It's the bacteria in the saliva that is bad for them.
Read this...This information is from
http://www.cleos-cor...nformation.html and the articles sited are also worth visiting.
Is cat saliva really toxic to birds?
Here are a few quotes from some web sites. To read the full account click on the links:
"Cat saliva contains a bacteria that is usually fatal to birds unless the appropriate antibiotic is administered." Maine Audubon
"Having cat saliva on a birds feathers is enough to introduce an infection that could kill the bird." (Parrot Passions UK)
"Even saliva from a cat transferred to a bird can cause them to become ill and die. If ever your bird has contact with a cat--even if this contact seems incidental--an immediate vet visit is in order." (Parrot Parrot: Cats and Birds article)
"Cats commonly have Pasteurella bacteria as part of their natural flora. While this bacteria is ubiquitous in cats and does them no harm, it is DEADLY to birds. Even if your cat just bats your bird or gets saliva on your bird, you could end up with a dead bird." (Parrot Parrot: Alerts page)
"Regardless, contact with a cat's saliva, which contains a bacteria deadly to birds called Pasteurella, could be fatal." (Parrot Chronicles: Hazards Page)
Can human saliva make my bird sick?
My vet is VERY adament about not allowing birds to come into contact with human saliva. So much so that he does not even want parrot owners to give a little kiss on the head. To back him up here are some quotes from the web:
From Parrot Chronicles, "Human saliva is not in itself toxic, of course. And your bird cannot catch a human cold from you. However, all mammalian saliva carries bacteria that could make your bird sick with infections of the sinuses, throat, lungs, air sacs, gastro-intestinal tract or internal organs.Therefore, never let your bird make contact with your mouth--even for a quick "peck"--and do not bite off food for your bird."
And from ExoticPet.net, "Our mouths contain many microbes that can cause disease in birds, and contact with the human mouth should be strictly prohibited."
Edited by devvle, 13 May 2005 - 08:56.
And this...
http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/54174-Human-Saliva
Your bird may not be affected by it now but how would you feel if one day she keeled over because of it? I would never take the chance, I cannot stress enough that you really need to stop doing that to the foods she eats.
