Poor old Pooh- What do I do?

[katkin]

As some of you know, earlier this week, our barmy bengal Alfie surpassed himself in the naughtiness stakes when he pounced and killed one of our gerbils, leaving us with one young female.

 

Well, last night, we caught 2 of the naughty norwegian forest cats tormenting our old cockatiel Pooh. he was giving them what for, but it got me thinking.

 

Now, Pooh is no stranger to felines, he's lived alongside a motley collection of moggies for many years, but non quite so tenacious and determined as the youngsters we now own. Alfie (and Ashia) have already proved themselves to be fast and effective killing machines and baby Arnie is showing every sign of being just as efficient as his mum.

 

Poor Pooh has been on his own for a few years since his 'cell-mate' Piglet passed on. We didnt think it right to introduce a new cockatiel after Piglet, and he seemed happy at first, but now I'm not so sure. I think maybe he's pining and finding all the extra feline attention a bit too much. Since Beauty the rescue bengal arrived and took up residence in the bathroom, we have to leave the bathroom door open (not that it was ever a problem before- the cats didnt used to show any interest in Pooh or Piglet. We can't persuade Beauty to move to another room, she's staked her claim on the shower cubicle and likes to keep an eye on things from her lofty perch.

 

Beauty is no problem - she shows no interest in the bird whatsoever, but Alfie and the growing gang of wegie hunters are a different matter...

 

Pooh is about 14-15 years old (somewhere, I've got a receipt from Middletons) and despite trying to build him up with bird tonic and quality feed, he's looking a bit scrawny these days- maybe it's because he's not the youngster he once was and I'm wondering whether he should be spending his final few years somewhere safe from marauding moggies that seem intent on hassling him - or worse.

 

I'm not one for giving up on my pets, but I wonder whether I should try to find him a safer home for his last few years, one where he will get plenty of love and affection and a permanent break from felines...?