Puss and parrot are best of pals

Oct 17 2006 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

PILLOW the cat lives up to her name. She loves nothing more than providing a resting place for Mindy the parrot.

The duo have formed an unlikely friendship and are virtually inseparable, according to Pillow's owner Jan Kirby, of Aldershalls, in Dickens Heath, Solihull.

Unlike the legendary cartoon which sees Sylvester the cat hell bent on catching Tweety Pie for his supper, Pillow and Mindy have nothing but love for each other.

When Jan's daughter, Sharron, aged 31, bought Mindy two years ago, she was dubious whether the African Grey parrot would hit it off with Pillow, aged 12, and her mum's other Persian cat, Muppet, also 12.

"At first the cats were wary of the parrot," said retired Jan. "But then very quickly Pillow and Mindy developed a very close bond.

"Mindy gets onto Pillow's back and literally treats her as if she's a cushion, which the cat loves.

"The parrot even bathes in the cat's water bowl.

"Mindy's more like a little person than a bird and she's starting to learn to talk too.

"We can't believe how close they are, especially when birds and cats don't usually get along.

"We think it's brilliant, especially in a world full of doom and gloom, it gives us plenty of laughs."

Muppet, however, doesn't share the same bond with Mindy.

"Muppet doesn't mind the parrot but there isn't the connection that Pillow and Mindy have," added Jan. "I think the two get on so much because Pillow has such a beautiful nature and she lets Mindy do what she likes."

And Pillow's not the only one who has a close tie with the parrot - owner Sharron is also proving a hit with the bird.

"Sharron brings Mindy over to my house every day and she drives her over here with Mindy sitting on her shoulder," said Jan.

Now Jan is hoping Pillow's friendship with Mindy will win her the crown of Miaowstermind 2006 - a competition to find Britain's cleverest cat.

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