Well, I realized that 3 pets in an apartment just isn't likely to work well. And I also have the fear of losing my bird to the cat's instincts, thus most of the time when he is inside he's locked in a room. I don't think it's fair to him or my other animals, so starting this next two weeks before we move I will be searching for a good home.
I always feel guilty about giving up any pet, but more so this one because he came to me at the time right after my father passed. I kind of felt that he was sent to me in a way, and that's why it hurts more. I love him, but we can't afford this many pets, let alone in an apartment.
I have a friend that is going to help me find a good home with more time and energy to spend with him, and where he won't have to be locked up because of a bird. The fact is that Ashton has a really active prey drive, and has caught several things outside, not birds, but snakes, lizards and other things. I think birds have been too fast for him so far, and yesterday he tried to catch a rabbit(which was about half his size and much faster).

I'm going to miss him and his antics, but at this time my Mom and I have no other choice but to be practical. I'm glad that we rescued him out of the woods that day, and have gotten to know and love him. Maybe he was sent to me, but just for a short while until he goes to the right place.

Please help me believe I'm doing the right thing, because my emotions are clashing with my logic. ~Angela

Well you have alot of common sense and wisdon Angela, but its
always hard to give up the things we Love! Youre doing the right thing tho,
hopefully that will ease this decision for you, especially when you find
someone who loves him. I feel for you tho bc I know you Love him.
Big huggs...be strong just now!

I think maybe he came to you when you needed him, he did his job and now it's time for him to move on to help someone else.

I do believe those things happen and he leaves a part of himself with all the people who have loved him along the way.

Sounds to me like you are being fair to all animals involved. Rehoming any type of animal is never easy and you have to know that you are doing it for the right reasons...for the animal.

Take courage in believing you are making the right choice for you, your bird and Ashton.

Thank you all so much for your comfort. I am confident in my decision now. I will update as soon as I find his new home.

Angela, sometimes decisions we have to make are very hard, but it sounds like you have given this a lot of thought and have come up with the only fair solution. You have given your kitty a much better life that he would have had starving in the woods. I sure you will find him an excellent home. Think of his time with you as a rescue and now its time to find his forever home. Good luck.

I wish so badly that I could keep him. He's the best and only cat I've ever owned. He's very special to me too. I'm hoping that whoever I choose to adopt him will be willing to email me from time to time about him and how he's doing.

I just wish I knew someone here that could take him, because I know most of you are great pet owners. I really hate letting him go because I really envisioned myself having him alongside me when I move out into my own apartment. It's hard imagining life without him right now.~Angela

I actually decided tonight that I will be keeping him after all. I can't let him go, I just love him too much. Any extra advice on keeping a cat with a bird would be appreciated. I already keep them separate as it is, but I'll be reading online about what else I can do to keep them safe. ~Angela

It is a tough decision. Though it sounds like you changed your mind. It is quite possible to keep both a cat and a bird in the same household. (Speaking from experience). Whien not around to supervise, having a "safe room" for either the bird or kitty is a good idea - especially if the bird cage is not hanging or up high in a place where a cat cant sit next to it or jump on it. (Cats often learn that bird beaks bite...mine have been taught manners by birdy beaks.) Another safeguard is to use a collar with bell on it. This makes it hard for kitty to sneak up on the bird cage. Make sure the cage is secure & your cat cant open any of the doors or food enclosures. This prevents little paws from getting inside. (You can also booby trap surfaces around the bird cage that will alert you to your cats interest & scare your cat off).