I think I have an idea of how to best introduce my new lovebird to my cats (for them all to be out together, but I would greatly appreciate stories of how you all introduced your birds to existing cats!

Both cats are quite young. The oldest (a 2 year old (turns 3 in november) cornish rex), is the one who can potentially be a problem. He is a very secure cat and is afraid of pretty much nothing. He's been sat staring at the bird in the cage for long time both yesterday and this morning. The youngest one (an almost 1 year old siamese) will be easier since he can be very skittish and slightly nervous. He's shown some facination, and is curious about the bird, but in a more happy-go-lucky way. I can see the bird and this cat playing together in relative safetly.

The cats are locked in another part of the house part of the day so the bird can be out of the cage as much as he needs, but ofcourse I want them to be able to be out and about together eventually (ofcourse under supervision). I know it will be a lengty process, but I would still appreciate tips and stories of how others did this, and how it turned out, and also how long it took.

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Mango Bailey Lucas

I reckon this is a very personal matter and you'll get differing opinions from all. There's no way I'd ever permit my birds to be out while the cats are at large! Both our younger cats (aged three years) are experienced bird hunters and look lovingly at my parrots through the cages. The old cat, who is nearly senile at seventeen, just sits and watches, but every now and again, I see the end of her tail twitch and know darned well she'd strike if she ever got the chance. It would only take one swipe of a cat's claw or one bite of her jaws to do irreparable damage. I know lots of people have cats and rodents or cats and birds that have been raised together - you see photos online all the time - but I'm not risking it. I love my Beaks too much to take the risk.

Be very careful. If you ever turn your back, it will not end well.

The bacteria in cat and dog saliva is toxic to birds...playing together even "safely" would never be safe. Even if the bird was only exposed to the saliva on the cat's fur from grooming.

I know there are exceptions to having a cat near a pet bird/parrot and they don't seem to care, but cats are cats, and will always view birds as prey

I wouldn't risk any of my birds with my 4 cats.

we have to put our 4 cats behind closed doors, before we bring our parrots out.
yes....it is a pain, but I would never forgive myself if anything happened, that could have been prevented.
btw, your cats are pretty

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I actually have a fear of cats with birds to the point i will not have a cat because i always have at least one bird. (Plus i have a canary and their flighty ways seem to really attract feline attention). I have enough worry having 3 tiny dogs with my birds because they all consider each other friends, and because of that they WANT to be with each other, but i know "stuff happens" sometimes, even accidentally. I generally try to keep them separated. Their 'friendship' is a supervised one!

Yeah, Not so much! Might want to ask your vet instead of perpetuating internet myth..

I have studied animal medicine and there is nothing in a health dog or cat mouth that will hurt a healthy bird except for teeth.

I think the "myth" started with cat/dog bites and the resulting infection.Topically i don't think it's an issue but as with any puncture wound, it's hard to clean and prone to infection.

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Long time amazon parent/breeder and many rescue zons. We are breeding 2nd generation of our Yellow Nape ,Double Yellow Head, Panama ,Orange Wing Amazons and TAGs, also outdoor aviary with flock of Cockatiels. If you need help or advice please feel free to contact me,if i can't help maybe i can find someone who can.Capt and "Jake" the YN
Avatar is myself and "Juanita" 12/59 Guatemala CA
Rescues looking homes,Mumbles(DYH male)Echo (YNA male) Rockie(BFA male) Nitro (YNA male) Yeah, Echo found a home

Agreed. My American Bulldog is quite the slobber mouth. So much so that when he shakes his head everyone around him ends up "wearing" some. Yes, my birds have been "slimed" - unintentionally, of course, but it's never had any ill effects on them.

Geez, guys, sorry, should have said "if there is open skin anywhere on your bird"...should have known there were a bunch of self proclaimed veterinary experts to correct me. Go ahead, let your dogs and cats slobber all over your birds...isn't that cute. Definitely worth the risk of deadly infection.

Edit: I did ask my vet. . Lot of rude folks here.