Cat Proof Door?

[AGreenCheekConureLover]

I need help! I am getting a parrot soon, and he or she will live in my room. I also have two cats. How can I "cat proof" my door so that my cats can't get into my room? For some reason they feel compelled to go into my room.

 

[Flboy]

Close the door?

Where are my manners?
Welcome to you!

 

[Anansi]

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family!

Is there something particular about your door (or your cats) that makes just closing it an issue? Or are you asking about something to keep the cats from shooting past you and into your room anytime you open the door?

If you are asking the latter, I can't really think of anything short of an anteroom type entrance with a second screen door installed. But that seems a bit unrealistic for someone's bedroom.

Oh! Or one of those baby gate type things. Of course a cat could leap up and over it, but that takes a lot more effort and deliberation than simply shooting past your ankles. And far less likely for the cats to do so without you noticing.

 

[SilverSage]

How are they getting in at the moment?

On the other hand, we typically discourage people from keeping parrots in bedrooms with very few exceptions (such as people who spend 99% of their day in their room such as the disabled).

Parrots are extremely social and typically need to be in the main living area of the house. If there are other pets (I myself have two cats and a large dog as well as a human toddler) then the best action is often to invest in an extremely secure and sturdy cage well above the ground, and a “safe space” for the predators to nap in when the parrot is out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Scott]

Welcome, and congratulations on your upcoming parrot!

In addition to ensuring the cats do not enter through the door, you'll want to consider fail-safe methods for ensuring the cats never get access to the bird. While many cats appear cooperative and show little interest, their mood can change instantly, with a bird at distinct disadvantage. Of special concern is cat saliva entering a bird's body. Extremely hazardous, and worth much preventive care.

 

[noodles123]

Welcome!
I am VERY happy that you are aware that cats harbor special bacteria (Pasteurella multocida) which is OFTEN deadly to birds (in the event of a bite or even a small scratch)--more so than humans or other animals.
If your current door (when closed) is not enough, then they do sell plastic baby-proofing doorknob covers which must be be squeezed (while simultaneously turning the knob) in order for the door to open.


That having been said, it is very important to keep birds in a room where the majority of day-to-day interaction/activity occurs.

Have you had birds before?