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Is there really anything better than a healthy dose of wholesome animals lighting up your screen? Probably not!

So, whether you’re grabbing lunch, relaxing at home, or just procrastinating (no judgment here), take a few minutes to enjoy these cute critters we’ve gathered from all corners of the web. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our chat with Sonia, a volunteer at ACSA, a cat shelter in Canada, who contributed some of these heartwarming pics.

More info: Instagram | Facebook

#1

Honestly, Just Wanted To Show How Handsome My 20-Year-Old Dude Is

Honestly, Just Wanted To Show How Handsome My 20-Year-Old Dude Is

Siskriss Report

#2

I Got A Cat For My Dog After She Got Anxiety After An Incident And They Became Instant Soulmates

I Got A Cat For My Dog After She Got Anxiety After An Incident And They Became Instant Soulmates

Ok-Marionberry-3109 Report

If there’s one thing that rivals looking at adorable animal photos, it’s spending time with them in person. Sonia, a dedicated volunteer at Adoption Chats Sans Abri (ACSA), a cat shelter in Canada, knows this joy firsthand. Regularly involved at the shelter, she also shares snapshots of the cats she cares for on Reddit. Bored Panda got in touch with Sonia to learn more about her experiences.

After moving back to Quebec City, where ACSA is located, Sonia felt a pull to help out. “I walked in front of the shelter a couple of times before finally deciding to step in and volunteer,” she explains. “Now, I’m usually there twice a week. It’s really good for my self-esteem. It’s also hard to feel depressed when you’re in a room full of kittens.”

#3

Kiddo Had A Rough Day At School, And Then I Caught This

Kiddo Had A Rough Day At School, And Then I Caught This

No-Clock-140 Report

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#4

I Found This Kitten Near A Convenience Store. She Follows Me Everywhere I Go, So I've Decided To Bring Her Home. I Asked The Clerk If Anyone Owns Her And They Said No One Does

I Found This Kitten Near A Convenience Store. She Follows Me Everywhere I Go, So I've Decided To Bring Her Home. I Asked The Clerk If Anyone Owns Her And They Said No One Does

MartinezHill Report

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Bonesko
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clearly this cat was sent to you to fulfill a quest. That quest involves you getting tuna immediately!

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Since 1996, ACSA has been caring for stray and abandoned cats, helping them find forever homes. They pride themselves on being an ethical shelter, only resorting to euthanasia in cases of severe medical issues. Their mission extends beyond care, aiming to raise awareness about responsible adoption and the importance of sterilization.

#6

This Is Judy. She Or He Comes To My Kitchen Window Every Day To Get Some Almonds. I Love Her Or Him So Much. That Little Smile Makes Me Melt

This Is Judy. She Or He Comes To My Kitchen Window Every Day To Get Some Almonds. I Love Her Or Him So Much. That Little Smile Makes Me Melt

PrinceWilliam13 Report

#7

It Would Be A Sin Not To Adopt Them Both

It Would Be A Sin Not To Adopt Them Both

TwoGirls1Sniper Report

Sonia frequently updates social media on the progress of the cats under ACSA’s care. Her photos feature kitties getting plenty of pets, receiving treatments, and playfully roaming the shelter. “We specialize in feral cats, and people love seeing their transformation on Facebook, so I started sharing them here on Reddit,” she says. “The feedback has been amazing, so I try to post each day.” 

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#8

My Partner Took A Picture Of Our Cat Watching Me As I Leave For Work

My Partner Took A Picture Of Our Cat Watching Me As I Leave For Work

BouncyBosom8 Report

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Bonesko
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat lays on my feet when I put my shoes on for work. She makes me feel horrible for making money to get her food

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#9

This Service Dog Received His Master’s Degree In Occupational Therapy From Clarkson University After Attending Every Single Class With His Human

This Service Dog Received His Master’s Degree In Occupational Therapy From Clarkson University After Attending Every Single Class With His Human

starstufft Report

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Ty Stratton-Quirk
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile, my dog ate the instructional book on canine training that we checked out from the library.

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#10

My Boy When Asking For Treats. How Could I Resist That Adorable Smile?

My Boy When Asking For Treats. How Could I Resist That Adorable Smile?

Ok-Rule9619 Report

“There are so many cats in shelters. I don’t understand why people would intentionally breed more cats just because they look a certain way” Sonia points out. “Adoption is the way to go—you don’t ‘buy’ a cat. Yes, there’s a fee, but it hardly covers the costs we’ve put into caring for each one.”

#11

Mojo Turns 20 In A Few Months, And The Transformation To Silver Fox Is Almost Complete

Mojo Turns 20 In A Few Months, And The Transformation To Silver Fox Is Almost Complete

Dr_Ponzu Report

#13

My Dog Beau Finishing His Final Chemo Yesterday. This Is How He Came Out The Vet's Office

My Dog Beau Finishing His Final Chemo Yesterday. This Is How He Came Out The Vet's Office

trumanlet Report

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Sadly, while adopting from shelters is widely considered the ethical choice, many shelters are facing a crisis. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adoption rates soared as people sought companionship during lockdowns. Some shelters even emptied out as animals were adopted at record rates. But that wave of enthusiasm was short-lived, and shelters are now overwhelmed again as more animals come in than go out.

#14

Adopted This Dude A Month Ago And He Won’t Stop Staring At Me

Adopted This Dude A Month Ago And He Won’t Stop Staring At Me

brian_the_wanderer Report

#15

Precious - 1 Year After Her Rise To Fame. Still Making This Face After Losing Her Top 2 Canine Teeth

Precious - 1 Year After Her Rise To Fame. Still Making This Face After Losing Her Top 2 Canine Teeth

asterlilix Report

#16

Found A Runt Outside, And My Cat Is Helping To Take Care Of Him

Found A Runt Outside, And My Cat Is Helping To Take Care Of Him

isameow24 Report

In the U.S., during 2020, when adoption rates spiked, 2% more animals left shelters than arrived, according to Shelter Animals Count. However, by 2021, that figure reversed—2% more animals entered shelters than left. In 2022, the gap widened to 4%. While that may not seem like much, each percentage point represents tens of thousands of animals.

#17

Fell Asleep With My Hand Out Like This And Woke Up To Her Hugging It

Fell Asleep With My Hand Out Like This And Woke Up To Her Hugging It

hotdogforlife Report

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#18

They Grow Up So Fast. Happy 3rd Birthday, Guacamole

They Grow Up So Fast. Happy 3rd Birthday, Guacamole

bossnimrod89 Report

#19

One Of My First Pictures Of My Rat, Crescent, vs. A More Recent One. She Still Has The Cutest Face

One Of My First Pictures Of My Rat, Crescent, vs. A More Recent One. She Still Has The Cutest Face

sthear Report

Shelters have become overcrowded, partly because of lifestyle changes that came with the end of lockdowns. Pets who spent months indoors with their owners around suddenly had to adjust when people returned to their normal routines outside the house. This stress led to behavioral issues that many struggled to manage. For instance, dog owners reported challenges as their pets adapted to being left alone or reintroduced to public spaces. As a result, some decided to return their pets to shelters.

#20

My Girl Bella Totally In Love With My Boyfriend Of Two Years

My Girl Bella Totally In Love With My Boyfriend Of Two Years

NewHampshireGal Report

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Despite the pandemic being behind us, shelters are still facing the issue of being overfilled, even years later.

“When I first started 9 years ago, we always had open spaces in our shelter. Now we fill spaces within about 90 seconds,” says Natalie Thomson, chief communications officer of Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL). “Saying ‘no’ to an animal in need is one of the hardest things in the world, but when there is physically no place to put them, you have to.”

#23

My Fosters Disappeared, And I Couldn’t Find Them Until I Went To Check On My Toddler

My Fosters Disappeared, And I Couldn’t Find Them Until I Went To Check On My Toddler

ttmxg Report

#25

Parker Is So Patient With His Little Sister, Bailey

Parker Is So Patient With His Little Sister, Bailey

BBQHawk Report

Space isn’t the only concern—shelters also struggle with funding. Providing medical care, food, and toys for the animals is expensive, and many shelters, like ACSA, rely heavily on donations to keep going. “I don’t mention it often on Reddit, but we survive on donations, the sale of cat food and litter, and fundraising events,” Sonia admits.

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#26

This Horse Is Looking Like A Donkey From Shrek

This Horse Is Looking Like A Donkey From Shrek

fsacb3 Report

If adopting isn’t an option for you, there are still plenty of ways to help. Donating or volunteering at a shelter like Sonia does can make a huge difference. Each interaction brings joy to the animals and helps them find homes faster, while every financial contribution ensures they’re well cared for and given the love they deserve.

#29

Customer’s Dog Brought Me The Smallest Stick She Could Find, And Then Ran Fifty Feet Away So I Could Throw It For Her

Customer’s Dog Brought Me The Smallest Stick She Could Find, And Then Ran Fifty Feet Away So I Could Throw It For Her

GodRaine Report

#30

My Little Friend Was Recently Unwell And Spent A Few Nights In The Hospital. This Is The First Thing He Did When I Went To Visit Him

My Little Friend Was Recently Unwell And Spent A Few Nights In The Hospital. This Is The First Thing He Did When I Went To Visit Him

Sophim1 Report

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#32

Adopted Them Both As Kittens 11 Years Ago

Adopted Them Both As Kittens 11 Years Ago

sollevatore Report

#33

Our Sander Came With A New Bed For Pippin

Our Sander Came With A New Bed For Pippin

NicLa113 Report

#34

This Isn’t My Dog But We Had To Stop Our Tour To Say Hi To The Magical Pupper

This Isn’t My Dog But We Had To Stop Our Tour To Say Hi To The Magical Pupper

HeidiHelen Report

#35

My Coworker Brought Her One-Day-Old Lamb Into Work

My Coworker Brought Her One-Day-Old Lamb Into Work

Spnvettech Report

#36

My Dog (Standard Poodle) Smiles Every Time I Come Back Home. He Has Been Smiling Ever Since He Was 6 Months Old. The Vet Said She Never Saw A Dog Smile This Big! Such A Sweet Puppy

My Dog (Standard Poodle) Smiles Every Time I Come Back Home. He Has Been Smiling Ever Since He Was 6 Months Old. The Vet Said She Never Saw A Dog Smile This Big! Such A Sweet Puppy

mmmeeejjjs Report

#37

My Dog Is Smiling In Her Happy Place - In Bed With Mama And Daddy

My Dog Is Smiling In Her Happy Place - In Bed With Mama And Daddy

Poeticpsycho Report

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Daya Meyer
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Enjoying time together with the human pack is always the best.

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#40

This Young Cow Adored My Friend's Lab

This Young Cow Adored My Friend's Lab

3RdRocktothesun Report

#41

Peanut Butter Is Back, And You Aren't Ready For Her Tiny Smirk

Peanut Butter Is Back, And You Aren't Ready For Her Tiny Smirk

FixedLoad Report

#42

Donkeys Always Have Such Charismatic Personalities. I Couldn't Choose Just One Picture

Donkeys Always Have Such Charismatic Personalities. I Couldn't Choose Just One Picture

clandestine_callie Report

#43

Our New Kitten Kai

Our New Kitten Kai

He’s a rescue from northern Japan. My big old grumpy cat finally accepted him. He’s the most playful, affectionate little dude. Just over 2 months old.

fropleyqk Report

#44

I Took My Dog To Visit His Litter Mate This Weekend. Separated Since 3.5 Months, They Are A Year And A Half Old Now

I Took My Dog To Visit His Litter Mate This Weekend. Separated Since 3.5 Months, They Are A Year And A Half Old Now

NessTheDestroyer Report

#45

My 6-Year-Old Got Out Of The Car One Day, And This Little Guy Ran Up Her Leg. He Knocks On My Window Daily Now, As If To Ask If She Can Come Out To Play

My 6-Year-Old Got Out Of The Car One Day, And This Little Guy Ran Up Her Leg. He Knocks On My Window Daily Now, As If To Ask If She Can Come Out To Play

LittleOne120809 Report

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Mike F
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That squirrel really likes that kid. It's not often that they take to someone and trust them enough to actually climb on them.

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#47

Bruce Missed His Kitty Derby While He Spent A Night Away At The Vet

Bruce Missed His Kitty Derby While He Spent A Night Away At The Vet

Goldenchicks Report

#49

I Didn't Know I Needed This

I Didn't Know I Needed This

Kristen_Arnett Report

#50

Prada From Our Shelter When She Found She Was Just Fat And Not Pregnant

Prada From Our Shelter When She Found She Was Just Fat And Not Pregnant

sonia72quebec Report

Note: this post originally had 115 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.