Diane Warren has written power ballads for everyone from Cher to Celine, but her real passion project might just be the four-legged residents of her Malibu sanctuary. The 68-year-old songwriting legend — 16-time Oscar nominee, Van Nuys native and proud cat person — has built her career atop big feelings, so it tracks that she’s surrounded her life with creatures who give them right back (for the most part).

At her Realsongs headquarters on Cahuenga Boulevard, where she works daily, animals are more than welcome — they’re often the stars. One recent afternoon, Warren greets THR wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with a tiger’s face. A blush-pink mural across a brick wall reads “Pussy Power.” Her Cornish Rex cat, Rabbit, is sprawled out on the floor, unconcerned by the two birds (Chicken

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