If your cat has claws, cats can kill small birds, so no on the parakeets. A parrot like a macaw can seriously injure a cat as well in a dive bomb if s/he feels threatened or holds a grudge. You are much better off with a fish or a rabbit, unless you can find a bird to rescue that has already lived with cats (and is large enough to defend itself from a cat that would try to eat it). ^_^ Even giving the cat treats yummy treat distractions like Greenies will not be able to save a small bird from becoming lunch if the cat finds a way to knock over the bird cage (my friend came home to her Siamese meowing at the cage on the floor and the bird on the ceiling fan once). Luckily, "Karma" bird had good karma and was promptly found another home. ^_^
Cats will go after birds no matter the size of the bird. Some cats can be taught not to go after birds, but they need to be intelligent to be taught.
AYE
I'm planning to adopt either a senegal or cape parrot very soon, but I have a 5 month old kitten in the house as well. I've had experience owning a bird, I had a parakeet when I was a kid, but no other pet to accompany it.
And yes, I understand that all animals have different personalities and can vary whether or not it's compatible with a cat, so please explain what type of personality is good with one.
I'm also debating whether to get a parakeet or a parrot, are parakeets good with cats as well?
Thanks. (:
