Can you live with a cat and small animals? Yes, with caution.

By Janet Lee

Always supervise play or interaction between your cat and small, furry animals. The prey drive can’t be trusted completely.

You’ve seen the cute calendar photos: Rabbits and cats grooming each other, birds perched on cat’s heads like spring bonnets, and mice scrambling over a nursing feline. Everyone wants their cat to get along swimmingly with every family member, but these scenarios are atypical. Dr. Paul DeMars, DVM, of Oklahoma State University, warns owners to be cautious when combining species. “Inside every cat is a predator, and a rabbit or bird is food for that cat,” he says. “You can never predict your pet’s behavior.” However, if cohabitation is unavoidable, there are some guidelines that can create a safer and more harmonious home. …

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