Cats and birds?

I visited a friend who has a cockatiel recently and absolutely fell in love.  I never really considered myself much of a bird person before, but he was so sweet and he whistled a few tunes.  I've been reading up on them and the more I do, the more I want one for myself.  The one topic I can't seem to find easily is that of cats and birds housed together.  Has anybody here done it successfully?  Also, if anyone has owned a cockatiel currently or in the past, would you please share some tips?  

I plan to have the bird in my room, same as my rats.  It's where I spend the most time.  I know not to have the bird out when my cats are in the same room.  That's just plain common sense, and it's the same rule I use for my rats.  I also know to keep a sharp eye on everyone even when the bird is caged.  I realize cats and birds are natural enemies, and I'm not going to be able to change that.  The kitties have done fine with the rats thus far (ie - not attempting to break into the cage, keeping paws off, watching politely), but I'm uncertain about how they would do with something that squawks.

Thanks!

The following statement is based on my opinion and experience:

It's really up to the cat, I'd think. Some cats are just really mellow and will get used to a bird around and eventually ignore it.

Other cats, the prey drive is just too deep and can't be controlled.

I had a small love bird before I got Monet. Had the bird for 7 years. Once I got Monet, I could NOT leave them alone together. Monet would jump and climb the cage and would NOT stop. I live in a small apartment, so it was not fair to keep the bird locked in the bathroom when I am not at home. I gave her to a good friend that I know would take care of her (I miss her tons, but not her mess. Birds are messy, and cockatiels tend to be very dusty, as well as seed husk throwers. I had a few growing up)

A friend has a goffin cockatoo and 2 cats and they live in harmony. I tend to think the bigger the bird, the less of a threat they are to the cats, and vice versa.

I think it's the flying, the flitting and hopping around that the bird does in (and out) of the cage that tempts the cats, not so much of their sounds.

I know there are many bird lovers on TCS, but personally I think it's cruel to keep what is essentially a wild bird as a pet. They're flock animals, they fly... living in a home, alone, usually in a cage or a room?

If you're going to adopt one, please rescue one!

http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2011/10/02/the-world-of-parrots/

I agree with adopting. There are more homeless birds in shelters than most people realize.

Not all birds are flocking, though cockatiels are a flock bird, and yes, they do need to fly.

I have run an exotic bird rescue before, and you can safely keep cats and birds as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Never trust your cat, no matter how mellow, this leads to letting your guard down and this is when accidents happen.

Birds do require at the minimum 1 hour out of cage time, to exercise and for mental stimulation.

Before letting a bird out, ensure there are no cats in the room and keep them locked out.

Same goes for rats. Rats can do a number on a bird in a very short amount of time.

Do not allow cats even near a bird cage.

Cats carry pasturella bacteria in their saliva, this bacteria is designed to fascilitate death in prey animals.

Your cat does not even have to bite the bird. Simply licking the bird, or gnawing on the cage and your bird is at risk.

Birds preen and chew cage bars, they can ingest the bacteria.

Pasturella can kill a small bird in less than 24 hours and birds are even better than cats at hiding pain/illness.

When you are asleep, or not at home, always keep birds in a room that cats have no access to.

Sorry for anything spelled incorrectly, my spellcheck seems to be on strike.

We have five cats and two birds - a Timneh African Grey Parrot and a Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot.  Our cats have been taught that they aren't allowed to "hunt" the birds.  Our newest cat addition is still learning so he is not left alone with the birds.  Our birds can do quite a bit of damage to a cat.  They can draw blood on us and it is pretty painful when they do.  A cockatiel might not be able to defend itself quite as well.  Keep in mind that they are very noisy and messy (notice the stuff on the floor and table under his perch) so you might not want to keep it in your room with you.

What?  I'm just watching...

I have poor defenseless parakeets. My big cat likes to watch in them cage and she pats at the cage sometimes. She goes a bit nuts when they get out of the cage.

My kitten thinks the cage is full of moving play toys. I have seen sideways run on the cage, jump on it from a shelf, slap her paw through and get a bird in the back. But when we take the birds out of the cage, she runs scared and wants nothing to do with them.

Lol. Just depends on the cat. Also, I've learned having cats means you get the birds out less for their own safety. So I splurged on a really big cage for them so they will be more comfortable between playtimes.