Awww...

[chrish]

LINTON, England -- A baby lion has found an unlikely friend and protector in an ordinary house cat.

Linton Zoo co-owner Kim Simmons has taken the 3-month-old cub, named "Safina," into her home.

The little lion is the latest arrival at the English zoo. Just like both of her parents, Safina is being being hand-raised in a domestic setting.

Safina, which means "beautiful one" in Swahili, has become friends with the house cat named "Arnie."

Arnie and Safina play all the time, with Kim Simmons keeping a close eye on them.

"Lions grow very fast indeed, and the cats don't appreciate how quick they're growing," Simmons said. "So, from the domestic cat's point of view, we have to supervise play because she's now quite heavy and we have to be careful."

Visitors can watch Safina and Arnie live via video in the zoo's coffee shop.

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I give the hosue cat about 6 weeks to live.

[Haul Asp]

Today house cat. Tomorrow prey.

[Sterling]

I was always told not to play with my food.

[Haul Asp]

I was always told to eat it or wear it.