Along with the thread, if it helps, I have two cats, a 1 year old and 3 year old. Like you, I need to have cats, since I absolutely love them. But I also love birds. Just keep the cat out of the room my bird is in. A great thing to do is get a lock for the room your bird is in, it will help a lot I'm case you go out and if the door accidently opens. I will occasionally let my cat into my bedroom (where my cockatiel is) but only when my bird is in his cage, and I keep a very close eye on my cat since she has shown a lot of *interest* in him. If you decide to adopt a young cat, it would be a good idea to train him not to bother the bird and respect him, but I wouldn't let them out together ever, just for when the cat is around the birds cage it will settle your mind to know the kitten won't jump at the cage. Just remember though, birds are prey to cats, and no matter how trained or mellow the cat is, never have then out together.
