How to Stop a House Cat From Looking at Pet Birds
- 1). Cat-proof your bird's home. The best way to do this is with a cage that hangs from the ceiling. Cages on stands can be knocked over. Be sure that the cage hangs far away from drapes or other climbable surfaces. Do not clip the wings of a bird who lives with a cat--if something does happen which puts the bird in the cat's way, the bird will have no means of escape.
- 2). Make sure your kitty sees you handling the bird. The cat's first introduction to the bird should be with you holding the bird. You can let the cat sniff the bird, but not too close! There must be no physical contact.
- 3). Scold your cat with a loud, deep and firm "No!" when the cat regards the bird with too much interest, especially if the cat adopts a predatory stance such as ears back, crouched low, clicking the jaw, or twitching the tail. Likewise, praise the cat for proper, non-aggressive behavior toward the bird.
- 4). If vocal commands don't phase your cat, a squirt of water from a squirt gun along with the verbal command "No!" will let the cat know that your bird is off limits.
- 5). Never let your cat and bird interact. Even if the cat playfully or accidentally scratches or bites the bird, the tiniest patch of broken skin on the bird is a portal for Pasteurella bacteria. This bacteria is a normal part of the cat's saliva. However, it is deadly to birds. Any contact between the cat and your bird requires immediate cleaning and disinfecting of the bird's skin. An emergency vet visit for antibiotics, such as Enroflaxin (Baytril) is a must, as the antibiotics must be administered within hours of the cat attack.
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