Owning a cat doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy the companionship of a pet bird. While cats are natural hunters, certain bird species are better suited to living in a multi-pet household — especially with the right safety measures in place. The key is selecting birds known for their friendly, confident nature and ensuring they have a secure, spacious cage positioned safely out of your cat’s reach. Here, we’ll explore eight of the best pet bird species that can adapt to life in a cat-friendly home, balancing companionship with safety.

1. Budgerigar (Budgie)

If you’re a cat owner looking to introduce a feathered friend to your household, the budgerigar, or budgie, is an excellent choice. These small, lively birds are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, making them one of the most popular pet birds worldwide. Budgies are playful and intelligent, and with regular handling, they quickly form strong bonds with their owners. Their size also makes them less intimidating to cats — though supervision is still crucial. A sturdy, secure cage is a must to ensure your bird’s safety. 

2. Cockatiel

Cockatiels are another fantastic bird species for cat owners. Known for their playful, affectionate nature, cockatiels often enjoy human companionship and can become deeply attached to their owners. They’re expressive birds, using the crest on their heads to show their moods, which can help you understand their feelings. While cockatiels don’t typically learn to talk, they can whistle tunes and mimic household sounds — a fun feature for you and a distraction for your cat. Ensuring your cockatiel has a spacious, durable cage with horizontal bars for climbing is vital. 

3. Dove

Doves might not be the first bird you think of as a pet, but they’re among the gentlest and calmest species you can own. Hand-fed, domesticated doves are incredibly sweet and rarely bite, making them easy to handle even for beginners. Their quiet cooing is soothing and far less likely to excite a cat compared to more vocal birds. Doves prefer large, spacious cages with room to fly between perches since they don’t climb like parrots. Because they’re relatively low-maintenance and enjoy gentle interaction, doves can be a peaceful, friendly addition to a cat-friendly home.

4. Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-cheeked conures are small, playful parrots known for their affectionate and mischievous personalities. They love interacting with their owners and are less noisy compared to other conure species — an important factor when living with a cat, as loud birds might provoke a predatory response. These conures are intelligent and curious, often seeking attention and playtime. Green-cheeked conures also enjoy exploring outside their cage under supervision, so training your cat to respect boundaries is a valuable step. 

5. Parrotlet

If you’re looking for a small bird with a big personality, the parrotlet is an ideal choice. These tiny parrots are bold, curious, and playful, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They require daily interaction to stay tame and friendly, but their feisty nature means they won’t easily be intimidated by a cat. However, their small size makes them vulnerable, so a sturdy, cat-proof cage is essential. Parrotlets love to explore and play with toys, which can help keep them busy and distracted from a watching cat. 

6. Canary

Canaries are known for their beautiful singing, especially the males, making them delightful pets for those who enjoy soft, melodic background sounds. They’re independent birds that don’t require as much direct handling as parrots, which can be a plus if you’re balancing time between your bird and your cat. Canaries prefer large, horizontal cages to allow room for flying — and a safe, high placement is key to keeping them out of your cat’s reach. Since they’re more watchers than cuddlers, canaries offer companionship without needing constant attention.

7. Pionus Parrot

Pionus parrots are less commonly known, but they’re among the most easygoing and quiet parrot species — qualities that make them ideal for cat owners. They’re friendly without being overly clingy, and they’re less prone to loud squawking compared to other parrots. Pionus parrots enjoy human interaction but are independent enough to entertain themselves. With their calm, gentle nature, Pionus parrots can adapt well to a multi-pet household, providing you with a loyal, affectionate companion.

8. Hahn’s Macaw

Hahn’s macaws are the smallest of the macaw species, but they pack plenty of personality into their compact frames. They’re playful, intelligent, and affectionate birds that thrive on social interaction. Hahn’s macaws often form close bonds with their owners and can learn to mimic sounds or words. Despite their small size, they’re quite resilient — though a secure, cat-proof cage remains essential for their safety. With proper socialization and care, a Hahn’s macaw can be a lively, loving addition to your home, even with a feline roommate.

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