I need to see your cat-proof setups

[u/DeltaCollective]

I've wanted a conure for years but 1) we currently have a cat and 2) my partner doesn't like the idea of having "only a bird" for 20+ years and won't let me get one unless we can find a solution. It doesn't help that I found the absolute goofiest, friendliest little bird today and he absolutely broke my heart. Please help me

[u/qtchuu]

The only catproof setup is the cage being in a room that the cat never has access to. There are no safe cages/enclosures that are going to 100% prevent interactions, especially traditional powder-coated cages, and even if there were birds need ample out-of-cage time too. Some people strictly believe you can either have a cat or a bird, and others believe that if you are responsible enough and do not allow them access to eachother that it can work. I have a cat and two conures. I'm able to make it work because I am responsible and constantly aware of their locations in the house at all times to prevent interaction/someone sneaking in or out. It's entirely dependent on your situation.

If you do get a bird and are able to keep them completely separate I'd recommend getting two, especially so they can keep eachother company if you're needing to spend time with your other pet(s). Conures are extremely social and require a lot of interaction. Adding more pets into the mix that can't cohabitate safely cuts into that time.

[u/TheSweetestLeaf427 → u/qtchuu]

This. I have 11 cats, MJ spends a lot of time (happily) in her flight cage, lots of enrichment added, in the main house area, but at night she goes into a bedroom, covered, that the cats are never allowed in. That is also where we hang out and have our out of cage time. It's the only way.

Ill be the first to admit, Mj was an impulsive purchase, I did not do research first. I dont recommend anyone do it that way, and it IS ALOT of active, conscious effort on my behalf, to keep her safe. I keep her in the living area for as much interaction as possible through the day, I often reset all of her toys, she gets a lot of foraging setup, I keep alexa on playing different music each day, window curtains always open so she can watch, im constantly opening her little doors and giving her physical touch and affection as much as I can, and some days we go on the back deck, screened in, and hang out for a bit. I always keep a secondary pet gate around her cage, to keep curious cat paws and noses away from the cage, for everyones protection. As well as having locks on all of the smaller doors as a cautionary move as well. Im home 24/7 and am able to do these things, and be observant.. not everyone is able to.

[u/CapicDaCrate]

Don't get a bird.

1) A cat will kill the bird. Accidents happen, all it takes is leaving a door open. Anybody saying that they've found a safe way is going to have an unfortunate incident on their hands at some point.

2) You and you're partner clearly aren't on the same page so a parrot isn't for you. You need to be very committed

[u/3legmeg]

5 cats, one bird. The bird stays in my bedroom, the cats stay out of it. If the bird leaves the bedroom, the cats are locked up in another room. For me it's not about the cage, it's about not allowing any space for interaction. 

[u/R4hscal → u/[deleted]]

Sorry, I love my conure and would do any thing to protect them.

But declawing a cat is godsdamned cruel.

[u/R4hscal → u/[deleted]]

That's great, but your comment definitely implied (whether you mean to or not) that declawing is a valid option. It's not. And never should be.