ADVERTISEMENT

We’re really hoping that 2021 will eventually be better than last year. But wishful thinking isn’t enough—it’s time for some fluffy action. The Bored Panda team is dedicated to picking up your spirits and showing you how much good there is in the world, so we lovingly crafted this post for you about the most wholesome cat posts on the internet.

Remember to give the cattos that you found to be the most adorable a grateful pat on the head through your screen (and an upvote, too), and we would absolutely love to hear some of your own uplifting feline stories, as well! Certified cat behavior consultant and the founder of Fundamentally Feline, Ingrid Johnson, explained to Bored Panda about how owning these gorgeous pets can affect their owners, how to get your cats' attention, and went into detail about what lies behind their instincts. Read on for Ingrid's in-depth insights.

Pssst, Pandas, there’s no such thing as too many cats. So we’ve got some more wholesome cat posts that will warm your hearts and soothe your souls right here, here, and here. Be sure to let your friends know, too—like most things in life, they’re best enjoyed together, even if it’s just through social media.

#1

Just Turned 21 Years. He Has Accompanied Me Through Teenage Years, College, Marriage, And Was Still Able To Meet My 4 Month Old Baby. Thank You For A Lifetime Of Companionship... I Love You With All My Heart

Just Turned 21 Years. He Has Accompanied Me Through Teenage Years, College, Marriage, And Was Still Able To Meet My 4 Month Old Baby. Thank You For A Lifetime Of Companionship... I Love You With All My Heart

reddit.com Report

#3

I’m Her Eyes And She Is My Heart

I’m Her Eyes And She Is My Heart

reddit.com Report

In cat behaviorist Ingrid's opinion, the extent to which cats reduce stress and affect their owners' physical and psychological welfare depends on their personal relationship and bond. In other words, each case has to be evaluated separately. There are positives, for sure; but ignoring potential negatives would be naive. And it all comes down to how much we're willing to learn about our pets: the more we're familiar with cats' needs and behavior, the happier we'll be with them as our pets.

"For many people, our pets are a great comfort, a best friend, a listening ear, and a source of unconditional love. Sadly, for others, their cat might stress them out, or they might find the cat annoying. This is usually due to a lack of understanding about how to best care for their cat and meet their needs, train them, etc. Those pet parents should seek the help of a qualified behaviorist! While some research claims that pets relieve stress and lower blood pressure, other studies have disproven this theory."

#4

A Woman Found Her Cat Alive Sixteen Days After A Destructive Tornado In Joplin, Missouri, In 2011

A Woman Found Her Cat Alive Sixteen Days After A Destructive Tornado In Joplin, Missouri, In 2011

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

When I Adopted Penny From A Shelter 10 Years Ago She Was Scared And Aggressive. Today She Is The Most Loving Cat I Have Ever Met

When I Adopted Penny From A Shelter 10 Years Ago She Was Scared And Aggressive. Today She Is The Most Loving Cat I Have Ever Met

reddit.com Report

Ingrid also detailed that, in her experience, cats generally don't tend to develop an instinct to protect their owners or the other pets living in the household. "Not to be negative in any way, but cats often self-preserve. This is how they have survived and evolved to be survivors over thousands of years. Their instincts are generally to hide to avoid danger or to flee. They prefer not to fight as that increases the potential for injury. An injured cat cannot hunt and take care of themselves so 'going into battle' is not their first choice," she said.

What's more, the cat behaviorist pointed out that cats "often like us best when we play hard to get," so our desire to smother them with love and snuggle up to them can make them want to run away. "Respecting an individual cat's preferences for engagement is a good way to respect them," Ingrid told Bored Panda. She highlighted that there are plenty of ways to show our cats our love besides feeding them and that just providing food, water, and litter isn't enough.

"Providing a feline-friendly environment that meets the cat's needs is the best way to ensure you have a happy cat that feels safe and will 'love you back.' This means offering vertical space cat trees or cat condos, playing with your cat daily to offer opportunities to hunt and relieve stress, offering multiple outlets for scratching, and offering different substrates (they all have unique preferences) and just providing an engaging environment."

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

People: Black Cats Are Bad Luck! Black Cats

People: Black Cats Are Bad Luck! Black Cats

reddit.com Report

#8

A Hiker Woke Up In The Night Feeling A Weight On His Legs. He Took A Photo With His Phone And This Is What He Saw

A Hiker Woke Up In The Night Feeling A Weight On His Legs. He Took A Photo With His Phone And This Is What He Saw

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT

The joys of owning a cat are countless. For one, you get a companion for life who’s happy to see you when you come back home (even if they sometimes pretend they’re a tad aloof).

But besides being your buddy and your pal, your cat can actually improve your health, according to some scientists. For example, one study showed that cats (and other pets, too, don’t worry, dog lovers) have a calming effect on their owners and help reduce blood pressure and heart rate levels.

This leads to better stress-management and overall improvements in physical (not to mention psychological) health.

#10

When You See A Guy Bottle Feeding A Kitten On The Subway

When You See A Guy Bottle Feeding A Kitten On The Subway

Report

#11

Every Day At The Same Exact Time, This Stray Cat Meets The Train's Conductor For A Treat

Every Day At The Same Exact Time, This Stray Cat Meets The Train's Conductor For A Treat

A conductor on the Pskov-Moscow train feeds a cat named Felix sausage during short stop in Staraya, Russia. Felix shows up every day at 22:40 & has for several years. All conductors are aware of Felix & prepare sausage in advance

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
anne_juergens avatar
Cat Whisperer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope Felix is a sort of "Russia"-specific stray: with babushkas who feed him and and a place to sleep (a shed or hallway), maybe in this case he lives in the train station? By the looks of him, he is well-fed and obviously knows the train-lady

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Woman Goes To Pet Cats At A Shelter And Finds Her Cat Who Had Been Missing For A Year

Woman Goes To Pet Cats At A Shelter And Finds Her Cat Who Had Been Missing For A Year

reddit.com Report

Meanwhile, another study has shown that owning a pet for just a month already brought about a “highly significant reduction” in minor health issues, such as colds, back pain, and headaches. The study suggested that getting a pet can have “positive effects on human health and behavior, and that in some cases these effects are relatively long term.”

One thing that researchers noted, however, is that dog owners actually got far more physical exercise than cat owners or those people without pets.

Do you have a cat and think you’d like to prove these scientists wrong? Consider getting a harness and a leash so you can take your cat for a walk outside. Just be sure to talk to your vet about whether that’s a good idea; and remember to not force your feline to do anything it doesn’t want to do. Some tabbies are housecats and they prefer it that way.

#13

Nimbus Leveled Up From Crinkled Tissue To Supermodel

Nimbus Leveled Up From Crinkled Tissue To Supermodel

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ethandreemurrh avatar
engineer_nope.avi
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Adverts be like: "This chick turned from top photo to bottom photo in a matter of a few years. Click https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ now to learn the secret!"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

This Weirdo Yells Until I Let Her Join Me In The Bathtub

This Weirdo Yells Until I Let Her Join Me In The Bathtub

I take baths with my cat by letting her float in a plastic box. I keep the box in my closet. I only started doing this about a month ago, but now when I turn the bathwater on she runs to the closet and jumps in her box

somewhatvaguelywitty Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

My Husband Has Been Working From Home Since March 27 But Marty Still Waits For Him At The Front Door At 5pm Every Day

My Husband Has Been Working From Home Since March 27 But Marty Still Waits For Him At The Front Door At 5pm Every Day

beyoncetofupadthai Report

Add photo comments
POST
straney-elizabeth avatar
E Menendez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He should come around from the back to the front door to make the cat's day consistent.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Saved A Cat In The Freeway Today I45 No Hesitation Pulled Over Immediately, Grabbed From Traffic

Saved A Cat In The Freeway Today I45 No Hesitation Pulled Over Immediately, Grabbed From Traffic

reddit.com Report

#18

My Mom Runs An Organization That Only Takes In Unwanted Cats. This Is One Of Them! Meet Milo

My Mom Runs An Organization That Only Takes In Unwanted Cats. This Is One Of Them! Meet Milo

reddit.com Report

#19

You Will Always Be In Our Hearts

You Will Always Be In Our Hearts

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
alexmedway avatar
Lxm
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

RIP I hope there are many meat shops in the sky for you to visit

View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Lol Lol

Lol Lol

TheRainbowegoSweet007 Report

Add photo comments
POST
owensalmon2028 avatar
Owen Salmon2028
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i wish there was a law wich meant you couldnt abadon cats or dogs or you would be arrested and jailed 12 years

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

2 Months Ago: “We Absolutely Are Not Getting A Cat.” Now:

2 Months Ago: “We Absolutely Are Not Getting A Cat.” Now:

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very good for your health. Lowers your blood pressure. And feels like heaven. Dear man.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Fireman In My Town Saving A Kitty From A House Fire

Fireman In My Town Saving A Kitty From A House Fire

reddit.com Report

#25

The Day I Found Him Scared And Alone Taking Shelter Under My Car vs. Today

The Day I Found Him Scared And Alone Taking Shelter Under My Car vs. Today

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#26

Cats Are A Real Treasure

Cats Are A Real Treasure

reddit.com Report

#27

She’s Been With Me For 22 Years And Is Still Going Strong

She’s Been With Me For 22 Years And Is Still Going Strong

reddit.com Report

#28

Cat And Deer

Cat And Deer

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ethandreemurrh avatar
engineer_nope.avi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*In Sir David Attenborough's voice* Oh deer, ir seems that Tom have found a new friend. Let's hope their friendship lasts for eternity.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

After Seeing These Signs For Months, I Finally Found Some Good News On My Walk Today!

After Seeing These Signs For Months, I Finally Found Some Good News On My Walk Today!

Lord_Poopsicle Report

#30

This Is Kieth. He Has No Front Teeth, No Tail And Special Needs. He Likes To Blow Raspberries When He’s Hungry. I Found Him When He Was V Smol. I Hope His Little Tongue Makes You As Happy As It Does Me

This Is Kieth. He Has No Front Teeth, No Tail And Special Needs. He Likes To Blow Raspberries When He’s Hungry. I Found Him When He Was V Smol. I Hope His Little Tongue Makes You As Happy As It Does Me

reddit.com Report

#31

Don't Think It's Effective But It's The Thought That Counts

Don't Think It's Effective But It's The Thought That Counts

reddit.com Report

#32

Best Picture I Could Ever Hope To Get Of These Two...

Best Picture I Could Ever Hope To Get Of These Two...

reddit.com Report

#35

Cake Day Update: Hit 28 Months Sober Today, Got Extra Snugs From My Best Bud

Cake Day Update: Hit 28 Months Sober Today, Got Extra Snugs From My Best Bud

reddit.com Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#36

People Prefer To Stand Instead Of Removing The Stray Cat

People Prefer To Stand Instead Of Removing The Stray Cat

reddit.com Report

#37

This Cat Climbs The Tree Every Day To Say Hi To The House Cat

This Cat Climbs The Tree Every Day To Say Hi To The House Cat

reddit.com Report

#38

Thank You, Avant-Garde, For This Citizen

Thank You, Avant-Garde, For This Citizen

Thank you, "Center for Security of Citizens of the Avant-Garde Community" for the little life saved today! Thank you for your work, for your efficiency, for helping and saving the unfortunate cat, which somehow got stuck in a concrete slab

aaaaaaaa0 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ethandreemurrh avatar
engineer_nope.avi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are a lot of bad news in today society, but once in a while, we have this.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

When You Want A Golden Retriever But Are Only Allowed To Get A Cat

When You Want A Golden Retriever But Are Only Allowed To Get A Cat

reddit.com Report

#40

This Is How I'm Starting My Year I Guess

This Is How I'm Starting My Year I Guess

reddit.com Report

#41

This Cat Has A Plush Of Itself

This Cat Has A Plush Of Itself

reddit.com Report

#43

When I Move Him He Complains Until He’s In The Same Spot Again

When I Move Him He Complains Until He’s In The Same Spot Again

reddit.com Report

#44

Had A Bad Case At Work And The Clinic Cat Decided To Comfort Me

Had A Bad Case At Work And The Clinic Cat Decided To Comfort Me

reddit.com Report

#45

This Gem Of A Human Feeding The Stray Cat At My Apartment Complex And Giving Him An Umbrella Since It's Raining

This Gem Of A Human Feeding The Stray Cat At My Apartment Complex And Giving Him An Umbrella Since It's Raining

Sunny Skyz Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#46

My Daughter Said 'I Love You' For The First Time Yesterday, Of Course It Was To The Cat!

My Daughter Said 'I Love You' For The First Time Yesterday, Of Course It Was To The Cat!

reddit.com Report

#47

My Cat Returned After 7 Months Of Searching. My Second Cat Found And Brought Him

My Cat Returned After 7 Months Of Searching. My Second Cat Found And Brought Him

reddit.com Report

#48

Just Two Guys Walking Their Cats In Strollers

Just Two Guys Walking Their Cats In Strollers

is_rotting Report

#49

Ladies And Gents, I Present My Husband Who Did Not Want A Cat

Ladies And Gents, I Present My Husband Who Did Not Want A Cat

reddit.com Report

#50

She Watches The TV, And Then I Watch Her

She Watches The TV, And Then I Watch Her

reddit.com Report

Note: this post originally had 157 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.