African Grey, Red Bellied Parrot & Kittens

Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

Hi there.

Just thought I would ask what you thought about this.

I have a 9-year-old Timneh African Grey, named Sparky, and a 12-year-old red-bellied parrot, Val (both DNA-sexed males). I have had them since they were chicks.

I’m thinking of going to visit a relative out of state. She and her daughters have two kittens (they got the kittens for Christmas).

Do you think it would be a bad idea for me to bring the birds, which I would bring in separate cages, as they don’t really get along? What if I could keep them in a room with a door?

Would the kittens want to kill the birds as a matter of genetics? I have seen YouTube videos of cats and larger parrots coexisting, sometimes even playfully interacting. But obviously, I don’t want to put the birds in any danger.

Thanks if you have any thoughts!

Peter

Hi Peter,

Generally speaking we don’t advise allowing inter-species play. Especially in your case where your birds are a little bigger and I would be far more concerned for the kitten’s safety because of their inquisitiveness not the birds.

I think it would be okay if you were to keep the birds segregated from the kittens. Keep it in mind that your birds may or may not be stressed out from the trip. I know our bird liked to travel with us because obviously he likes being with us which your birds can enjoy.

I think a lot of it has to do with the makeup of the house and if there’s a way that the kittens could be put in any sort of pet crate to allow your birds some freedom keeping them from engaging the new kittens.