We probably don't need to tell you that animals are pretty cute. From fluffy kitties to irresistible doggos, it's no wonder we choose these animals to be part of our family! But while you may have thought you couldn't become more of an animal lover if you tried, we're here to test that theory once and for all. These heartwarming photos are what animal dreams are made of, and we don't think we've seen anything more adorable in our lives. From pets to wild animals, keep scrolling for the kind of cuteness that can turn a bad day into a good one.
Protecting His Little Feline Brother From the Thunderstorm Outside
Cats and dogs hate each other, right? Well, think again. Although it's certainly true that some dogs and cats really don't get along, this is not the case for all of them. And this was proven when this person came home to their roommate's dog protecting their kitten from the scary thunder and lightning outside. And if this heartwarming photo doesn't make your eyes a little misty, we don't know what will.
We have a feeling that this little kitten will grow up to be a strong cat with a big brother like this around. The kitten looks so scared, but the dog will do everything possible to protect it!
These Stray Dogs in Ukraine Got in a Perfect Line All on Their Own for Some Food
It's no secret that dogs have a heart of gold. Sure, puppies might chew the laces of your favorite sneakers or sneak into the treat cupboard when you're not looking - but they don't mean to be naughty! Most of the time, they are precious souls who are utterly selfless, and this photo proves that. After all, these displaced dogs were probably so hungry, but they still waited in line for their turn.
Is this not the most adorable animal photo you've ever seen? These Ukranian hounds are waiting so patiently, and this just goes to show that we truly do not deserve dogs.
That Smile, Though!
When you're gearing up to welcome a new pet into your home, you might put some rules in place beforehand. You might tell yourself that you're not going to let them sleep on the bed, you might tell yourself that you're going to enforce strict discipline, and you might even tell yourself that they're not going to sit on the couch. But then your pet arrives... and that all goes out of the window, right?
That was certainly the case with this adorable puppy, anyway. Luna wasn't supposed to be allowed on the couch, but who could argue with that smile? She knows exactly what she's doing!
He Gave the Bird Food, so the Bird Brought Him Back a Rock as a Thank You
Humans tend to live their own existence, while wild animals live their own separate lives. But sometimes, these two worlds collide - and friendships are made! This woman broke this barrier when she decided to share some of her food with a nearby crow. And while she was not expecting anything in return, this friendly crow knew that it couldn't return to its new friend empty-handed. So, she got a beautiful stone!
This adorable photo and story prove that animals aren't soulless creatures who share the planet with us. They're real beings with real personalities, and one day you might get a present from one, too!
A Cat in Mourning His Best Friend
Can someone please stop chopping onions? If you're wondering what's going on in this heartbreaking photo, this cat misses his late sister. Apparently, he sits like this every single day for around half an hour, mourning the loss of the one he misses dearly. And this proves once and for all that animals are just like humans. They can mourn, too, and they can experience all of the feelings associated with loss.
You don't need to be a devoted animal lover to truly appreciate this photo. Sure, it's not a cute and cuddly photo, but it just goes to show that animals have feelings, too.
Can We Come in?
It's often said that cats have a sixth sense, and we can't help but think that this adorable animal photo proves that! When this cat mama and her litter found themselves hungry and living off scraps, she decided to go in search of a human who could help her. Yes, cats always know which door to go to - and she nailed it with this one. As soon as this human answered the meow at the door, they adopted them all on the spot.
Of course, we have to thank this human for opening up their heart and offering these cats a home. But kudos to the mama cat for using her sixth sense to find the right human, too!
This Meteorologist's Ears Can Tell You When It's Windy
There's nothing more adorable than seeing a dog with giant ears, right? In this case, Bailey looks as though he could be caught by the wind and taken on a giant cloud ride any second, but luckily, he's never going to let that happen. He's committed to his job as a meteorologist, and he won't let his gift also be the thing that brings him down (or take him off!).
We don't know who in the meteorologist's office is in charge of giving out the "Employee of the Month" award, but we think Bailey should be given that award for this adorable photo alone.
This Cat Is Old, but When She Looks at Her Owner, She Looks Like a Kitty Again
There's nothing worse than knowing that your pet won't be around forever. It's hard to think of them not being in your life, but it's important to take advantage of every moment and treasure every memory. And this person did just that when they had a lazy Sunday morning with their elderly cat. When this photo was taken, she was already an old lady - but when she looked at her owner like that, she was a kitten again!
Just look at those eyes, people! This heartwarming photo shows that she has so much love for her owner, and we really hope that she knew that feeling was reciprocated.
These Orphaned Baby Orangutans Go to Jungle School Everyday in Their Wheelbarrow School Bus
Just as the world can be tough for humans, the world can be tough for animals, too. And while these orphaned baby orangutans could have been left to fend for themselves, a charity decided to get involved and help them thrive! Of course, we're sure they're inundated with applications to become a teacher at this orangutan school, but we'd still like to put our hat in the ring and say that we wholeheartedly volunteer as tribute.
We'd even take a job as the wheelbarrow school bus driver if they'd have us! After all, we wouldn't want to miss out on seeing these adorable animals every single day.
Heaven on Earth
Growing up with animals is a blessing. You learn about compassion, you learn about love, and you learn so much about comfort and companionship. And we don't want to make any assumptions here, but judging by this heartwarming photo, we're going to go ahead and assume that this toddler will grow up to become such a well-rounded individual! How could you not, with a cute and cuddly comforter like this?
Both the cat and the toddler look extremely content with their sleeping position, which makes us think that this cute animal photo isn't a one-off. That's a giant animal lover in the making right there.
Ate Himself to Sleep
Most people spend their days trying to stop their squirrels from eating the food in their bird feeders. After all, they're supposed to be for the birds! But it's hard to stop a greedy squirrel from sneaking a seed (or twenty), so why not just let them have a nibble? When this woman put a bird feeder on her deck, she obviously decided to let this adorable squirrel have at it. And before too long, it was exhausted.
We all know how good it feels to fall asleep after a good meal, and we bet that squirrel is having the best sleep of its life in this heartwarming photo.
He Loves the Christmas Lights
Pet parents are still parents, you know! And although the parents of this adorable dog don't have human children, they still wanted to spoil their dog child during the holiday period. So, they waited for the sun to set, they buckled their pooch in the car, they rolled down the windows, and they drove around to find the very best Christmas lights. Judging by the look on this dog's face, he definitely enjoyed it.
This is one of the cutest animal photos we've ever seen, and we just love the fact that people treat their pets like their children. That's the way it should be, after all.
Biker Chic
We get why some people don't like birds. It can be quite scary when they fly right at your head, and the prospect of being pooped on is never fun - despite the fact that it's supposed to be lucky! But birds are just doing what birds do when they do this, and, thankfully, there are some people who can look past these things. The person who took this cute bird photo couldn't help but fall in love with this fluffy thing.
The more we look, the more adorable this animal photo becomes. From the fluffy Rod Stewart hair to the piercing eyes and the perfect beak, this bird is definitely giving off biker chic vibes.
When Your Human Is in the Early Stages of Labor and Everyone Can Sense It
Did you know that animals are extremely perceptive? They can sense the smallest changes in the human body, including temperature changes, blood pressure changes, sugar level changes, and even hormonal changes! And on this occasion, the animal brood in this house could sense that their owner was in the early stages of labor. So, they gathered around her and waited for the big moment to happen. It's pretty heartwarming, right?
Although this is a pretty cute situation, we can't help but think that the dog is there out of sympathy, and the cats are there to watch the suffering unfold in front of their eyes.
A Gentle Giant and His Mouse Friend
It's long been thought that the bigger the dog, the more aggressive it will be. But that's not the case at all! And if you need proof, just look at this adorable animal photo! Despite being a much larger dog, Pod didn't bulldoze this little mouse when he saw it on the street. He didn't even run after it or try to chase it down. It tried to be as gentle as possible, as he wanted to be its friend.
This photo really does warm our hearts, and we really hope it dispels some of the false stories and rumors that circulate about bigger dogs. This guy is a gentle giant!
Soulmates
There's nothing more heartbreaking than knowing your animal is sick. And while most pet parents head to the vet as soon as possible, many animals find the vet to be extremely traumatizing and scary. Judging by this photo, we can only assume that this little kitten isn't too fond of the vet - but at least it had its daddy with it to comfort him. This husband did everything he could to put a smile back on his kitty's face.
Yes, the wife who took this photo has certainly found a good one with this one! And we're not just talking about the husband, either. That's one super cute and adorable kitten.
That's a Look of Love
Why is it always the boyfriends and dads who don't want a pet that fall most in love with them? Although they claim they don't want a pet and won't help to look after it, they ultimately end up treating them like the newest baby of the family. And seeing how this cat is looking at its owner, we can only assume that's exactly what happened here. That's the look of love right there.
Although this guy can claim that he doesn't care about the cat in the house, this adorable photo seems to suggest otherwise. We know that these two are best buddies.
Meet Truffles - He'll Sell You Glasses
Navigating childhood can be difficult. You have to deal with so many changes, and that's why some children really struggle to go to the optometrist. But to help kids feel better about wearing glasses, this optometrist's office decided to let Truffles help out! Truffles the cat hangs out in the office all day, every day, wearing her glasses to prove that they're totally normal - and they're actually pretty stylish.
This heartwarming photo proves that animals can make such a difference in children's lives and that animals are such a blessing. What a cute cat! Actually, what a cute employee!
Some Connections Are Forever
Animals can offer one of the greatest kinds of companionship. And not just in a chemical way, either. Sure, stroking an animal can release oxytocin and reduce your heart rate, but animals can also offer a friend or someone to talk to. Because of this, we don't blame this person for taking one of her baby bunnies to meet her great-grandmother. As you can see, that was a very good decision!
These two gentle souls look as though they've found each other at last, and they look so happy to be by each other's side. What a snuggle bunny - and what an adorable photo!
An Eagle and Their Adopted Child
Humans adopt animals all the time, but did you know that animals also adopt? Murphy, on the right, is a bald-headed eagle who tried to painstakingly hatch what he thought was an egg for months. However, what he didn't realize was that it was actually a rock! When the animal center realized what he was doing, they gave him an orphaned chick to raise - and he took to this role like a duck to water.
This heartwarming photo shows Murphy feeding his adopted chick, and we don't think we've ever seen anything cuter. How can you not be an animal lover when pictures like this exist?
What a Champ
Bully-type dogs are often given a bad reputation. They're seen as aggressive and violent, and some countries have even called for these breeds to be banned. Because of this, they're often one of the most common breeds found in animal rescue centers - but this woman decided to take a chance on her bully. And after one and a half years of training, she decided to enter him into an agility competition!
Although he was the only bully breed in the competition, they soon proved to everyone that bully breeds are no different from other breeds. They're smart, they're speedy, and also super cute!
Proud Older Brother Won't Leave Their Side
Getting a dog before you plan to have a child can be challenging and something you really need to think about. And while there are some dogs that won't cope well with a child in the house, there are other dogs that will instantly step into the big sibling role. Judging by this photo, that's exactly what happened with this little sausage! Since the baby arrived, this dog has not left its mama's side.
This adorable dog seems to be enjoying his big brother role, too. That cute smile says it all - and just look at that contented cuddle! He's not worried about being overshadowed.
This Dog Was Afraid of Men When He First Got to Their House - But Not Anymore
Although adopting rather than shopping is a beautiful and courageous option, there's no doubt about the fact that it can be challenging. Adopting a rescue animal requires a huge amount of hard work - and this was especially true with this dog. When they adopted their dog, they learned that she was afraid of men. But this guy knew exactly what to do! He put a blanket down for her and allowed her to approach when she was ready.
As you can see by this heartwarming photo, she doesn't seem very afraid of him! After a while, she decided to lie down next to him and use his head as a pillow.
It's All Groovy
Although most of us are used to seeing animals like cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits, we're not used to seeing wild animals. So, we don't blame this guy for wanting to take a photo with a sloth he met by the side of the road! These are the kinds of animals that you rarely see in everyday life, and you can't deny that the sloth is an adorable animal.
It looks as though the sloth was pretty happy to meet a human, too! They both put their thumbs up for the occasion and created one of the funniest animal photos we've ever seen.
Taken Hostage
If you've ever tried to work from home with a pet in your house, you'll know that it's not easy. Dogs want to be part of your Zoom calls, and cats want to cuddle up on your laptop! But we guess they just want love, and that's exactly what these cats wanted when they realized that their favorite human was working from home. They couldn't pass the opportunity for snuggles pass them by.
Yes, this guy has well and truly been held hostage by his cats - but do you reckon he really cares? Being smothered by cats is the best kind of hostage situation.
Sweet Support Dog
Children and adults alike are afraid of the dentist, and for some, it's a real phobia. To help those who really struggle with these visits, this dentist decided to enlist the help of an emotional support dog. Its job is to comfort children who are scared during their appointment by laying on them and offering them comfort. And if this is not one of the most heartwarming photos you've ever seen, we don't know what is!
The little girl looks very comfortable, and so does the dog. Let's just hope that they were both willing to part ways when the appointment was over and they needed to go home.
Small Town Schools Be Like
Did you know that baby goats normally weigh between 4-10 lbs when they're born? Unfortunately, this little thing was born premature and only weighed 2 lbs when she was born. But as you can see, she had a good team around her taking care of her. And this adorable animal photo was taken by a substitute teacher who sometimes teaches in a small farm town. And her agriculture class's "project" was to keep this premature goat alive!
As you can see, they did a pretty good job of it. We think they'd get an A+ for this project, as it looks as though this goat is now thriving despite its initial hardships.
Be Afraid - Be Very Afraid
You can tell by the posters on this wall that the owner of these kitties is a big cat fan. But we can't help but feel like these guys rule the roost! After all, cats are known for being independent and mischievous - so why are they looking at their owner like this? We don't know whether they should be flattered all of their cats are interested at once or whether they should be very afraid.
But with their arms hanging over the couch like this, how could their owner not snap a picture? This is an adorable animal photo, and definitely one worthy of the wall.
A Smile That Warms Even the Coldest Heart
When you have a pet, it's important to remember that you are their whole world. To you, they might just be a small part of your world - but to them, you are everything! They will do what you say, they rely on you for basic necessities, and they will love you unconditionally. And if you needed proof of that, just look at this heartwarming photo. Isn't it so cute?
Sure, this dog doesn't understand anything their owner is saying, but that doesn't mean that they're going to ignore them. This smiley dog is going to give its full attention!
A Cuddle Puddle
It's always a worry when you have a cat and a dog in the same house. There's always a chance that they will hate each other and cause mayhem 24/7 - but there's always a chance that they will get on like a house on fire. In this instance, the risk paid off! It looks as though this large fluffy dog and its tiny kitty friend are best buddies and love a cuddle puddle on the floor.
Although the dog probably doesn't get too much out of this arrangement, this adorable kitten looks very comfortable and warm. Oh, to be a tiny kitten laying on a fluffy dog!
Happy Sweet Sixteen
There are so many cute animals out there, but there's nothing cuter than an elderly dog defeating all of the odds. Dogs are normally expected to live between 10 and 13 years, but when this photo was taken, Proton was celebrating her sweet sixteen! Sure, she might have a salt and pepper beard and she might be a little slow on her feet, but that wasn't going to stop her from getting in the party spirit.
Losing a dog is any animal lover's nightmare, so we bet Proton's owner is over the moon to have had their beloved dog for 16 years. And here's to many more, Proton!
The Purrfect Companion
When this person's friends bailed on him, he wasn't going to cancel his plans. And while he was a little upset to be heading to the beach bar by himself, he didn't have to worry for too long. Before he knew it, this little cutie decided to join him and offer some company! Yes, it seems as though animals have a sixth sense - and this cat knew that he just needed to be there for this guy.
This is an adorable photo, and one that was probably purrfect for both the guy and the cat! After all, this cat probably got some amazing ear scratches for this.
G'day Mate
The wild world is tough, and it's often a dog-eat-dog world out there. But when this lost Joey stumbled upon this family's porch and their beloved dog, it decided to seek refuge in the warm curls of the golden retriever's fur. And in an adorable turn of events, the golden didn't even bat an eyelid! In fact, it stayed perfectly still until his family woke up in the morning and called for help.
This just goes to show that dogs are some of the most selfless creatures on this planet, and will do anything for anyone or any creature. Fingers crossed this koala made its way back home, too.
Taking the Kitty Home
Although rescue shelters and animal adoption charities are great places to find animals in need of a home, they're not the only options. This photo was taken at the Purrfect Day Cat Cafe in Louisville, Kentucky, and offers diners the chance to hang out with all of their cats - and they're all up for adoption! And while some customers just come for the cuddles, others leave with a new kitty in their life.
That's exactly what happened when this guy visited the cafe. As you can see, he formed quite a connection with a tiny white kitten - so he filled out the adoption paperwork while his new cat got even more comfortable!
A Dog Date on Zoom
There's nothing more heartbreaking than leaving your dog behind when you have to go on a trip. If we had our way, dogs would be allowed anywhere and everywhere! But sadly, this man had to travel to another state for a work trip and had to leave his dog behind with his wife. Luckily for him, his wife decided to set up regular doggy date nights with them both - and we think they both enjoyed it.
You can see just how much the dog loves its owner as it rests its head on the keyboard, so we really hope he didn't have to stay away too long. The dog was itching for a daddy cuddle!
"That's My Girl"
When it comes to keeping rodents as pets, most people opt for guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice. But did you know that you can keep prairie dogs as pets? Although they require more work than smaller rodents, they are extremely loyal - and it's always a good option to get two. That's exactly what this owner did, and while they gave both rodents their own wheels and own sleeping space, it seems as though these adorable animals preferred to keep close.
This heartwarming picture could be straight out of a rom-com. And we all know that the prairie dog on the left has a dead arm right now, right? But at least he's snuggling with his girl.
A Proud Mama
While some animal lovers get their pets neutered and spayed to prevent any unwanted litters, there are others who choose not to do this. Of course, this means that they need to be prepared for any eventuality - including a surprise litter of kittens! And while this cat owner was probably a little surprised to find that their cat had brought some teeny tiny beans into the world, we have a feeling that she was also pretty proud.
This cat is definitely one proud mama, too. It looks as though she's looking at her own mom to say, "Look, I made these! Look at how cute they are!"
Yum, Human Steak!
They say that cows are just bigger dogs, and this definitely looks like a grass puppy to us! It's got a wagging tail, adorable puppy-dog eyes, and even a naughty biting habit. And during this car ride, this adorable baby cow obviously wanted nothing more than to munch on its owner's chin. We don't blame it, though. Human steak would probably be a very yummy meal for this adorable baby cow!
Judging by the facial expressions of this woman, this munch-session isn't uncommon. She looks like she's used to it, and looks like she's ready to surrender her chin to the adorable grass cow in front of her.
Inside the Room Grandma Passed Away in
Dogs can always cheer you up, which is why it's easy to forget that they can feel loss, too. This dog used to always go to his grandma's house and keep her company while she battled her illness, and that was their special time together. But what he didn't realize on this day was that she had passed away the day before. He still waited and waited, hoping that she'd arrive, though.
This photo breaks our hearts, and you really can see the sadness in this dog's eyes. Let's hope its owners gave it extra big cuddles that day, to help heal its sadness.
The Ultimate Glow-Up
If you have the chance to adopt or rescue a pet, why wouldn't you take that chance? Sometimes, you can watch the magic happen right in front of your eyes! Sure, the people who rescued this dirty, hungry, and diseased three-legged dog didn't exactly get the cute and adorable animal they were hoping for. But they had the pleasure of offering him a roof over his head, a constant supply of food, a warm bed, and unconditional love.
It seems as though all of those things were the perfect cure - and just look at him now! That is one adorable and very handsome dog, if we do say so ourselves.