It may sound like a cliche - but this owl and pussy cat really are the best of friends.   Just like Edward Lear's famous poem 'The Owl and the Pussycat', the elegant fowl and little kitten have become  inseparable.   The unlikely friendship began after a litter of stray kittens were handed in to the Hawk Conservancy Trust, in Hampshire, after they were found abandoned on a nearby road.   The tiny kittens are thought to be just a few weeks old - and despite being ideal prey for hungry owls, one of the litter has become firm friends with the reserve's star exhibit.   Staff at the reserve claim that Nigel, a white-faced scops owl, would normally fancy an animal the size of the black-and-white kitten, named Podge, for lunch .   But as these incredible pictures show, the last thing on Nigel's mind appears to be gobbling up his friend.   Kim Kirkbride, who has been hospital manager at the conservancy for six years, said: "We are used to taking in injured birds of prey and caring for them, but it was quite a shock when we realised that someone had brought in a box of abandoned kittens.   "A lorry driver had found them abandoned on the road, and not knowing what to do with them, brought them to us.   "I'm a huge cat lover, so I offered to look after them - but one of our owls, Nigel, seems to have got a bit attached to one of them.   "He's a fairly laid-back owl and the kittens are quite excitable - but they're best of friends regardless."   Nigel, who himself is only six months old, was hatched at the conservancy - and will soon be old enough to perform flying displays for the public at the sanctuary and at local schools.   The rest of the kittens will eventually be rehomed through the Cats Protection League - but Kim says she can't bear to tear Podge and Nigel apart.   She added: "My other half has said I'm not bringing any more animals home with me - but I might have to put my foot down in this case.   "They get on so well I'd be heartbroken to split them up."