Repeat as above, then hold some supervised visits in and out of the room. If they all prove not to be aggressive, let 'em all mix it up.

Feed separately, keep favorite toys separate. If a fight is going to break out, it will be over food or toys (or laps). Don't let them eat out of each other's dishes until all involved are ready for it - and they may never all be ready.

When I brought a 10-month-old dog into the house, my 3 cats disappeared into the basement. The dog was gated in the hallway outside my bedroom at night and when I was away from home. A week later, one cat came up to stay, a month later the second came up to stay, a year later the third. Not one big happy family now, but close to it!