Could a Child Really be Raised by Animals?

I recently became a first-time mother. In addition to my daughter, Myrtle, I share my home with a motley collection of rescued animals including dogs, cats, horses, chickens, and pigs. This multi-species, multi-generational co-habitation—along with the release of a new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book—left me thinking about the phenomena of feral children, a topic I had considered in my book about human-animal interactions more generally. Certainly in some exceptional circumstances I can now appreciate how it might be possible for a human child to be cared for by a non-human surrogate.

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16 Cats Trying to Play Hide-and-Seek

Cats are terrible at hide-and-seek.  Reddit page r/CatsHiding is proof, as countless featured felines are completely failing at finding a well-concealed hiding spot.  Below are 16 kitties who absolutely suck at hiding. Jury's out on whether they're better seekers.

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Animals Are Smarter Than Humans Give Them Credit For

Is your dog smarter than your friend’s baby? Are cats smarter than dogs? What about Inky the octopus, who recently made a daring escape from his tank in a New Zealand aquarium — is he smarter than those internet cats whose owners “trapped” them in circles made of tape?

http://tinyurl.com/hh87yxb

Better Ways to Handle Animals Than Through Government

The last time I was in an animal shelter, I adopted a furry 8-year-old puss named Gus. The shelter was clean but depressing: It was filled with whelping dogs (mostly pit-bull mixes) and terrified cats that, most likely, were not long for this world. It was one of the nicer shelters I've been to, but it had the charm of a county jail.

http://tinyurl.com/jbokmq3

Better Ways to Handle Unwanted Animals

The last time I was in an animal shelter, I adopted a furry 8-year-old puss named Gus. The shelter was clean but depressing: It was filled with whelping dogs (mostly pit-bull mixes) and terrified cats that, most likely, were not long for this world. It was one of the nicer shelters I’ve been to, but it had the charm of a county jail.

http://tinyurl.com/jy2ze7w

Scientists Discover How Animals Develop Patches

Scientists have solved what shall henceforth be known as the piebald mystery: by discovering the origins of the broad white patches that can adorn the belly and head fur of cats, dogs and farm animals.  The distinctive patterns were known to be caused by a mutated gene, but how the faulty DNA produced the signature white bellies and other splashes of light on animals’ coats was far from clear.

http://tinyurl.com/j3low2w

Video: Cucumber Scares Cat

This cat was just minding his own business and enjoying a peaceful meal when OUT OF NOWHERE, a cucumber appeared.  The cucumber lay in wait, patiently biding its time until the unsuspecting feline turned around to discover the green horror. And when the cat finally saw the cucumber, well ... it flipped out big time.  Because cats are weird. And nobody wants vegetables when they aren't expecting them.

http://tinyurl.com/qzrnsof

The 50 States of Cats

Let the stereotyping begin.  We all know that the each of the 50 states are unique in their own right. Every state has its own individual quirk that makes it special and gives it identity. But did you know cats reflect their state's personality as well?  In fact, cats might even be more of an embodiment for a state's cultural being.

http://tinyurl.com/n2y7qtm

Video: Green Cat Wandering the Streets of Bulgaria

It's true that cats come in all shapes, sizes, and for the most part, color -- but seeing a bright green cat would turn just about anyone's head.  As most would assume, this bizarre-looking cat wandering the streets of Varna, Bulgaria, wasn't born with an emerald green coat -- and despite locals' initial assumptions, it apparently wasn't the victim of a cruel prank.

http://tinyurl.com/lh5p9qv

Video: Amazing Dog With Two Broken Legs

When life throws you challenges, learn how to adapt.  After taking a plunge off of a six-foot deck, this versatile pup is learning how to get around without the use of his front paws.  Who wants to write an encouraging message on one of his casts?

http://tinyurl.com/le5htkg

21 Cats Better at Photobombing Than You

The photobomb is more than a quick and easy prank — it's a work of art.  They've also become the norm in the Insta-era. It's hard to watch someone snapping a photo in your general vicinity without attempting to ruin it with your awkward face — even cats are getting in on gag.Cats are often considered serious creatures, but these perfectly timed photobombs reveal the funny side of their sneakiness.

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Rare Malayan Tiger Nearly Extinct

Malaysia's tigers have all but disappeared, and poachers from nearby countries have pushed them to the brink of extinction, according to a new report.   A four-year study of the country's big cats—the first scientific count ever conducted—discovered far fewer tigers than previously estimated, reporting as few as 250 left in the wild. Previous estimates had the country's tiger population between 500 and 1,500.

http://tinyurl.com/mb5pldp

25 Pets That Take a Cute Selfie

The word "duckface" just got a whole new meaning.  While snapping a shot of your own face is still wildly popular on social media, people just can't compete with their furry friends when it comes to selfies. Dogs, cats and even guinea pigs are getting a taste of Internet fame through some self-indulgent photo session — and they like it.

http://tinyurl.com/nynw4r4

-Igor Purlantov

Does Your Cat Love You?

With sloppy kisses and swishing tails, it’s hard not to notice how much dogs love their owners, as if their only purpose is to love, love, love you and sometimes eat. That’s because we’ve been breeding dogs for tens of thousands of years, selecting the cutest and waggiest pooches for pets. Young pups even respond to human gestures.

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How to Safely Pet Different Animals

My dog loves belly rubs. I do, too, but I rarely get one even when I roll over into an appropriate position. Even from strangers my dog is more likely to get belly rubs than I am. I try not to be jealous.  But not all animals like belly rubs. Cats, for example, will likely bite you if you try (note: I will not bite you). Different animals like different types of physical contact. Adam Ellis of BuzzFeed has helpfully rounded up 15 charts illustrating how animals typically feel about you touching particular body parts. You can view them all here.

http://tinyurl.com/m68pokp

-Igor Purlantov

Video: Cats Annoyed by Doggie Friends

We've all been there. Someone really wants to be your friend and you find them totally...slobbery. They get in your face, smiling like they can't possibly understand why you're not in the mood to hang out. They think you're looking for something to do, when in fact sitting quietly is a perfectly enjoyable activity. They seem to have interminable energy and optimism. It's just so exhausting.  Cats get it. Why can't dogs? 

http://tinyurl.com/kw2f2o3

-Igor Purlantov

11 Cat Breeds You've Probably Never Heard Of

Cats might be the darlings of the Internet, but you don't often see them out and about with their humans, lounging at coffee shops or parks like their canine counterparts. So unless you're a cat breeder, a regular reader of our cat breed profile pages or a faithful cat show attendee, chances are there are many cat breeds and varieties you've never heard of.  Whether you're looking to bring home a new kitty or simply want to impress your friends with your superior feline knowledge, here are 11 rare or lesser-known cat breeds you should know about. 

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-Igor Purlantov

Cats Taking Selfies

Hilarious cat selfies.

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Movie Scenes With Cats

Eight of the sexiest movie scenes of all time, with cats.

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27 Naughtiest Cats In The World

It's their world and we just happen to live in it. I think cats are the most amusing creatures on the planet and here is why.

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