When Irina Stepanova brought a parrot home, she hoped her 10-year-old cat, Bonifazii, would at least tolerate him.
But she never imagined they'd spend their days playing and snuggling together.
Irina Stepanova
Once the parakeet, whom Stepanova named Yasha, had settled into her home in Chelabinsk, Russia, she decided to cautiously introduce her to Bonifazii.
Irina Stepanova
"I began to let [Yasha] out of the cage," Stepanova told The Dodo. "He flew and Bonifazii calmly watched the parrot. Then Yasha landed on the floor and met the cat."
Irina Stepanova
Since this first meeting went well, Stepanova allowed Bonifazii and Yasha to spend more time together.
Irina Stepanova
"They play together and run around the apartment," Stepanova said.
Instagram post by Irina • Jan 17, 2017 at 7:38am UTC
Their favorite game is "hide-and-seek," she said.
Irina Stepanova
"The parrot flies out of the cage and immediately looks for the cat," Stepanova said.
Irina Stepanova
Now Bonifazii and Yasha do everything together.
They gaze out the window.
Irina Stepanova
Go on adventures.
Instagram post by Irina • Feb 1, 2017 at 9:51am UTC
Bonifazii even lets Yasha sit on his head.
Irina Stepanova
Stepanova trusts them completely now, and she's happy to leave them alone together.
Irina Stepanova
"Whenever I'm home, the parrot cage is always open," Stepanova said. "Bonifazii is a tolerant cat, and very gentle. I trust my cat."
Irina Stepanova
While Bonifazii and Yasha's friendship is very beautiful, it's also extremely unusual. It's best to always use the utmost caution when
introducing different animal species
to each other, particularly a
cat and a bird or other small animal
,
Celia Haddon, a cat behavior expert
, told The Dodo.
Irina Stepanova
"Although you will see cats being friendly to other species like house rabbits or parrots on Youtube, these are the exceptions," Haddon said. "Never take this for granted. Always supervise."
"Something the other animal does — a squeak or a sudden movement – could
trigger the dormant hunting instinct
and the feline friend could become the feline hunter," Haddon added. "Where animals are concerned it's better to be safe than sorry.
Irina Stepanova
Their relationship may not be typical, but Bonifazii and Yasha have certainly shown that love knows no bounds.
To see more pictures of the unusual friendship between Bonifazii and Yasha,
follow them on Instagram
.