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Even though patterns vary widely among species, sleep appears to be a requirement for most animals. It has been observed in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fish as well as insects and even simpler organisms, such as nematodes.

To see how the ones closest to us get their rest, we at Bored Panda invite you to take a look at the appropriately titled subreddit 'Animals Being Sleepy.'

Created back in 2018, it now has 42.5K members who are constantly sharing footage of our adorable friends giving in to their peaceful slumber. Enjoy!

#1

Sharing Is Caring

Sharing Is Caring

b12ftw Report

Multa Nocte
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am always thrilled to see these unlikely pairings. 😻

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    Mammals, who are the main stars of this list, sleep to restore their mental and physical energy. The amount that they need depends on several factors, including age, body size, environment, diet, and the safety of their resting spot. Whether a mammal lives on land or in the sea can also affect how much sleep it needs.

    Moreover, different mammals also spend varying amounts of time in non-REM and REM sleep. However, all of them studied thus far do exhibit signs of REM sleep, suggesting that mammals dream just like humans do!

    #3

    All Tired Out

    All Tired Out

    Sch3bang Report

    The Random Merp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heya! Cute pic, but just btw these wheels are super dangerous for hamsters! There's countless cases of them getting their paws stuck between the bars or hurting them on them. Please get your hammy a wheel without holes!

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    #4

    A Good Place To Nap! The Neighbor Had To Check In To See If He Was Ok

    A Good Place To Nap! The Neighbor Had To Check In To See If He Was Ok

    EcstaticSeahorse Report

    Gem
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a cardboard cut out 😭 so adorable

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    #5

    Now, That's A Sleep-Smile (& A 1/2) If I Ever Saw One!

    Now, That's A Sleep-Smile (& A 1/2) If I Ever Saw One!

    Oneofakind1977 Report

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    Mammalian sleep is often categorized as monophasic or polyphasic.

    The former describes animals who generally receive their sleep in one concentrated period of time. Humans are an example of monophasic sleepers — our circadian rhythms encourage us to sleep for extended periods at night and be active and alert during the day.

    Polyphasic sleepers, on the other hand, tend to sleep multiple times throughout a 24-hour cycle. In nature, polyphasic sleep is more common, as many animals need to maintain some level of vigilance against predators. However, if threats are minimized, they can enjoy monophasic sleep. Marmosets, for example, sleep in trees surrounded by their family, enabling them to feel more protected and enter monophasic sleep phases.

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    #6

    We Were Gone For 10 Days. I Think She Missed Us

    We Were Gone For 10 Days. I Think She Missed Us

    settiek Report

    #7

    Cats That Actually Want Your Love And Affection

    Cats That Actually Want Your Love And Affection

    hazel037 Report

    LegendsNeverDIE
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awwww 🥰 but the title implies that they don't usually want affection - I think humans assume they don't so the cats are more reluctant to give it

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    #8

    Biscuit The Tiny Lop Does A Snooze And A Flop. We Need To Get Her To Stop

    Biscuit The Tiny Lop Does A Snooze And A Flop. We Need To Get Her To Stop

    eliteprephistory Report

    #9

    I Got Too Comfortable And Now Must Snooze

    I Got Too Comfortable And Now Must Snooze

    eliteprephistory Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now you can't move your finger until the sleepy birb awakens.

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    Interestingly, birds sleep unihemispherically, with one side of the brain dozing off while the other stays awake. As they sleep, only the eye associated with the sleeping hemisphere of their brain is closed. Unihemispheric sleep allows them to protect themselves from predators. For example, mallard ducks can sleep in a row, and those at the end will be most likely to sleep unihemispherically, with their outward eye remaining open, while ducks in the middle sleep with both eyes closed.

    #10

    Puppy Is Sleeping In The Cutest Positions Ever

    Puppy Is Sleeping In The Cutest Positions Ever

    hazel037 Report

    #12

    He Gone

    He Gone

    reddit.com Report

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    #13

    At 14, She Doesn’t Play With Toys Much Anymore, But She Still Loves Cuddling With Them

    At 14, She Doesn’t Play With Toys Much Anymore, But She Still Loves Cuddling With Them

    sadandwhite Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    14! How wonderful! I hope you have many more years ahead of you. My current saluki is almost 14 and my oldest saluki lived to 17.

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    Unihemispheric sleep also enables migratory birds to make their long flights. These animals may sleep while gliding, when their wings don’t need to flap as much. Birds, like the Alpine swift, have been documented flying for up to 200 days non-stop 

    #14

    Sometimes He Gets Scared That He's All Alone So I Scratch Behind His Ears Until He Falls Asleep

    Sometimes He Gets Scared That He's All Alone So I Scratch Behind His Ears Until He Falls Asleep

    AgentWolf358 Report

    #15

    Last Week He Was Living Outside, This Week Ramsay Is Learning To Trust Humans

    Last Week He Was Living Outside, This Week Ramsay Is Learning To Trust Humans

    pinkandpuff Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a totally precious little one-brain-celled being!

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    #16

    The Nap Gang Is In The Town

    The Nap Gang Is In The Town

    SubiSG1 Report

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    #17

    He Asleep - I Am Now Stuck Forever

    He Asleep - I Am Now Stuck Forever

    adazeuq Report

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    But these wholesome pictures might be beneficial to us even more than we realize. A study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, in partnership with Western Australia Tourism, has found evidence to suggest that watching cute animals may contribute to a reduction in stress and anxiety.

    So thank you, 'Animals Being Sleepy,' for sharing them with us!

    #18

    Progression Of Snooze

    Progression Of Snooze

    HOH_Camp-Dad Report

    #19

    Shhh, Suspect Is Asleep

    Shhh, Suspect Is Asleep

    eliteprephistory Report

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    #20

    My Dog Likes To Sleep Sucking A Blanket

    My Dog Likes To Sleep Sucking A Blanket

    crazylittlethings Report

    Happy Homemaker
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine will be 10 on January 8th. She still loves sucking on my pillows and making holes in them as she falls asleep, or when she gets anxious. As much as having to sew the hole gets frustrating over and over, and over and over again, I still think it’s cute. 🥰

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    #21

    Smol Is Tired

    Smol Is Tired

    MindHeartSoulSpirit Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG! Totally irresistible! It's like a black hole pulling me in to cuddle with it! 😻

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    #22

    She Was So Sleepy She Didn't Even Wake Up When My Boyfriend Moved Her

    She Was So Sleepy She Didn't Even Wake Up When My Boyfriend Moved Her

    cofeycabron Report

    #23

    Well-Earned Nap On My Jacket. The Hike Was A Lot For My Old Girl

    Well-Earned Nap On My Jacket. The Hike Was A Lot For My Old Girl

    atomikitten Report

    Happy Homemaker
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She’s beautiful and really cute when she’s sleeping.

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    #25

    Tuckered Out From A Hard Day Of Barking At The Wind

    Tuckered Out From A Hard Day Of Barking At The Wind

    Neothin87 Report

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    #26

    Little Beauty Sleep

    Little Beauty Sleep

    reddit.com Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That single brain cell needs to get its beauty rest, you know!

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    #27

    This Is Phoebo. He Likes Letting His Feet Dangle Off The Edge Of The Bed While Getting Scritches

    This Is Phoebo. He Likes Letting His Feet Dangle Off The Edge Of The Bed While Getting Scritches

    mr_afrolicious Report

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    #28

    I Promise, He Looks Majestic When He's Awake

    I Promise, He Looks Majestic When He's Awake

    ghostwooman Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It takes a lot of energy to look majestic. He needs his rest.

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    #29

    The Sleepiest Little Bandit In Town

    The Sleepiest Little Bandit In Town

    eliteprephistory Report

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    #30

    Our Relationship Is Symbiotic. I Am Pillow. She Is Hot Water Pup

    Our Relationship Is Symbiotic. I Am Pillow. She Is Hot Water Pup

    schmeebee Report

    #31

    Asleep In 10-Seconds

    Asleep In 10-Seconds

    freeatlastsgon Report

    Madam Puddyfoot
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of little kids. I'M NOT TIRED! I DON"T WANT A NA......Zzzzzzzzz

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    #32

    I Can't Believe How Cute She Is Sometimes

    I Can't Believe How Cute She Is Sometimes

    peeparonipupza Report

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    #34

    You’re... Getting... Sleep... Yyyyy

    You’re... Getting... Sleep... Yyyyy

    jepster666 Report

    #35

    Can't Move. Sawyer Is Sleeping

    Can't Move. Sawyer Is Sleeping

    TheOak Report

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    #36

    Tongue Out Dreams

    Tongue Out Dreams

    HarleySnow18 Report

    #37

    Willow Fell Asleep Mid-Stretch

    Willow Fell Asleep Mid-Stretch

    violet19 Report

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    #38

    My Baby Boy Snoozing

    My Baby Boy Snoozing

    sleepinginmycar Report

    #39

    A Circle

    A Circle

    AgentWolf358 Report

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    #40

    Garak Found A Comfy Nap Spot

    Garak Found A Comfy Nap Spot

    YourPolyGoddess Report

    martymcmatrix
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pinstripes never run out of fashion! 🤸🏽

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    #41

    Saffron Accepts The New Turquoise Baby

    Saffron Accepts The New Turquoise Baby

    c0gnitivityy Report

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    #42

    The Sacred Yawn Photo™. Many Months I Have Waited For This Opportunity. I Have Been Blessed This Day

    The Sacred Yawn Photo™. Many Months I Have Waited For This Opportunity. I Have Been Blessed This Day

    bluujjaay Report

    #43

    This Is Toby. His Favorite Pillow Is Whatever Piece Of Technology You're Trying To Use Right Now

    This Is Toby. His Favorite Pillow Is Whatever Piece Of Technology You're Trying To Use Right Now

    anarchya780 Report

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    #44

    Total Relaxation

    Total Relaxation

    fliminglaps Report

    #45

    His Own Bed In The Sitting Room, His Own Bed In The Bedroom, Choses The Kitchen Floor

    His Own Bed In The Sitting Room, His Own Bed In The Bedroom, Choses The Kitchen Floor

    Dependent_Owl967 Report

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Clearly a kitchen bed is also required.

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    #46

    Nothing Like Sleeping On Your Brothers To Make A Pup Smile

    Nothing Like Sleeping On Your Brothers To Make A Pup Smile

    hypatia423 Report

    #47

    Long Day Of Zoomies (And Biting Mommy's Shoes) Can Be Exhausting

    Long Day Of Zoomies (And Biting Mommy's Shoes) Can Be Exhausting

    AlephOwO Report

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    #48

    Cousin's New Puppy After An Eventful Christmas Afternoon

    Cousin's New Puppy After An Eventful Christmas Afternoon

    OpenCole Report

    #49

    Car Rides Make Petra Sleepy

    Car Rides Make Petra Sleepy

    noahleeann Report

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    #50

    The Proper Way To Start 2021. Naps With Cats!

    The Proper Way To Start 2021. Naps With Cats!

    washgirl7980 Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Proper way to start any day, for that matter.

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    #51

    Still Not Allowed On The Sofa

    Still Not Allowed On The Sofa

    schmeebee Report

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    #52

    Me After Being A Jerk All Day

    Me After Being A Jerk All Day

    Mdmizan5015 Report

    Happy Homemaker
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even sleeps with a Harumph 😤 face, but it’s hard to resist how cute it is! 😂

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    #53

    Zzzz

    Zzzz

    amanda436 Report

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    #55

    With A Foot Of Snow Outside, I Don't Blame Her

    With A Foot Of Snow Outside, I Don't Blame Her

    ACertainArtifact Report

    #56

    Ruckus Wasn’t Feeling Good And Stayed Home From School Today

    Ruckus Wasn’t Feeling Good And Stayed Home From School Today

    Kaids4 Report

    Weim Central
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww. He looks like he needs a little extra love today.

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    #57

    My Rescued Cockatoo Mojo Finally Feels Safe Enough To Fall Asleep On Her Perch

    My Rescued Cockatoo Mojo Finally Feels Safe Enough To Fall Asleep On Her Perch

    Hexbug101 Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have made a place of safety for her - good job!

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    #58

    This Is The Doggo Of Good Weekend Sleep. Whisper "Sleep Tight Borker" For Good Sleeps Tonight

    This Is The Doggo Of Good Weekend Sleep. Whisper "Sleep Tight Borker" For Good Sleeps Tonight

    eliteprephistory Report

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    #59

    My Kitten Bazyli

    My Kitten Bazyli

    szydelkowe Report

    Gem
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bazyli is the most adorable name😍

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    #60

    One Of Lucy's Favorite Napping Spots

    One Of Lucy's Favorite Napping Spots

    HodDark Report

    #61

    Do You See This Sleeping Pupper?!

    Do You See This Sleeping Pupper?!

    eliteprephistory Report

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    #62

    Max Being Sleepy But Hungry At He Same Time

    Max Being Sleepy But Hungry At He Same Time

    Greasy_doorknob Report

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    #63

    That’s How She Act When I’m Not Home

    That’s How She Act When I’m Not Home

    JenniLynn82 Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You thought you owned the house?

    #64

    Nessie The Jack Russel Has Been Proper Needy Since This Lockdown!

    Nessie The Jack Russel Has Been Proper Needy Since This Lockdown!

    reddit.com Report

    #65

    I’m Not Sure Who Likes Me Working From Home More, Me Or My Bird

    I’m Not Sure Who Likes Me Working From Home More, Me Or My Bird

    eliteprephistory Report

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    #66

    My Olive

    My Olive

    northyuki Report

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    #67

    First Time Seeing Peepa With Her Tongue Out While Sleeping

    First Time Seeing Peepa With Her Tongue Out While Sleeping

    peeparonipupza Report

    #68

    Woke Him Up From A Very Deep Sleep. He Was Not Happy

    Woke Him Up From A Very Deep Sleep. He Was Not Happy

    kirstenten18 Report

    RamiRudolph
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the face a killer. A soon-to-be killer.

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    #69

    Recently Adopted Addition To Our Family. His Mama’s Name Was Six And He Got Her Thumbs

    Recently Adopted Addition To Our Family. His Mama’s Name Was Six And He Got Her Thumbs

    reddit.com Report

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    #70

    My Dog Always Sleeps Under Blankets. This Is How He Handles Hot Weather

    My Dog Always Sleeps Under Blankets. This Is How He Handles Hot Weather

    thegoosebandit Report

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    #71

    Falling Asleep During Belly Rubs

    Falling Asleep During Belly Rubs

    Damned_Damascus Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the look of total contentment.

    #73

    Beelz All Tuckered Out After Spazzing On The Curtains

    Beelz All Tuckered Out After Spazzing On The Curtains

    reddit.com Report

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    #74

    He Spends Most Of His Day Like This

    He Spends Most Of His Day Like This

    adazeuq Report

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    #76

    Must... Not.. Boop.. The Snoot

    Must... Not.. Boop.. The Snoot

    Maahrii Report

    #77

    Charles Had A “Ruff” Day Today

    Charles Had A “Ruff” Day Today

    Ting_Tong72 Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Charles looks like he's a very busy guy when he's awake. Lots to investigate!

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    #78

    Hiroki Taking A Nappy Nap

    Hiroki Taking A Nappy Nap

    Tiki108 Report

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    #79

    Grandpa Cat Taking A Nap

    Grandpa Cat Taking A Nap

    felinny Report

    J
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A peaceful old age. I want that too.

    #80

    Sleepy With One Eye Open

    Sleepy With One Eye Open

    murbul Report

    #81

    He Thinks This Is His Bed

    He Thinks This Is His Bed

    JARBO1 Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's big enough that I don't think I'd argue with him.

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    #82

    It's Taken Half An Hour Of Careful Work To Squeeze Myself On The Sofa

    It's Taken Half An Hour Of Careful Work To Squeeze Myself On The Sofa

    schmeebee Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know how that goes, with my 85 lb fur missile!

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    #83

    So Very Comfortable

    So Very Comfortable

    schmeebee Report

    #85

    Fa Mulan Taking Her First Nap In Her Home At 8 Weeks

    Fa Mulan Taking Her First Nap In Her Home At 8 Weeks

    DangerousThanks Report

    RamiRudolph
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess you did find a girl worth fighting for.

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    #86

    2 Week Old Foster Kitten, Bean! She Sleeps Anywhere

    2 Week Old Foster Kitten, Bean! She Sleeps Anywhere

    reddit.com Report

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you are that small, the world is your oyster when it comes to finding somewhere comfy to sleep.

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    #87

    Played Herself To Sleep At Last

    Played Herself To Sleep At Last

    schmeebee Report

    #88

    His Name Is Kasper And He Is Sleeping

    His Name Is Kasper And He Is Sleeping

    Bighand_khan Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ready to launch if the need should arise.

    #89

    This Is My Grandparents Cat Tiny Rick

    This Is My Grandparents Cat Tiny Rick

    Sorcer12 Report

    Tux Cat Momma
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the name and he's gorgeous!🥰🥰🥰

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    #90

    She Has A Snack Waiting For Her When She Wakes Up

    She Has A Snack Waiting For Her When She Wakes Up

    howellinwolf Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dogs would always wake up if I stuck food in front of them when they were dead asleep.

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    #92

    Pippin Falling Asleep In My Leg Nest

    Pippin Falling Asleep In My Leg Nest

    thwoorrpthereitis Report

    I'm.Just.A.Girl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pippin is a cute name! This should be higher.. all the posts should be higher! They're all perfect!

    #93

    She Looks So Peaceful

    She Looks So Peaceful

    pinginator Report

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    #94

    Big Yawn!

    Big Yawn!

    Top-Cryptographer491 Report

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    #95

    Pawfessionals In The Sport Of Synchronized Napping

    Pawfessionals In The Sport Of Synchronized Napping

    sheepthechicken Report

    Mark
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such form! Such elegance! 10.00

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    #96

    After Staying Up 4 Nights Straight It’s Finally Time To Rest!

    After Staying Up 4 Nights Straight It’s Finally Time To Rest!

    ttrimmers Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is somewhat concerning . . .

    #97

    Smug Pug On A Rug

    Smug Pug On A Rug

    CrabbyT777 Report

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