Lions do purr but it is different from a housecat’s purr. Small cats (in the genus Felis) can purr when breathing in and out as a continuous noise. Lions and other big cats (in the genus Panthera) can only make a purring sound when breathing out. It doesn’t sound exactly like a housecat purr but more like a grunt or a cough. Lionesses usually give birth in a den such as a cave.  [less]

There are many recipes for home cooked dog foods out there and while some are great, there are also some that are inappropriate or deficient. Anytime you find a diet, either in a book or on the internet, you should have the it evaluated by a veterinary nutritionist to be certain your dog is getting everything that he needs from this diet so he does not develop any deficiencies in the key nutrients. My favorite website is www.balanceit.com which is run by a board certified veterinary nutritionist. I frequently refer my clients here because I know that the information they get will be accurate and the diet will be appropriate.  [less]

If this kitty was caged for the entire first year of her life, she is likely most comfortable in dark, small, confined places (such as under the bed or in the litterbox). Her lack of socialization and exploration during the formidable kitten years has probably created in her an attitude of fear toward most new or different experiences. It is unlikely that she will ever be a socially normal cat, but perhaps you can work with her to build her confidence at least in your home environment. First, try to create a routine for your day that you keep as close as possible to the same. Predictability is going to be vital in helping her to adapt. Next, try to reward her for expanding her experiences and for coming out of hiding by finding a treat that she really loves such as a piece of chicken or tuna. Every time she ventures out from her hiding place, give her a reward. Keep the rewards small (no more than a pea sized treat). You can also teach her hunting behaviors by splitting up her kibble onto several small dishes and hiding them around the house. This will encourage her to venture out and explore the environment rather than staying cooped up under the bed or litterbox all day. Change the places where you hide the food every day so she has to look in different spots and eventually, start putting the food on different levels (i.e. not just on the floor) so she has to jump and climb to find it as well. The more positive experiences she has out of her comfort zone, the more she will be comfortable and more sociable.  [less]