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With his pictures, Japanese photographer Masayuki Oki captures the individual personalities of the many otherwise anonymous stray cats that live in Tokyo's shitamachi area. His collection might be called busayan, which literally means "ugly cat", but the photographer has nothing but affection for his moggie muses.

“I want to travel the country photographing all of Japan’s lovely stray cats,” says the photographer. For now however he limits his setting to the shitamachi area of the capital, where he documents the streetwise cats as they fight, nap, and goof around for the camera. The photographer never reveals the exact location of his feline photoshoot, but if you want to keep up to date with his latest photographic exploits then you can add your name to the 48,000+ people who follow him on Instagram.

More info: Instagram (h/t: spoon&tomago)

#1

Tokyo’s Stray Cats

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Richard Petch
Community Member
9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our stray cat does that all the time.

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    #2

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *Stretch* Man... I'm so tired from that nap, guess I'll have to take another nap later

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stretch man stretch, get those muscles working.

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This yoga pose is called 'Kettle on the Pole'

    #3

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Walking off the elevator after you farted

    Tom
    BoredPanda Staff
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol! @Amanda Panda your comments are the best!

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    Pi
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the Cheshire Cat from Alice in wonderland!

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks he has some bad teeth that are hurting him.

    Beckoning Chasm
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Jack is dead...you can call me--Joker!"

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    #4

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    # Sizzle Sisters
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No I will not go in that hole of madness

    Sarah O'Dwyer
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah bud...that looks like a cavity to me...

    MaryXia
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    srsly man; not today, it's been a long day plz

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    F*****g hell man, your breath stinks like f**k .

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have I got a cavity at the back as it hurts when I chew mice.

    Ivory Williams
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uh...yah.. I would say something smells fishy..

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    #5

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    JF Babcock
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Don't push..!" "Yah, don't push..!" "I'm just lookin..!" "I don't even know what we're doing..!" "They said there's a fish upfront..!"

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Waiting in line for the women's bathroom

    Awkward dog
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does anyone else notice the second to last cat in the back with the black on top of his head? Well he looks extremely angry lol

    Daria B
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Immagine the shock of whoever lives here, and of the cats too, when the window was opened. ♥

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hurry up , look at the time you are late with our breakfast.

    Sam Osborne
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mating season pic. Two cats in front must be the dominate cats of the area. Notice the fluffy tail of the dark and the squinty eye of the second cat? Signs of s**t is about to go down. Meanwhile at the end of the line...ooooo theyz bout to fight lol. *help me I'm bored and have been looking at cat pics for an hour*

    Melissa Nunya
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only takes one guy for rush hour gridlock

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    #6

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    Lisa Fitchett
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "ah, I see what the problem is here. You have a can of tuna stuck in the thingamabob. It may take some time to fix."

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They said I could be anything I wanted to be...so I became a CAT-illac!

    Rachel Lundell
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I cannot see you, you cannot see me, I am invisible"

    #7

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    Jessie
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems Tokyo cats live better than me

    Jeanne Deaux
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ginger cats are the bests! I want them all at my house! Now!! <3

    MaryXia
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    probably shouldn't have eaten all of those tuna fish packs. how many did I actually eat? Maybe around 30. imam be sick. Darn it, can't move

    EiramAnna GB
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Garfield? is that you? [that pose though....] ;)

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    #8

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    Banani Joshi
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Enough of napping....lets go get some sleep now .

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trying to live up to the nap quota of a cat, is just plain exhausting

    # Sizzle Sisters
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Downward cat now come on evryone follow allong!

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    #9

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    rai mei
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    spot the difference...status: 1/10

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upset us if you dare, will will gang up on you.

    Julia Wolfe
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's different about these two - like a puzzle in Highlights magazine

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    #10

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That awkward moment when you wake up after a long night of drinking, and catch a glimpse of your reflection in the mirror

    AnnieLaurie Burke
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Geez, I gotta go easier on the catnip next weekend!"

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    Steven Walcott
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "1 picture ago I was just checking your Car..." #LifeOfaShopCat

    Chris K.
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "When I die, I'm going to haunt the f*** out of you people!"

    Mikaela Sjögren
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Howcome japanese strays look so healthy and groomed? o.O

    Pat James
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is so not funny. quite sad really .

    Philip Quinn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a CATATsince billy saw star wars he's never been the same.

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the F*** is that I am looking at.

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    #11

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    #12

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you spot that last slice of pizza

    Shruti Naik
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this picture... the kitty's snowy coat and the beautiful leaves...

    bing pineda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hehehe for sure riot with just slight movement of the leaves!! Woooohhhh play time !!!

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    #13

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you forgot to buy her flowers for your date, so you start grabbing whatever weeds you can find on the way to her house...

    Melissa Nunya
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love your comments Amanda , keep us laughing girl 👍🏻

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    # Sizzle Sisters
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look ma im mowing the lawn for you arn't you so proud of me

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When the grass you bought has too many stems...

    Intan Nadirah
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one ever help me do the chores!

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    #14

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    #15

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trying to stay interested and awake in meetings

    Janel Foster
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nouget, peanut butta, I love Zem all!

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If i find you standing here when i open my eyes, i'm gonna punch you in the face!

    #16

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The one time you know the answer, and the teacher doesn't call on you ...

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I pledge allegiance to the flag....hey, is that a squirrel??

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    #17

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    Shruti Naik
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    upward facing dog... err.. cat!

    Sarah O'Dwyer
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Next up gentlemen, welcome to the stage...SPARKLES! Sparkles is offering lap naps for $5 and pole scratches for $10!

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    #18

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When she warned you she was into some freaky stuff, and you didn't believe her...

    Lou Wow
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everybody was Kung Fu fighting!

    #19

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    Tillie Martinussen
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw, it's so cute. My heart breaks a little bit for all of these Kitties...

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What? I have to put on pants & adult??

    #20

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    Audrey
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mdr on dirait qu'il est tombé et qu'il a la flemme de se relever

    Kelsey Leow
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, I fell over. So what? I prefer to look at the world upside down.

    Lisa Fitchett
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is 15 and 16 the same cat? Looks like he's pretending to be dead or injured so he gets treats!

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    #21

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    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you wake up hungover under the table, but just roll with it.

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's my stool and i have every right to sit under it

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    #22

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    # Sizzle Sisters
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did we have to wake up at six o'clock

    Sarah O'Dwyer
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you finally make your first chin up...

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you see your friend trip, and you decide to help ... after you finish laughing

    Pi
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yodel-eh-hi-hoooh!

    #24

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We all have that one drunk friend....

    Dalilah Dali
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seeing the world from a different angle

    Sharon Hahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being so cute waiting for that first bit of attention

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you thought the hand was the belly fold...

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    #26

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    Banani Joshi
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The word "privacy "comes under p in the dictionary.go look it up

    Sharon Hahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you lift your leg like this?

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you mind?! I'm trying to bathe here, creep.

    Josephine Hu
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's get physical physical ... I wanna get physical !!

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, i too want a fish.. er this looks convenient for the moment

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    #27

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    # Sizzle Sisters
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It could be a great hiding place if he didn't scream all the time

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Japanese cat version of Harry Potter's cupboard under the stairs.

    #28

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you see your crush with someone else :(

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vermillion I work at night so yep... My days are free. if that bothers you, go to another site bc ur missing the point of this one

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    Sharon Hahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm lonesome, won't you take me home?

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you add up your student loans in public & start contemplating begging or stripping.

    Janel Foster
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you're mom sneaks off without you and you notice when it's too late.

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    #29

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    #30

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    Laura Foley
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We may be in the gutter, but we are looking at the stars...

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I promise officer, the catnip isn't mine!

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy s**t & a half!! Who put that curb there???

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey man, i thought the platforms are safe! WTF

    #31

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    #33

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    Sharon Hahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This IS my smile for the camera.

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I said get off my damn lawn you brats!!!

    Adebun Adebun
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NYAHAHAHAHHAHA, the tuna is mine now!!

    Martha Cain
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    die, mean spirited cat hater...and ixna on the ine nay ive lays!

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    #35

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    dora sim
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For every solution, a cat will find a new and improved problem.

    Emory Colborn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you're drunk AF & think holding onto the rails will help.

    Sharon Hahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can reach it better this way!

    #36

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    #37

    Tokyo’s Stray Cats

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    Elvira Usagi
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Get that damn camera outta my face, you damn paparazzi"

    Lou Wow
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shatner cat does a dying scene....

    Prabhasmyhero Vasanth
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No! just b'cos i'm stray you can't feed me the same thing everyday!

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    #38

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    # Sizzle Sisters
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Before you leave I want to tell you something smell my butt

    Carlee Franklin
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Smell this fart.Is it stinky?Good!!!

    Adebun Adebun
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "hey! hey!wtf is this!" "you say you love it!" "i don't like it" "nah... you love it"..

    Greg Devski
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cat Worshippers of Great Mutator :). Heil Tzeentch

    MJ Welman
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need kitteh for my bunghole.

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    #39

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    #40

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww this little baby is missing almost all its teeth :(

    Peta Everton
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are. Hope there's a few more under the tongue. That canine doesn't look good either.

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    Pi
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "And AYYYYYYYYYYYYE ....will always, love yewooooow...."

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    #42

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haaaaalp!!! I dont know how to change a flat!

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    #43

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    #45

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    #46

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    Sharon Hahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Enough walking; time for a nap!

    Nyki Lee-Barr
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aaarrrgh! I just puts my back out!!!

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    #47

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    LESTR97
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you're running from the neighbor's dog, but you're about to run into something.

    LESTR97
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you're sprinting and it's impossible to slow down quick enough