I tawt I taw a putty tat: How two pets forged an unlikely friendship

The commercial shows a happy cat opening the cage of a bird which hops on its back as the pair sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.”

A real-life version has now been found with Frankie the budgie and Gemima the cat, who gaze into each other’s eyes and go for strolls together.

Frankie was a timid bird when he was bought by his owner at just a few months old. But when Sara Parker, 43, introduced him to Gemima he came to life and the two year-old budgie now brims with confidence.

The pair have formed a special bond and live in harmony in Thornton-le-Dale, as Frankie is even allowed to hitch a ride on Gemima’s back.

Ms Parker said: “I bought Frankie when he was a baby and he was only about three-months-old. My boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband, always had birds and I was fascinated by them so I bought one of my own.

“When Frankie came home with me he was very timid and shy. Although he was very nervy, the only time he was relaxed was around the cats.”

Ms Parker, who also has a cat called Tiger, said she was amazed when Frankie made friends with both cats despite being nervous.

She said: “Frankie never gets locked in his cage but he spends most of his time in there. We have to be really careful when he is walking on the floor.”