This Online Group Celebrates Kittens That Are ‘Illegally Smol’ And Here Are 50 Of The Most Adorable Ones (New Pics)
Cats already dominate our hearts but when you introduce us to tiny kittens, they can melt into pink warm goo. Too much cuteness can be detrimental!
Luckily, there's a subreddit that collects pictures of "illegally smol cats," warning of the suspects that might pull such a trick on us.
If you dare to meet them, proceed with caution. But if you somehow manage to make it through this list in one piece and desire more, fire up our earlier piece on this adorable online community.
This post may include affiliate links.
Food Please?
What He Wants? He Refuse To Move Paws Away From My Arm
Not tuna, chicken. Freshly cooked chicken thank you.
Load More Replies...all he wants is your undivided attention, and for you to add "food" and "treats" and "treats" and "treats" to the list.
We have two ragdolls who are gorgeous like this kitten. They do like to get involved and talk and cuddle.
I miss my two raggies SO much! An amazing breed and they certainly love to be a VERY big part of your life. I used to have endless conversations with the smarter of my two...gosh, I miss him. He's been gone 10 years now, but thinking about him still makes me cry.
Load More Replies..."stop doing work.look at me. Staring contest right here,right now."
To learn more about what to do if you end up caring for such a smol kitty, we contacted our good friends at PDSA, the UK's leading vet charity, providing free and low-cost treatment to pets in need. First thing's first, we ought to understand the main developmental stages in cats.
"Kittens are dependent on their mother's care to survive, but as they get older, they start to become more independent and are able to feed and care for themselves," PDSA vet Anna Ewers Clark told Bored Panda. "They are usually ready to leave their mother at 8 weeks old, although sometimes they may stay in their first home until around 12-13 weeks."
"Once your kitten comes home with you, they will continue to develop and will grow into an adolescent, which is the time when they reach social and sexual maturity — similar to a human teenager," the vet explained. "Your kitten can become an adolescent as young as 4 months old, and you'll often notice changes in their behavior at this time, especially in female kittens who may start having seasons if they're unneutered."
"I Love You, Human"
I foster kittens, and that moment when they show you love is PRICELESS!!!
Our 18 year old cat still does this. Only downside is that he uses his claws to hold on to you, and he doesn't care if you're wearing a t-shirt or some more substantial clothing. He also doesn't know how to retract his claws...
I have a part feral cat (her father was a feral tom) and she wasn't raised particularly well by the foster person - they meant well, but had next to no experience with cats. My little girl has never worked out how to retract her claws either, because she wasn't socialised properly.
Load More Replies...This happy facial expression. Some scientists say that you can't definitely prove that other mammal animals do feel like us. As children we look the same when someone gives us warmth, attention and security. We humans are Haplorhini, "dry-nosed" primates.
Heard Meowing Under Our Porch A Week Ago. Now This Is How We Spend Our Mornings
...and the mom looks so relaxed despite this toddler man-handling her babies...
Load More Replies...I agree with you, Suzanne! I believe raising your children in the company of animals really helps contribute to the child developing compassion, empathy & responsibility. Not in every case, of course, but it's certainly a contributing positive factor!
Load More Replies...Never trust a human who doesn't spontaneously react to the universally understood cat-call of distress.
Double Trouble
Not sure if anyone would get the reference, but they should be named Tomax and Xamot
According to Anna Ewers Clark, a cat is usually considered an adult around a year old, and at around 7 years old they are often thought of as senior, and then geriatric in the last few years of life.
"At each different life stage, your cat's needs will change so it's important to consider whether you might need to adapt their routine or lifestyle to keep them happy, for example changing them to a diet that’s right for their age group."
The average lifespan for a domestic feline is about 12-14 years, however, some pet cats can even hit 20! The oldest cat ever was Creme Puff, who was born on August 3, 1967 and lived until August 6, 2005 — an amazing 38 years and 3 days.
Caterpillar
This is the kind of caterpillar that is destined to crawl into your soul!
Say Hello To Butters!
Love your handle and your picture. I hope your campaign of compassion continues to make the world better.
Load More Replies...Butters is soooooooo adorable! Like...it's painful how adorable it is....I'm melting...like butter.
Butters is so cute! Is that a bell on his tiny collar? If so, pease consider removing it. On outdoor cats that are mature enough to stalk and kill birds, the bell might be appropriate. For Butters, it's likely a never ending sound of alarm every time he moves.
I don't know why you got downvoted. That sounds reasonable.
Load More Replies...I love the name! I know many people don't like cats having bells on the their collar, but just like my teeny puppy they need to be wearing one so you can hear where they are and prevent possibly accidentally stepping on them. Saved us from accidentally stepping on Lucy a few times. Then take the bell off when they're big enough.
Unless they are indoor/outdoor cats. Bells help give birds a heads up
Load More Replies...He's So Tired
Kittens learn a lot about themselves and the world around them in their early development. "Their mother will teach them about how to be a cat, including how to interact with people, how to groom themselves, what to eat, even how to go to the toilet," Anna Ewers Clark explained. "By meeting your kitten's parents, you can often learn a lot about how your kitten is likely to see the world, for example, whether they're likely to be friendly with people, as their genetics and early life will often shape your cat's personality."
But let's not forget the rest of the family! "Your kitten will also learn a lot from playing with their littermates, including skills like stalking, hunting, pouncing, and how to communicate with other cats. They will also learn about their home environment and routine. It's a good idea to look for a kitten that has been raised in a similar household and lifestyle to yours, as this will mean they already understand what to expect when they come home with you," the vet said.
"Your kitten's breeder or rehoming center will be responsible for your kitten's socialization too, where they should have lots of positive experiences to help them learn what to expect later in life. This often includes meeting people of different ages, sizes, and ethnicities and getting used to noises, household objects, and experiences, for example, vacuuming, fireworks, and traffic noise."
Percy When He Was 2 Months Old
Oh my!! I couldn’t find Percy and then I looked at the back of couch! Oh so tiny!!!❤️❤️
Found This Little Girl All Alone. She’s Like Negative 2 Ounces
Great, now I have to call the void removal company. .)
Load More Replies...So so glad you found her. Now you'll always have a void in your life. The good kind.
The last kitten we rescued was about 5-6 weeks old, and didn’t even weigh one pound yet—-and abandoned all by herself! And we live in a rural area, with foxes and eagles in residence, not to mention stray dogs and a small resident stray cat colony. She was tiny enough to have been just an appetizer to any of them. She had the lungs of an elephant, though, because that’s how we found her. She had squeezed herself behind a very thick bush, and into the outside wall of our house. Tabitha was about the size of my husband’s fist, and lived on my shoulder, partly in my hair, the entire first week. She’s almost a year and a half old now, and is keeping the older cats, plus the middle-aged dog, in shape by playing with them.
This Is George. He's A Survivor Of Fleas, Reciever Of Cuddles And Was Abandoned By His Mother. He's About 6 Weeks Old Now And Pretty Happy To Live With Me Instead
My grandchildren have a Russian Blue they named Tolstoy!
Load More Replies...I think he's a British Blue shorthair--he could also be a Russian blue hair--but the British ones tend to be built like solid little stubby dudes
Load More Replies...Like we mentioned before, most kittens are ready to come home with you around 8 weeks old, although Anna Ewers Clark said that many breeders will recommend that you wait until the critter is around 12-13 weeks of age, often after they have had their second vaccination in their primary course.
"Bringing your kitten home is an exciting time, but there are a few key things to remember to help your new cat settle in and adjust to your household," the vet highlighted.
"Make sure you have everything you need before they come home — a simple way to check you're ready is to think about your cat's 5 welfare needs."
Also, cat-proof your place by removing hazards and poisons, and at least try to give your new family member an area that can be really theirs. "For example, [choose] one or two rooms, which are safe and quiet, and let them start exploring the rest of your home in their own time. Your kitten shouldn't be allowed outside until after they've been vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped in order to keep them safe," Anna Ewers Clark said.
Next up, munchies. The vet said that feeding your kitten a high-quality, complete kitten food will provide them with all the nutrients they need. "It’s a good idea to speak to the breeder or rehoming center so you can try to continue feeding the same food when your kitten comes home and reduce the chance of stomach upsets."
His Name Is Phillip And He Sleeps In A Sock
So Smol She Doesn’t Even Make A Dent In The Pillow
Happens when your weight is counted in ounces instead of pounds—-or grams instead of kilos.
His Name Is Doodle Bug
The key thing to keep in mind is setting habits. "It's really important to give your kitten a routine from day one, with regular mealtimes, short play sessions as well as plenty of time to rest and sleep. You might want to speak to your breeder or rehoming center and see if you can keep their routine in a similar pattern for the first few weeks."
The folks at PDSA would also recommend letting your kitten come to you to avoid overloading them with too much attention when they first arrive. "Although it's tempting to spend all your time with your adorable kitten, it can be an overwhelming change for [an animal] who's used to spending their time with their mother and siblings. Not only that, but they will need to learn about having time to themselves, so they’re happy in their own company when you go out. You can both enjoy having regular play sessions or time sitting together on the sofa, but allow them to rest and have their own space when they want it."
2 Chick-Fil-A Sauces
New Roomate Doesn’t Do Chores, Doesn’t Cook, Is Only Smol Criminal
The little know but highly popular alternative to Michael Jackson's hit song...."Smol Criminal"
Smul
if you tell me the kitty's name is pickle i'm gonna f**king die i swear to god
Went Hunting, Came Home With Frank Instead
Another Foster Cat (F 5wks). Needs A Good Name!
that's excellent! (smudge would also make a great name)
Load More Replies...The comments below are a landmine of cute names, watch your step. (I suggest noodles)
Only 5 Weeks Old And Already Knows Where The Goods Are Hidden
They know where food is kept. I had a kitten that would sit in front of the fridge, look at it then me, and meow for her cats milk. It's hard to say no to that!
Put two identically proportioned, unopened cans in front of any cat. One can contains cat food, the other Thai chili paste. ALL cats will ignore the latter, even if they can't read the label.
I Got To Meet Newborn Kittens Yesterday. Needless To Say It Was An Emotional Experience
Totally understand. That little, helpless fluff ball in your hand is enough to bring anyone to tears!
Load More Replies...I watched one of my foster kitties give birth. Cried like a baby the entire time! She was just a baby herself, but took such good care of her kittens. =^..^=
It takes a hard-hearted and utterly vile person to not be deeply affected by holding teeny-tiny soft fuzzies like kittens. Most of us have such a strong protective instinct that all we want to do is bundle them up and keep them from harm forever. Anyone who doesn’t is scum of the earth, and dead to me (I excuse genuine physical allergies, but bear in mind that protectiveness applies to all helpless creatures, including human children, so I would merely alter my test criteria).
Not As Smol As Two Weeks Ago
SOOOOOOO BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLLLLLL MY EYES ARE MELTING FROM THE ADORABLENESS
How beautiful - would like to love both the large and smol size - please!
Despite All The Cozy Spots I've Provided My Fosters, Murph Still Prefers The Keyboard
Both of ours lay across our laptops. Even if we aren't working on them. I think it's the heat. Or annoying us. Either way it's cute.
It is definitely the heat. Cats always look for the warm spots.
Load More Replies...Light's from the keyboard maybe give off a small amount of warmth?
Fell asleep on the keyboard!! Ouch but total obvious ! SWEET!😍😍😍
Baby Clarabelle
Clarabelle is the name of the lady cow character on Mickey Mouse (at least the Disney Jr version)
Load More Replies...The Tiny Kitten I Saved (Before Picture Included). He's A Thief, He Stole My Heart And I'm Adopting Him
What a sweet tiny boy. Now he will always have a home. In your heart and in your house.
Good for you!! He is such a sweetheart and lucky he has you!!❤️😊❤️
From the owner “ I don't think so, he can still see a bit around the scar. But there are huge scars on his eye that blur his vision. Even if he was, he can still see perfectly with his right eye. :) He doesn't seem to mind his left eye”
Load More Replies...Found Him At Work After His Momma Left
Now, was he abandoned, or was Mama just moving her litter? If the former, OK. If the latter, then you just stole a tiny and unweaned kitten from his mother, who he really needs at his age.
I'm sure no one intentionally stole the kitten. He or she is going to be taken care of now.
Load More Replies...Aaaarrrrgggghhhh cuteness overload!!! I would lay down my life to care for him!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOoooOOoooOOoooOoooooo ThAt"s SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooOooOOoooooooOoooOoooo Sad................
Arrested For Stealing All Of My Girlfriend’s Attention
This kitten is too gorgeous, I want this kitten (but my cat is mean and on a diet and might eat her so I have a dilemma)
Adopted A Small Criminal, She's 6 Weeks On This Picture
yeah......but mamas get run over, hurt, shot at. Ande cruel but true trivia, feral male cats will frequently kill kittens to get mom out of mom mode and back into heat. Sometimes a kitten or two manages to escape.
Load More Replies...Smol + Kitten = Smitten
This Criminal Crashed A Birthday Brunch, Seated Himself Without Having Made A Reservation And Fell Asleep At The Table!
I have no option but to sentence him to a life of luxury without the possibility of neglect
And he'll continue that behavior and continue to be forgiven - in spades.
Her Only Crime Was Smiling Too Much
I’ve Posted My 16-Year-Old Smol Baby Before, But Here She Is Sleeping Face Down Like The Little Weirdo She Is
So did our Bazzy, who lived to be almost 19 and a half. It was funny to see him finally fall into a deep sleep—-and see him totally drop that last inch and face plant right into to the bed/floor/sofa/your lap.
Load More Replies...I have a kitten that is 3.5-ish years old and she has stayed that same size and sleeps that way whether it's on my lap, on my back, on my butt or wherever she is and falls asleep in that exact same position lol to this day I still laugh at her because I can see her start to fall asleep and her head start to drop a little bit, then you can see her trying to fight it like a baby, it's adorable
I have a little girl that never really grew either. Compared to her bruiser brother, she a tiny little mite! But she beats up on the boys and definitely rules the house! Has a voice like a foghorn and it's constantly in use.
Load More Replies...MY little old an is a spraller - the more room he can take up the better!
I had a chubby Calico that would skulk out on the lawn and proceed to hunt. I noticed she hadn't moved in while so I walked up on her. There she was, hunkered down, ready to spring! Then I saw she had face planted, and I heard..Zzzzzzz."
She is definitely cute and so small. Can’t believe how old she is!!🥰😍🥰🥰
The Smolest In The Litter At A Whopping 193g - Meet Calcifer
Our cat Jack was the runt of his litter, and the only boy. Teeny-tiny, and two steps behind his much larger sisters when we adopted him. He’s now a 14 pound bruiser who sometimes doesn’t realize his size or strength, but is a total gentle, loving, silly big ol’ cuddle bug who loves belly and chin rubs and will sleep all night snuggled up to your back or belly.
Here’s Another Update On Ralf. He Has Stolen Everyone’s Personal Space! (No Ruby Is Not Crushing Him. He Buried Himself There)
Anyone remember the Looney Tunes with the giant dog who adopted the little kitty? He went through hell keeping it safe!
Saved Criminal At Intersection On The Way To Work, Not Sure What To Do With It
Keep it, of course. That's how cats choose their human roommate - with benefits.
Looks like you’re getting the old stink eye too! Better straighten up and fly right—-and adopt this little puffball ASAP!
Illegally Smol Head Rub
Right! I saw the filth they were in and thought to myself, get them out of there. Definitely not a clean area.
Load More Replies...But why are they in the trash? Please remove the little guys from all that garbage
Happy Update: A stray gave birth to them on my back porch, and this was some styrofoam box that my neighbor had put outside that mom cat was hiding the kittens in after she gave birth to them. I’m happy to report that they upgraded to my spare bedroom since then.
I had one this smol that just placing your index in between its eyes gently would put it to sleep every time......it was great
I can still do that to my three rescues (all grown up now). None of them can resist the upper nose/brow stroke!
Load More Replies...Bless you!! They are so very very cute and can’t believe people are so evil! Such sweethearts!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kitten on the left looks shocked to feel something on her little head , then realizes it feels good and caves in under the feelings of bliss.
Falling Asleep While Getting Pet, I Wasn’t Gonna Use That Hand For The Next Hour Anyway
Oh that "I don't want to wake him up so I'll just stay like this even though my back is killing me"
"...and my hand is falling asleep". The pain is totally worth it though!
Load More Replies..."These Are Nice Shoes, It'd Be A Shame Something Happened To Them"
The tragic life of gang cats! Once you're in the gang, you're in for life!
Gizmo. Banana For Scale
I thought it said banana for sale and I was about to give my money to this smol boi. I'll still do it though.
OMG we have a kitten exactly like this one and he's also called Gizmo! Small world
Lining Up For Their Mug Shot
Third one is absolutely precious!!!! Well I mean they all are but that one is super adorbs.
My Friend Is Fostering Another Cat, As Lady Fern Is Now In A Loving Forever Home. Meet Higgins. He’s A Whole Two Weeks Old
Is that Henry Higgins? (young Pandas wont know what I'm talking about)
He is sweet, and still alarmed at his situation. Just needing lots of loving.
Comforting My Little Fluff While Hes Asleep!
I Smol, But Fierce
I just read pterodactyl kitten. Yep, time to cut down on those dinosaur videos
Load More Replies...Tiny kittens can sometimes be the most fearless and effective warriors, and will bravely stand down even the most gigantic dogs—-who then turn into huge mushy marshmallows and become their best friend.
He protecc, he attacc, but most importantly he to smol to haz hooman snacc
Angela’s First Night With Us
Aww. She's hiding behind ceramic mama cat 🥺 poor baby. You will learn how to let love in and be very happy in your new home
My Cat Got Spayed And Was Given A Onesie Instead Of A Cone Of Shame. Now She’s A Sausage Roll
I made a onesie for ours when she was spayed, from an old baby onesie. It didn't work that well, she managed to wriggle out of it even while fast asleep. P1040622-6...cb717b.jpg
The vet that spayed our cat is such an impressive surgeon that se left such a tiny scar that she didn't even licked it.
Aww, one of my cats ate a chicken bone after opening the fridge, so he had one, and my princess had one after she was spayed. They were so freaking cute!
Drillbit Planned A Prison Break, But The Other Criminals Couldn’t Make It Over The Fence
Drillbit can jump into my compound any day free love food and cuddles!
I Encountered A Band Of Absurdly Cute Criminals Today
I hope you found someone to Rescue them!! This is no way for any animal to live. They will only multiply. They are all so sweet!!!
These criminals look like they should be fed and each one snuggled separately!
Looks like an album cover for some band where the lead singer gets all the attention.
If It Fits, I Sits
Momma Cat Gave Birth This Morning To 4 Healthy Little Beans
Cute! Also, I have one of those octopus things! (Top left)
Don’t Tell The Authorities, But My Cat Leia Is Illegally Smol
I need to interview this small criminal, extensively, to make sure it’s safe for an owner. If it is t then I will have to take it into custody with me… fur ever!!
Load More Replies...It's like a puff of kitten. I suspect if you blow at her, she will float away...
Started Volunteering At The Animal Shelter 2 Weeks Ago. Brought Home My First Foster Family Today. Momma And 6 3 Week Old Babies
Ever Heard Of A Lap Girl? I Raise You My Foot Girl!
Apparently the socks are inside out because this is the OP's blind grandmother's foot. Such a shame she can't witness the cuteness of this kitty!
Our New Kitten, Waffles!
That's quite a fuzzy void, at first I thought the picture was out of focus...
She Fell Asleep Like This. My Heart Is Melting
So Glad I Found This Subreddit! This Is Tabitha
Tabitha named after a TV baby witch - she will beguile you for sure!
Smol Penny Is Feeling Particularly Frisky This Morning. Plotting To Illegally Murder The Bedspread!
Smol Penny doesn't look look she has anything but giving happiness on her mind!
Mango Opened Her Eyes Today
You Damn Right I'm Illegal, I Steal Your Car
This little guy is thinking of that Geico commercial: Do dogs chase cats?
Polly
Polly, you almost match your surroundings watch out human finders keepers!
Criminal Has Taken Me Hostage, I Fear I May Never Get My Finger Back!
One day when my cat was still a kitten, while I was watching TV she bit in my thumb with her tiny little teeth and started to walk away with it. I had to get up and walk with her because I didn't have the heart to take my thumb back. She seemed so proud.
I have a cat, Bracken, who has been doing the same thing since he was a tiny baby... he likes to hold my thumb when we sleep. He has two brothers, Bramble and Briar, and neither of them does anything like it. They're all solid black, but I can tell them apart in the dark by whether or not they go for the thumb =0)
Load More Replies...I mean do you really need THAT particular finger lol you've got a few more lol
My Mom Rescued This Little Cutie
Your MOM is an excellent human being- now you be a good MOM to this bundle of love!
I’m A First Time Cat Adopter, So Every Cute Thing They Do Feels Photo Worthy...
Cute Little Criminal Wants To Play Again
My Husband Rescued This Little Girl From An Adult Male Cat About To Attack. Mom Couldn't Help And Had Taken Off, She Hasn't Been Back And He's A Full Fledged Cat Dad In Three Days And Is Nervous About How Small She Is! Vet Visits Coming, No Advice Needed Thank You
Our Little One Solemnly Swears She’s Up To No Good
I really hate to be like this but *Moony not Moon. Moon is short for Moonwatcher, a character in the amazing Wings Of Fire series. READ IT ITS AMAZING!!! And hmm maybe Prongs?
Load More Replies...And so she should be, no good to be left alone, or snuggle or purr in your ear!
Miss Runty Pleading Her Case
And the case is that it's been almost one hour ago since she last had some food. Which obviously is a clear case of kitten abuse.
No More Playing Video Games And Relaxing For You After Work Dad
Snoozin smoozin with my little critter better than any video game - I guarantee!
Are They Smol Enough?
Smol enough for me - wish I could tickle all of them - I know they tickle me!
Figaro in the center is trying to pull the old quarterback sneak, looking all shy and unassuming back there...
Mika Waking Up From Her Nap
Hi! I’m Lif
Hi Lif! I do wish someone would lift me up and snuggle I'm a wee bit scared!
I Took Loki To The Vet Today, He Weighed 1.5 Lbs And Was Too Young For His Vaccinations
Don't worry Loki you gonna grow strong with the love and care you deserve!
I Apparently Did Wake Her Nap
My hubby used to hate cats...until he had one lol, they will win anyone over with their cuteness. it's a super power
Same here! Last night the neighbor's cat had him pinned to the couch for two hours.
Load More Replies...I''ll be over there, in the corner, melted by the sheer cuteness I have been bombarded with!
I would say they should be locked up for their crimes but they would easily escape through the bars due to smol size
Load More Replies...Okay, I managed to hold it in but now I will let it all out in one place: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Thank you.
I can't bear it. So much smol. So happy that people were able to rescue kittens, but please don't buy kittens less than 8 weeks old minimum, and preferably closer to 12 weeks if they live with their momma.
Yep. And some breeds (e.g. ragdolls and Maine Coons) should be much older than that.
Load More Replies...My hubby used to hate cats...until he had one lol, they will win anyone over with their cuteness. it's a super power
Same here! Last night the neighbor's cat had him pinned to the couch for two hours.
Load More Replies...I''ll be over there, in the corner, melted by the sheer cuteness I have been bombarded with!
I would say they should be locked up for their crimes but they would easily escape through the bars due to smol size
Load More Replies...Okay, I managed to hold it in but now I will let it all out in one place: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Thank you.
I can't bear it. So much smol. So happy that people were able to rescue kittens, but please don't buy kittens less than 8 weeks old minimum, and preferably closer to 12 weeks if they live with their momma.
Yep. And some breeds (e.g. ragdolls and Maine Coons) should be much older than that.
Load More Replies...
