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50 Hilarious Pets Who Don’t Quite Understand The Concept Of Boundaries (New Pics)
Interview With Expert
Although they don’t communicate like we do, our pets often seem to understand us better than most people. Whether they’re curled up in our laps or gazing quietly into our eyes, they have an uncanny ability to sense what we’re feeling and going through.
But there’s one thing they seem to struggle with—or maybe just choose to ignore—and that’s the concept of personal space.
The animals we’ve gathered from across the internet definitely don’t mind getting up close and personal. And while they may have no sense of boundaries, their hilarious antics are impossible to resist. So, let’s laugh at their adorable mischief together!
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#1
I Hope I Never Have Personal Space Again
RELATED:
#2
Hello Everyone
The Doom Song 1 year ago
"Dad, so your alarm went off and I decided you're not going to work today"
DragonofMordor 1 year ago
Yup. Humans make the best cat beds. My girl tends to prefer my legs. But the rule is still no moving until your kitty doesn't need the bed anymore.
Emmaline Skacel 10 months ago
I luv how in the first picture, it looks like hes just waking up, and then second picture is like: it was at this moment that he knew, he fluffed up!!
Karen Klinck Klinck 1 year ago
I have one of those. Any time I lean back, she's sleeping on me...
When it comes to pets that just can’t seem to respect personal space, cats are probably the biggest offenders. To find out why they’re so clingy, Bored Panda reached out to Alex Worth, a certified cat behaviorist and member of the International Society of Animal Professionals.
“A cat’s attachment style and level of clinginess is influenced by a combination of early life experiences with human interaction as well as individual personality differences,” explains Worth.
#3
My Dogs Most Favorite Person In The World Is My Grandma. It Was Her 89th Birthday Yesterday, He Had To Greet Her With A Proper Hug
#4
They Have No Regard For Each Other's Personal Space And Will Fight All Day But When It Comes To Nap Time They'll Cuddle Up In One Of Their Many Beds
DragonofMordor 1 year ago
Kitty nap time is best spent on very soft things, whether that is a blanket, a couch, a bed, a human, or fellow kitty.
#5
I Met This Arctic Fox In Iceland, Once. Up Close And Personal
Hunter Patricia Dogwood 1 year ago
Oh my goodness! I went to Iceland with my husband and saw zero arcvtic foxes.
Breadcrumb. 1 year ago
Best not to feed or try to befriend a wild animal..they could get into trouble if they stop fearing humans.
Linda Riebel 1 year ago
Oh, my prayer is not been answered..... that I NEVER AGAIN have to hear that stupid cliche "up close and personal." I hope it goes far away into a chipping machine.
CherylTunt 1 year ago
Iceland is one of those lucky lands free of the foamy horrors of rabies. This is due not only to the isolation of the country (raccoons are notoriously bad at flying) but also a harsh animal importation and vetting policy that ensures every single animal entering the country is clean and vaccinated.
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“While kittens that receive extensive positive socialization during a critical developmental window (2-7 weeks) are more likely to form secure attachments,” says Worth, “individual cats can also vary in their innate tendencies to be more independent or more prone to strong bonds with their owners.”
“Some cats are simply more extroverted and affectionate by nature, while others are more aloof and prefer their own space,” she adds.
#6
I Guess My Puppy Doesn’t Know How Big He Is Anymore
#7
There's No Such Thing As Personal Space When Water Is Involved
Aud (she/they) 1 year ago
I just heard that to the tune of Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
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TotallyNOTAFox 1 year ago
I always had to get into the shower with my dogs to wash them since they wouldn`t stay in it without me
Janissary35680 1 year ago (edited)
I've done that too but I wouldn't do it in a tub, even if I had a tub.
Load More Replies... JoeKing 1 year ago
I love my Doggo, he shares my bed (Or I share his.. Not sure) but I got to draw the line there. Bath with Doggo.. Nope!
Russell Tilling 1 year ago
I don’t see a problem. The guy isn’t going to drink the water and the dog’s bits have probably already been licked clean.
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marianne eliza 1 year ago
The hard part is calculating the water level so it doesn't overflow when your bath buddy joins you. Besides, doesn't everyone shower off after a soak?
#8
Brought A New Puppy Home 2 Weeks Ago
glowworm2 1 year ago
Well, the puppy clearly knows how to sit. Unfortunately, they don't know where they should do it..
Robyn Picknell 10 months ago
Why do puppies do this? Is it a dominance thing or just true play?
Now, if you haven’t spent much time around cats, you might not realize just how insistent they can be when they want to be close to you. But if you’re a cat owner, you know the drill—your pet claiming your computer as their personal nap spot while you’re trying to work, or jumping straight onto your lap the second you sit down, leaving you stuck until they decide it’s time to move. That’s just how it goes.
#9
Somebody Gave Rat Poison To My Cat Simba (Orange) And Now He’s Slowly Recovering With Treatment. Luna My Other Cat Loves Her Personal Space But Decided To Keep Him Company During His Recovery And My Heart Is Just Melting
AtMostAFabulist 1 year ago
I am glad Simba is recovering. I had a previous cat who got sick, and his sister would be grooming him, laying next to him and keeping a general eye on him.
Razill 1 year ago
To the person who did that to your baby: may the fleas of 1000 camels feast upon your genitals. Im glad ur baby is recovering.
whineygingercat 1 year ago
Please tell me that the EVIL SPAWN that gave the poison was arrested and charged with animal cruelty
Kat Hoth 1 year ago
I doubt it, my next-door neighbor (some time ago, not now) put some ground beef with the green rat pellets on a paper towel over my fence. I called the police, they did absolutely nothing.
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Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
No words needed to understand this picture. Nasty humans. Luna - as do all animals - understands. Sending Simba wishes for a full recovery and both Luna and Simba long lives together with your family.
Kat Hoth 1 year ago
If you have a catio, they can go outside and still be safe.
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Anne Nattermann 1 year ago
People suck...God bless her and her recovery.. may her abuser have a toxic hell waiting for them with no mercy...
#10
Our Older Cat Just Realized That Our Kitten Has Gotten Big Enough To Put Up A Fight
#11
On The Train And Saw This Friendly Face
“Cats’ tendency to lie near or on top of their owners is driven by their instinctual need for security and warmth, rather than a strong desire for social interaction,” says Worth. “We believe this behavior is an evolutionary adaptation—wild cats and domestic cats alike seek out enclosed, heated areas to conserve body heat and feel safe. Lying close to their human caretakers helps fulfill this innate drive.”
#12
Cuddle Monster
Girlfriend caught me and my girl napping. Zero concept of personal space or her size but makes a good weighted blanket 😅
#13
That’s Fine Dottie. Just So Long As You’re Comfortable!
BunnyMommy 1 year ago
We've had house rabbits for well over 22 years, and they do this! (Unfortunately we don't have bunnies now. To old to care for the potty boxes and fuss with bales of hay! We dearly miss them.)
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On the right side of the turf 1 year ago
Pugs unite! It's their perogative to find the best seat in the house! 🤘
#14
No Such Thing As Personal Space With A Pit Bull
April Pickett 1 year ago
They are a very loving and devoted breed. My step-grandson-in-law had one and he was a lump of sugar around his people. He did always think he was a puppy and not a 70+ lb dog.
Mary Tonningsen 1 year ago
I fostered/hospiced an old, sick pitbull for about 3 months this past year and he was absolutely the sweetest old boy! So loving, funny, and gentle. And he was good with all my cats and with other dogs. One of the best dogs I've ever fostered. Sweet ol' Mugsy. I miss him so much! <3
Some research also suggests that cats like to make themselves at home on computers because they enjoy imitating humans.
However, Dr. David Sands, an expert in animal psychology, believes it’s more to do with their owners’ scent.
#15
This Is Dorito. Dorito Doesn't Understand What Personal Space Is. I Woke Up Like This This Morning
Leoninus Fate 1 year ago
my pup colt, was a runt of the litter, he's a shitpoo, a shih tzu-poodle mix, and was tiny, he could lay by himself and his brother slept on me too but where to put him so i wouldn't mush him... i laid on my side and shoved him on my neck, where he curled in a lil ball and he slept there for the first year of his life, after he curled under his brother, and then he grew bigger then his brother {both shih tzu /poodle mixs}.... and started letting his small but older brother lay over him .....sadly his brother is gone now for about 4 years.... but he still curls in a tiny ball by me like he did as a baby and with his brother
#16
So This Is What I Have To Deal With Now…
Multa Nocte 1 year ago
That's one thing most of us pet owners never need to worry about - unaccompanied visits to the bathroom.
Emmaline Skacel 10 months ago
my gatos do kinda the same thing. they will follow me and role around on the tiles!
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
So they can actually sit and spread their legs? I always drop my pants while on the toilet too and I'm female. I don't want my buttcheeks touching each other if I have to do the poo.
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#17
Personal Space? I Love Your Personal Space!
“You won’t be able to sniff it, but a cat can smell you all over the keyboard,” says Sands in a conversation with BBC. “Cats are scent machines from the end of the tail to the tip of their nose. Their world is about scent—their eyesight’s developed for night-time hunting, meaning their sense of smell is really important at other times.”
#18
What Did I Do Before My Little Therapy Dog??
#19
What Exactly Is Personal Space, Again?
Hunter Patricia Dogwood 1 year ago
I am seeing perfect resemblance between dog and owner. This is so sweet.
#20
8 Years Ago You Guys Loved This Pic Of Me And My Golden, Update-She Still Hasn’t Learned Personal Space
But that doesn’t necessarily mean your cat sits on your laptop because they love the way you smell, according to Sands.
“It’s more probable your cat wants to deposit its own scent and supplant yours. It’s all about ownership—by doing this your cat is effectively saying ‘I own you!’” he says.
“People always think cats rubbing themselves against you or things you touch are expressing love. But actually, cats are very possessing individuals. For them, the more they can brush past you and deposit your scent, the better!”
#21
It Took A Year Or So Before They Would Sleep Close To Each Other. Now, This Is What I See All The Time
Michele Shaw 1 year ago
I have an identical photo of my almost identical kitties..... my orange is a girl..... so close!
#22
How Dozer Gets Off The Bed. Keep In Mind He Had Plenty Of Room To Go Around Instead Of Over
Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
Why bother going the long way around?. It's a straight shot to the goal.
#23
I Tried To Create Some Personal Space With My Knee, But He’s A Husky And Personal Space Is Not Allowed
As endearing as it is to have a cuddly, needy cat, Worth notes that excessive clinginess can sometimes signal underlying issues like separation anxiety or cognitive decline.
“Cats with separation anxiety may display distress behaviors like vocalizing, pacing, or destructiveness when left alone,” she says. “This is more common in cats that weren’t properly socialized during critical developmental stages.”
If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, Worth recommends consulting a vet. “It’s important to rule out any medical causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan,” she encourages.
#24
My Roommate Takes Up All The Mousepad Space. Advice Is Welcome
Limey 1 year ago
Good advice because this is not going to change and he is just going to get bigger
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Cecilia Herrera 1 year ago
Take a kitty break, and enjoy his/her company. How can you resist that sweet kitty?
#25
These Sweet Sisters Have Snuggled Since The Day They Were Born. They (And Their Mom) Were Supposed To Be Fosters, But I Couldn't Bear To Separate Them With How Close They Are
Steve Robert 1 year ago
I had to adopt two kitty brothers from the shelter. I couldn't break up a family. Besides, they were the ones that chose me, not the other way around!
#26
Goaterus Is Trying To Provoke Marshmallow Who Has The Patience Of Buddha
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
Livestock guardian breeds are bred to be patient and wonderful XD They're also very stubborn, intelligent, and independent! XD
#27
There's No Such Thing As Personal Space When You Have A Cat
Cecilia Herrera 1 year ago
I was lucky. My Blackie would lean against the top of my head, as I slept. Had I been standing up, I would have been wearing a cat hat.
#28
He’d Live In My Skin If He Could
#29
My Personal Assistant Is Sleeping On The Job
#30
Personal Space Issues Getting Ridiculous Now!
#31
Not Working Today, Dude
Linda Johnson 1 year ago
WHY??? Can someone tell me WHY my cats want to be on my keyboard?? it isn't warm like a heating pad or anything????
#32
Anyone Else’s Pibble Have No Sense Of Personal Space?
Vicki Perizzolo 1 year ago
no pibble has any clue about personal space...ever. All space includes them.
#33
Whiskey Reminding The Dog Who's The Goodest Boy
#34
My Shep Has Great Respect For Personal Space
#35
I Don’t Think Cats Understand The Concept Of Personal Space?
#36
Oh, Hi Mom. Mind If I Take A Load Off?
Dog Mom to Zoe 1 year ago
This picture would be great as an advertisement for anything showing in the pic.
#37
No Personal Space
Hannah Simpson 1 year ago
I have a rainbow lori, she was best friends with our geriatric Guinea pig and used to spend hours in the Guinea pig hutch. She still makes Guinea pig wheeks nearly a year since the old girl passed. Also, loris have no concept of personal space. She calls “hey, puss puss!” then hops over and bites the cat’s tail.
#38
Personal Space Does Not Exist!
#39
Dear Cat: Out Of All The Places To Take A Nap, Thanks For Being A Dweeb And Choosing To Flop In My Work Space. I Cannot Imagine This Is Comfortable In Any Way, But You’re Really Cute
Dog Mom to Zoe 1 year ago
I believe that our pets like to be where we are or where we were so they can be by our scent.
#40
Josie Is A Firm Believer That Personal Space Is Myth
Bored Trash Panda 1 year ago
my beagle I had in high school, Merlin, would sit like this with me, or on my chest lol
#41
Sure, Wherever You're Comfortable, Clawdia
#42
Personal Space Issues You Ask?
somnomania (she/her, queer) 1 year ago
hope the pibble's okay, their right eye looks like it has some sort of injury under it
#43
How About Some Pics Of Dogs Not Understanding The Concept Of Personal Space?
Steve Robert 1 year ago
When I was thirteen, I spent a couple of weeks with my aunt and uncle. They had four weiner dogs. My aunt would wake me up by opening the door, and the next thing I knew, I had four sloppering dogs licking my face. Even a thirteen year old can't sleep through that!
#44
Someone Doesn't Understand Personal Space
Richard Iachetta 1 year ago
Of course he understands it. And it's so nice to share his with you
Linda Johnson 1 year ago
OH YES HER DOES!! you are a cat's personal space.....my 3 kitties have convinced me...I'm here for their personal comfort.....never mind my arm may go to sleep under their body.....if they're comfy, I don't move.....
#45
Show Me Pictures Of Your Puppies Annoying Their Siblings
#46
For Some Reason I Don't Think She's Thrilled About Her Younger Sister
#47
Personal Space Is Non Existent
#48
What’s Personal Space?
Never heard of it!
Steve Robert 1 year ago
Reminds me of my daughter when my youngest granddaughter brought home her first kitty. Now Kitty, his real name, always sleeps with Mom.
#49
Anyone Else’s Weens Have No Sense Of Personal Space?
Cee Cee 1 year ago
Dachshunds! My 4 take up quite alot of room in my bed. Currently 3 are snoozing on my lap and one is draped across my shoulders. I want another cup of coffee...
Colleen Glim 1 year ago
But at the same time, you don’t want to disturb them. This is what we call a dilemma
Load More Replies... Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
Nope, nada, none, not happenin', never! All of mine grafted themselves to either my hip, lap, or feet. Current 17 YO girl is my third foot. An eternal mystery? How a 6lb animal could consume a FS queen bed. Needless to say. Bed privleges ended many many years ago.
#50
Bruno Is The Most Tolerant Boy Ever…teddy Doesn’t Understand Personal Space
#51
I Adopted A Seal With Personal Space Issues
#52
I've Seen A Lot Of Shoulder Cats. I Raise You A Cocker Spaniel With No Concept Of Personal Space
#53
Woke Up To This View Today. Reminded Me Why I Needed To Be Single. So That He Has A Space To Sleep On My Bed
#54
Looks Comfy
Yogurt has no sense of personal space.
#55
My Dad Is “Not A Dog Person”.. Here He Is With My Dog On The Way To The Beach
#56
Miss Marple Is Still Traumatised From Our Last Cat And Is Afraid Of Ardbeg, But She’s Doing A Super Job. This Is Them Being Close For The First Time
Cecilia Herrera 1 year ago
Miss Marple is one of my favorite characters. What a wonderful name for your dog. Beautiful Bengal!
Kat Hoth 1 year ago
The breed is Bengal, and yes, they are gorgeous! I had litter mates 1 each silver and brown. They can be quite vocal (think Siamese) and are very athletic and playful.
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#57
Do Your Cats Respect Your Personal Space At Night?
My kitten Ellie seems to have no concept of respecting personal space the way my rescued seniors do, especially at night. She often sleeps directly on my head/face, and wakes me up every morning by purring while rubbing her mouth across my face
At least it motivates me to brush her teeth often
#58
She Has 0 Idea Of Personal Space
#59
Personal Space? Never Heard Of It!
Found this picture of Fen Chicken on my husband’s phone 😂😂 Freyja French Fry is the brown pittie butt under my arm 🐶
#62
Neville Has No Personal Space
#63
Daisy Thinks Personal Space Is Optional In Our Relationship
#64
“This Used To Be My Chair”
#65
My Pupper Does Not Know Of Personal Space
#66
We Have Three Identical Beds, But This Pair Won’t Stop Arguing Over This Particular One And Refuse To Let Each Other Be Comfortable In It
#67
Any Other Pugs Not Agree With The Concept Of Personal Space?
meow point1 1 year ago
Why would someone downvote you for that? If it's the "pugs have bad faces" thing, they're actually breeding them to be healthier now (source: https://gizmodo.com/saving-the-pug-1844409155)
Load More Replies... #68
Bailey Doesn't Know The Meaning Of Personal Space
#69
Personal Space No Longer Exists
#71
He’s Not Yet Aware Of What Personal Space Is. Oh Newt, You’re Lucky Dad Loves You So Much
#72
Pumpkin Doesn’t Understand Personal Space
Pittsburgh rare 1 year ago
Pumpkin, unfortunately, doesn't understand a lot of things either 😂 their look says it all
#73
Who Needs Personal Space Anyways..
#76
Aussie With No Concept Of Personal Space
#78
Mr No Clue About Personal And I
#81
Our Silverado Has No Concept Of Personal Space
#82
Her Favorite Thing To Do Is Cuddle And Lounge With Her Humans
#84
Personal Space? What’s Personal Space? 🧐rocky, His Sister Mitzi Moo, And The Highly Coveted Office Room Dog Bed
#86
Don’t Worry, I Don’t Need Any Personal Space
#87
Our Dog Doesn't Understand Personal Space
#88
Does Anyone Else’s Cat Have No Sense Of Personal Space?
#89
Is This Really A House Pig? It Has Been Found Alone And Is In The Shelter Right Now
Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
Yes, about 6 - 8 wks old. My 7 YO lives in his kiddie "barn" playhouse in my living room at night and outside during the day. I'm so happy that this little one was found and is now safe. Will need an appropriate, well prepared, very secure, stable, patient, loving, educated family and home FOR LIFE. ⏺Pigs are extremely intelligent, happy, playful, interactive, infinitely curious, & superb furniture movers and are easily trainable. Never ending patience is required. ⏺They can be unintentionally destructive because they are curious and they root and dig. Humans must understand, accept and never forget this. They do not purposefully destroy property or home. It is their nature and physical need to root and dig. They typically have emotional needs and intellectual levels of a 3-5 YO - ALL OF THEIR LIFE. They will not get beyond those levels as they age with you. Don't expect continuing "maturity" as they age like with a child. They will ALWAYS REMAIN at the level of a child.
Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
jpeg pic of my boy in his playhouse or his "safe" house. Notice his "delicate" need to have his eyes covered while he sleeps! LOL WILLIES-BA...15a18f.jpg 
Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
⏺My boy gets cranky just like a young child if he does not get his way when he wants, gets equally cranky when he is tired and needs to go to bed, and whines when it is time to eat and I'm running behind schedule. ⏺Sometimes he even gets mean. That is when my dominant "alpha" position that was educated and instilled into him through non-violent training – along with lifetime sustained training – is extremely needed and successful. What I mean is, on a daily-basis I give him commands or actions (he especially does not like the wait instruction, sit, back up, no, come, stop, stay, go to bed, etc.) to remind him and reinforce that I'm the alpha and he has to obey to be REWARDED. NEVER PUNISHED. Only rewarded. Never hit any animal. Pigs especially because of their intelligence will never forget if you harm or hurt them. And as humans, these animals instinctually know they are "prey" animals for so many species, especially humans, that they have instinctual fear born into them.
Angelyn Poole 1 year ago
Screen adoptive people carefully for this wonderful baby. Most people are unprepared and later throw these beautiful animals away or hurt them because the humans were selfish and did not get deeply educated about a pig’s lifelong needs AND neediness when living as a pet with humans.
#90
Invading My Personal Space
#92
Personal Space? Who Is She?
#93
Fine, I’ll Wear The Robe If I Can Sit On You
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What do you think ?
The Doom Song 1 year ago
I can't go to the bathroom or shower by myself. And I wouldn't change a thing!!!!
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
My last cat loved the water, and would get in the shower with me if I let her.
Load More Replies... Yoga Kitty 1 year ago
I think I could easily match each of these pictures with one of my own - cats sitting in my face, on my head, my laptop, my pants while on the toilet... I am really glad that I am not the only completely whipped fur baby mama out there!!!
Brandie Litchfield 1 year ago
My 5 year old has been learning about personal space at kindergarten this year. As I look at these sweet pics, I hear him yelling at his beagle brother "shiloh I need personal space!!! (They're 6 months apart and sibling rivalry is real, but they're best friends)
Margaret H 1 year ago
Earlier this week, it was time to let our 15-year-old golden retriever go. I now have endless personal space and I hate it with a passion.
Cee Cee 1 year ago
I'm so sorry. That emptiness is awful. I do hope, when the time is right, you get another space invader.
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The Doom Song 1 year ago
I can't go to the bathroom or shower by myself. And I wouldn't change a thing!!!!
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
My last cat loved the water, and would get in the shower with me if I let her.
Load More Replies... Yoga Kitty 1 year ago
I think I could easily match each of these pictures with one of my own - cats sitting in my face, on my head, my laptop, my pants while on the toilet... I am really glad that I am not the only completely whipped fur baby mama out there!!!
Brandie Litchfield 1 year ago
My 5 year old has been learning about personal space at kindergarten this year. As I look at these sweet pics, I hear him yelling at his beagle brother "shiloh I need personal space!!! (They're 6 months apart and sibling rivalry is real, but they're best friends)
Margaret H 1 year ago
Earlier this week, it was time to let our 15-year-old golden retriever go. I now have endless personal space and I hate it with a passion.
Cee Cee 1 year ago
I'm so sorry. That emptiness is awful. I do hope, when the time is right, you get another space invader.
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