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Fire up our latest collection of funny parenting tweets and you'll know that moms and dads never get tired. Or, who knows, maybe you even have a little bundle of joy to remind you of that every single day.
Either way, we humans aren't the only ones who have to nurture our young. Far from it. And there's a fresh Twitter thread that beautifully illustrates this universal experience.
It all started when Shawna B shared a picture of a fluffy little family. "One of my favorite very specific image genres is cats that look completely unprepared for the realities of parenthood," she tweeted.
It quickly went viral, receiving over 350K likes and 50K retweets, and many people started responding to it with equally cute photos of animal parents. Continue scrolling to check them out!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Cosy Cat’s Family
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#2
Dad Passed Out After A Long Day With The Kids
The amount of time animals spend with their parents vary tremendously. It's not very common, but there are a few species who stick around mom for a long time—or even their whole lives.
The orangutan, for example, tends to do everything slowly, including leaving home. According to Helen Morrough-Bernard, a primatologist at the U.K.'s University of Exeter, the great apes give birth only once every 7 to 8 years, and the youngster will sometimes nurse until six years old—about the time a new baby comes along.
#3
The Joy Of Motherhood
#4
Imitation Expert
Madeleine Pettit 3 years ago
that bigger cat's realization that he has a copycat, this is so cuteeeee
Most orangutan moms let the older offspring stay together for up to three years after the infant is born, but some chase the juveniles off after six months.
When the new arrival comes, the older sibling will "go off exploring on their own and may stay out overnight," Morrough-Bernard told National Geographic.
"I like to think of this as like a teenager going off to university and coming back in the holidays. They are not truly independent but are trying out their independence."
#5
Momma's Tail
#6
Baby Sheep Sleeping On Its Mother
#7
Kids
Otter 3 years ago
OMG, I saw a baby rhino once, in the huge savannah habitat at the San Diego Animal Park! The mother was just standing there like a boulder, like your typical adult rhino, while the baby charged around and around her like an Olympic track team on amphetamines. It was still at it when we left.
The African elephant world is another interesting case, as it revolves around women. The oldest, largest female is typically the leader, and females stay with their natal herd their whole lives.
Males leave their family group between age 9 and 18, and since a wild elephant's lifespan is about 56, that could mean up to a third of his life is spent at home.
#9
Mom And Baby. Pure Happiness
#10
The Joys Of Motherhood
Like in elephant society, female lions "are the stable social structure of the pride, and it's the males that come and go, taking over prides," Ed Spevak, curator of invertebrates at the St. Louis Zoo who has also studied African animals, explained.
Male lions always disperse for other groups in this fission-fusion society, and about one-third of females will go off to other prides.
#11
Fatherhood
#12
Wake Up
#13
Mama Cat Is The Best Cat Bed Ever
#14
Mommy's Asleep, Time To Party
While the animal kingdom is full of wonderful moms who care for their offspring, often putting their children above themselves, some take a very different approach.
Most lizards, for instance, "deposit their eggs, cover them, immediately forget they did that and move along," Nassima Bouzid, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington, said.
#15
When You Find Out You're Pregnant
#16
Caught This At My Parents' House. Just Cruizin' With Mama
#17
Pretending To Be His Mother
#18
Just One Of The Guys
Eiram 3 years ago
Had two dogs and a cat have litters within a week, by two weeks it didn't matter who was feeding who. Cat, dog... all mixed up.
April Caron 3 years ago
But seriously… forget the added kitten… how many puppies does this poor dog have???
Joanne Nunziato 3 years ago
Beautiful but heartbreaking. What's wrong with people not spaying/neutering their animals. Where will these puppies wind up. This looks like a sad situation. Come on people, there r so many low costs rescues around, or are u going to be selling them? I pray to God your not.
MyCatsTheRealPanda 3 years ago
I'd rather they sell them or at least get a rehoming fee to know that they are going to a good home than give the away! I can't imagine them being able to take good care of them all. That's a lot. However I agree I think breeding for profit is wrong and so is not spaying and neutering. However, we don't know their situation so we shouldn't judge. This could have been a rescue situation or anything.
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Rosemary Bartolini 3 years ago
Did all of these puppies come out of that one dog?? holy ___ Someone call Guiness!
thEBOrdeSTpaNDA 3 years ago
🎶You're a sneaky little impostor aren't you? Aren't you?🎶...🎶But you're among us, I can feel it, I can feel it in my bones🎶...🎶so why don't you show yourself, and leave us all alone?🎶 Anyone else heard that song?
Claudia Lorenz 3 years ago
Why do this to a dog? As if we don't have enough pets needing homes. And then you have irresponsible people who breed more puppies. Do better.
MyCatsTheRealPanda 3 years ago
Thank you! Totally agree! There are so many animals in this world that need homes, I think it is gross that people bring more into it for money. It's not surprising but it's disgusting. Then the fact that they have no idea much of the time where those puppies they sold are going to end up or how their life will be. It makes me so angry. People don't want to spend the money to spay and neuter but when they're feeding 10 puppies or dogs that they can't or didn't find homes for they realize it would have probably been cheaper to just get them fixed. The only ones who suffer in the end are the animals.
Load More Replies...
Weim Central 3 years ago
Yikes! Please make sure mom gets supplements to her diet! She's doing a lot of work!
somnomania 3 years ago
lord that's so many puppies, they have to be supplementing with bottle feedings for that many. i count 14, not including the kitten!
Linda Moffitt 3 years ago
One of these things is not like the other, one of these things doesn't belong.
Betsy Novack 3 years ago
It's like the ice cream truck on a summer day. And this is just one block.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
My sister had 2 ferals that gave birth on her porch within a couple of days of each other. She was able to bring them in. One had just one HUGE kitten, the other had 5. one went and stole the single kitten. We would put him back, but finally his mom gave up. He grew up to be monster boy.
Shalonda Brantley 3 years ago
PAHAHAHAHAHAAAA😂..."HEY whats everybody doin,lemme in here I wanna see"😂 SOOOO CUTE💖😆
MyCatsTheRealPanda 3 years ago
I'm against breeding as well but we don't know what the situation is here. This could have been a rescue situation or they could have just brought the dog and pups outside for some fresh air. Many people have pens outside they just use for the dogs to get exercise and fresh air.
Load More Replies...Because they have a cloaca, an opening for their reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems, lizards might even think the eggs are "an uncomfortable and weird poop," and never think about it again.
Bouzid said the lack of parental care in most lizards may simply be part of a strategy to have as many offspring as possible in hopes that at least some will survive.
#19
A Stray Cat Decided To Bring Its Kitten Into My House Today. The Kitten Was Extremely Aggressive But The Mom Was Surprisingly Chill
#20
Sleep
#21
Being A Mother, No Matter How Tired You Are, Kids Are Always Important To You
#22
Send Help
But one lizard species goes even further—not only do their young never see the parents, they never see any adults of their species at all.
At least one population of The Labord's chameleon of southwest Madagascar's dry forests "will lay all of their eggs before winter. The eggs will then hatch just before the summer rains," Bouzid said.
The eggs spend eight to nine months developing and in the meantime, the adults will have aged and died.
#23
Back To Front - Dad, Mom, Brother, Brother, And Sister. A Family Snuggle
#24
Daddy’s Life Routine
#25
The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far From The Tree
Interestingly, many insects actually receive parental care. But not moths and butterflies. They lay their eggs on host plants and leave their offspring to whatever the world throws at them.
"Some lay their eggs near ant nests and the ants take care of the caterpillars. It's like Moses in miniature," Katy Prudic, an entomologist at the University of Arizona, said.
#26
The Look On The Mamma Cat
#27
Hiding From The Bitey Puppies
#28
"Of All The Places He Could Sleep On, It Just Had To Be My Head"
#29
Have Kids They Said
They can be really cunning. Let's also look at the caterpillar of the large blue butterfly.
It secretes a sweet substance attractive to a particular species of red ant and makes itself smell like an ant larvae so the ant takes it back to its nest with its own brood, which the caterpillar then eats.
#30
Six-Week-Old Leopard Cub Jumping On Its Mother In The Okavango Delta In Botswana
#31
Motherhood
#32
A Very Tired Momma And Her Pups
#33
“I’ve Had Puppies And This Is My Life Now?”
Some young have a natural defense to protect themselves from predators via toxic chemicals from their host plant—and others have pitch-perfect camouflage.
The common lytrosis of eastern North America, for example, can perfectly disguise itself as a twig. And if it happens to fall off its background branch, it can use its silk to attach a "zip line" and pull back up.
They might not have someone to give them a hug like the boys and girls in these pictures, but at least they got an evolutionary "inheritance" from their parents to survive!
#34
Oh God, Make It Stop
#35
A Mother And Her Kittens
#36
Mama Maybel With Her 3-Week-Old Kid, Scout, At Goats Of Anarchy Sanctuary. Maybel Had 4 Kids At The Same Time So She's A Busy Mama
#39
I Love You Mommy
#40
Baby Iguana Hanging Out With Its Mom
#42
Proud Momma
#43
The Face Of Parenthood
#44
A Definition Of Parenthood In A Picture
#45
Mama Brown Bear Snuggling With Her Cubs
#46
The Joys Of Motherhood
#47
Big “I Haven’t Slept In Days” Energy
#48
Four Criminals Attack A Helpless Cat
#49
Let’s Go Dad
#50
Nine Of Them
#51
Mom And Her Kids
#52
Nursing Puddle
#53
He's Such A Patient Daddy
#54
I Guess This Is My Life Now
Shelby Jackson 3 years ago
This is how it was for my dachshund too! She would walk around the house with pups hanging on!
#55
Overworked Momma
#56
Chewing Mom's Tail Until She Pays Attention
#57
Mama Needs A Drink
#59
This Cat Is A Whole Mood
#60
So My Bulldog Seems To Be Pretty Proud Of His Son
#62
"Stressed? What Do You Mean? I Am Not Stressed. Do I Look Stressed?"
#63
My Cat's Reaction To Having Kittens For The First Time
#64
My New Foster Momma With Her Babies
#65
Parenthood
#66
Mom Noms
Francine Govan 3 years ago
Mom makes exaggerated pain face and noises, to encourage the pup! :)
#67
My Dad's Dog Just Had 11 Pups
#70
The Mother Is The World's Share Warrior - Who Struggles To Keep The Child On Her Head
#71
First Day Of Motherhood. She’s Exhausted
#72
Momma Clearly Has A Message For Her Little One
#73
Petunia Can Relate
#74
Motherhood Can Be A Pain In The Back
#75
No Milk There, Kid
#78
Now They Have To Share This Window
#79
My Cat Being Overwhelmed By Nursing The Newborn Kittens
#80
Current Foster Cat
#81
The Beginning Of Fatherhood
#82
"Hewp!"
#83
Good Lord, How Did Those All Fit In There
#84
Motherhood Can Be Tiring
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 3 years ago
When you are trying to close your eyes but baby want to play.
#85
Three Weeks Old And I Think The Kittens Nearly Outweigh Mama By Mass
#86
My GF's Cat Might Be Regretting Motherhood
#87
First Days After Giving Birth vs. One Month After. Mom's Still Questioning All Her Decisions
#88
Snickers Is A Proud (Anxious) Mama To 6 Adorable Pups
#89
The Face Of Motherhood
#90
Kofu Being A Good Mom
#91
Oldie But A Goodie. My Cat Bluebell Completely Overwhelmed By The Duties Of Motherhood
#92
She’s Done With Motherhood Already
#93
Motherhood Is Driving Her Mad
#94
Two Weeks Into Motherhood, Mimi Needed A Break
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
Took my Boston out for a walk because I thought that she needed a motherhood break, she refused to go further than the end of our street, then hurried home.
#96
Life Decisions Are Flashing Before Her Eyes
Cold Contagious 3 years ago
She's like, did this really just happen 😳, did that thing just come out of there? No, oh no, how did this happen...
#97
My Dog's Face About Sums Up Motherhood
#99
Mom, We Want To Eat Again
#100
The Luxuries You Give Up In Parenthood
#101
Mama Needs Patience With These Rascals
#102
The World's Biggest Pitbull Cuddles Up To His Adorable New Litter
#103
Parenthood
#105
Guess I Am A Puppy Pillow Now
#106
I Think My Sister's Dog Is Regretting Motherhood
#107
Dad Feeding The Young Ones
#108
Mother And Her Kids
#109
When The Baby Won't Sit Still You Sit On It. Oh, Is That Not How Parenting Works? My Bad
#110
Pulling On The Tail
#111
My Friend's Cat Had Kittens
#112
She Looks Terrified Of Motherhood In This Photo
#114
The Look
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
We had a broody hen who kept trying to incubate two unfertilised eggs, so one night we sneakily switched them out for two chicks. It worked - next day she was out in the yard with her new babies, proud as anything! She raised them both beautifully.
#115
My Husky Enjoying Motherhood
#116
The Look Of Parenthood
#117
Dirty Babies
#118
5 Weeks Today. This Doesn't Happen Often, But She Will Tolerate Them For A Bit. She Does Think Twice Before Jumping In, Though. Poor Girl
#120
She Wasn’t Ready
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What do you think ?
Tee Witt 3 years ago
I was wondering why so many babies when there are so many strays
Load More Replies...
Samantha Lomb 3 years ago
When my goat had kids she was super protective for like 2 weeks, crying if the kids were out of her sight and then after that she was like "take em away, its fine" cause we would take her and the kids out for walks.
Cecily Holland 3 years ago
Sorry I don’t find most of these “cute”. I’m not the only one obviously that sees irresponsible owners and litters of unwanted puppies and kittens as well as dogs with clearly mutilated ears for fashion and genetic problems galore in the bred for profits like bulldogs and pugs
Winna Libert 3 years ago
They were definitely cute..but that doesn't change the facts, u are correct.
Load More Replies...
Sugar Cargill 3 years ago
Yes, baby anythings are so cute and precious. But a lot of animals don’t have a choice and have liter after liter because of not getting spayed or for making someone money. It’s hard to appreciate babies when there are so many who are not wanted and killed.
Scott Fall 3 years ago
It's really great 😍, lol to see it. Giving life,is so beautiful, especially our pets and animals. P.S.yea some people should spa and nutter , especially them selves if there unhappy.Tada. Happy Soul.
Noelia Jaime 3 years ago
I have nothing against strays,have has them myself,but what is wrong with wanting a specific breed that you know what their health problems are likely to be and the temperament you want? If everybody spayed/Neutered every breed,they would end up extinct. Not everybody breeds them in puppy mills. Some families want more of them,like I did. That Adopt don't shop.mentality is noble but very nearsighted.
Wendy Schkade 3 years ago
Get your pets fixed . Wat to many unwanted cats dogs kittens and puppies in shelters .please NEUTER AND SPAY. Your pets will be healthier.
Lisa Z 3 years ago
I'd love to get through one of these kind of articles without people screaming 'spay and neuter'. I agree it's important, but doing it over and over in every article, sometimes multiple times, only makes you look smug and self righteous. Same with ear and tail docking, for pete's sake we get it, lay off.
Opal Troyer 3 years ago
I don,t think they should put new born dogs or cats on the bigger animals heads what if they fall :(
Octopussy 3 years ago
They have much better balance than us. Plus, mommas don't usually let their babies get hurt.
Load More Replies...
Trish Greene 3 years ago
I love seeing all the adorable babies...but having volunteered in a shelter...nope, nope, and nope. PLEASE spay and neuter your pets. Even pedigreed animals get dumped.
GIANNA REGINA - STUDENT 3 years ago
i have a friend who has a dog and the mom of the dog was a pure breed shiba-inu and the mom got out of the breeders cage and found a male but the whole litter of puppys had there tails cut off and thrown on the high way in a bag
aroace man, but german 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
surprised you decided to post that s**t of a comment.
Load More Replies... Tee Witt 3 years ago
I was wondering why so many babies when there are so many strays
Load More Replies... Samantha Lomb 3 years ago
When my goat had kids she was super protective for like 2 weeks, crying if the kids were out of her sight and then after that she was like "take em away, its fine" cause we would take her and the kids out for walks.
Cecily Holland 3 years ago
Sorry I don’t find most of these “cute”. I’m not the only one obviously that sees irresponsible owners and litters of unwanted puppies and kittens as well as dogs with clearly mutilated ears for fashion and genetic problems galore in the bred for profits like bulldogs and pugs
Winna Libert 3 years ago
They were definitely cute..but that doesn't change the facts, u are correct.
Load More Replies... Sugar Cargill 3 years ago
Yes, baby anythings are so cute and precious. But a lot of animals don’t have a choice and have liter after liter because of not getting spayed or for making someone money. It’s hard to appreciate babies when there are so many who are not wanted and killed.
Scott Fall 3 years ago
It's really great 😍, lol to see it. Giving life,is so beautiful, especially our pets and animals. P.S.yea some people should spa and nutter , especially them selves if there unhappy.Tada. Happy Soul.
Noelia Jaime 3 years ago
I have nothing against strays,have has them myself,but what is wrong with wanting a specific breed that you know what their health problems are likely to be and the temperament you want? If everybody spayed/Neutered every breed,they would end up extinct. Not everybody breeds them in puppy mills. Some families want more of them,like I did. That Adopt don't shop.mentality is noble but very nearsighted.
Wendy Schkade 3 years ago
Get your pets fixed . Wat to many unwanted cats dogs kittens and puppies in shelters .please NEUTER AND SPAY. Your pets will be healthier.
Lisa Z 3 years ago
I'd love to get through one of these kind of articles without people screaming 'spay and neuter'. I agree it's important, but doing it over and over in every article, sometimes multiple times, only makes you look smug and self righteous. Same with ear and tail docking, for pete's sake we get it, lay off.
Opal Troyer 3 years ago
I don,t think they should put new born dogs or cats on the bigger animals heads what if they fall :(
Octopussy 3 years ago
They have much better balance than us. Plus, mommas don't usually let their babies get hurt.
Load More Replies... Trish Greene 3 years ago
I love seeing all the adorable babies...but having volunteered in a shelter...nope, nope, and nope. PLEASE spay and neuter your pets. Even pedigreed animals get dumped.
GIANNA REGINA - STUDENT 3 years ago
i have a friend who has a dog and the mom of the dog was a pure breed shiba-inu and the mom got out of the breeders cage and found a male but the whole litter of puppys had there tails cut off and thrown on the high way in a bag
aroace man, but german 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
surprised you decided to post that s**t of a comment.
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