adopted cat and old pet bird?

Question
I have recently adopted an abandoned male house cat I believe to be less then a year old and he keeps trying to sit on, attack , and move my bird cage. It is very heavy I'm afraid to leave him home alone with the bird. And spraying him with warm water isn't working. I'm not sure if the citrus thing is a safe deterrent around the bird?

Answer
Tracy,

Abandoned cat used to hunting for food + bird = disaster!

Birds are prey to a cat whether they are in a cage or in trees. That is an inherited trait. Spraying him with water will not work. That will only make him more determined. You cannot trust the cat to be alone with the bird unless the cage is completely secure and safe for the bird. The cat WILL try everything in his bag of hunting tricks to get the bird. Plus it will keep him occupied when you are not there. Even cats that have been raised with a bird and do not bother them have been known to suddenly 'revert to the wild' and attack them.

I would consider putting the bird in a room where you can securely close the door, or getting a cat proof bird cage.

Tabbi