4 min read Cat and Bird Do Everything Together They even play hide-and-seek.

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.

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.

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

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