african grey and kitten

Question
Hi, I have a 10 year old silly tame african grey who gets on well with my dog (until recently 2 dogs)she has no fear of them but does have a tendency to tease them. She has also lived with a house rabbit in the past with no problems.
However I have now been looking after a kitten (approx 6 weeks) that was left in my workplace with a small note saying she was no longer wanted. My intention was to nurse her back to health and then find her a forever home however I now find myself wondering what if! so can greys and cats get on the grey doent mind the kitten but the kitten is very interested in the grey. The grey is only caged when i'm at work or in bed so there would be lots of time that they are out together and she has free flight through out the house and does play on the floor.
Is keeping the kitten a pipe dream or could this work with the right training?
Thanks Donna

Answer
Hi Donna,

Unfortunately, kittens and parrots usually do not mix. Since kittens are so playful, love to chase things, and love to climb- they can pose a serious and deadly threat to your parrot. Especially, since most parrots are not fearful of companion dogs or cats. Just one scratch or nip from a cat can kill a bird (cat salvia is toxic to birds).

If you decide you want to try and make it work, here is an article that should help:

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww13evi.htm

Also- as a side note, if you decide not to keep the kitten I would *highly* encourage you to get her spayed prior to adopting her out. (She must be at least 2 to 2 & 1/2 pounds, which usually occurs at 8 to 10 weeks). Most counties will offer low cost spay/neuter programs through your local shelter or animal-regulation facility. Many places can get the kitten spayed for as little as $30 or $40 for females ($10 to $25 for males). Some owners are not responsible and do not get their cute kitten spayed before she goes into her first heat (if they get them spayed at all) and this can add to the number of unwanted cats/kittens. (Plus, it is healthier for the cat to be fixed). Plus- most adopters would easily pay a $40 or $50 adoption fee for a kitten that is already spayed/neutered.

I hope this helps.

-Maggie