Did you know that watching adorable cats bake biscuits or dogs bite running water for 30 minutes a day can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety? This is great news for anyone who doesn’t have a pet but desperately needs to reap the benefits of having one.
For those out there, Bored Panda has compiled a list of the most uplifting animals that are guaranteed to put that smile back on your face. Scroll down to find them, and enjoy grinning so much that your cheeks hurt. Or try to fight the urge to adopt an adorable, furry fella.
This post may include affiliate links.
View Of Dogs Getting Their Picture Taken Mid-Walk And The POV Of Their Dog Walker
It almost looks like a Norman Rockwell painting, amazing they are all so calm at the same moment
Anyone who's ever attempted to photograph an animal, never mind an entire group, knows it's not easy. This is amazing control.
So well behaved, most humans couldn't sit so neatly organized and patiently.
How I Met My Human
Such an amazingly wonderful story. But did anyone else think that the umbrella handle was piercing through the kids head?
I've met two pairs of sisters while driving. First time, on a rainy night, I saw a little kitten on the side of the road, stopped, got it into the car. On the return back home, saw her sister, stopped, and brought them both home. The second time, a young cat leapt across the road in front of my moving car. I stopped, grabbed her, tossed her into the car, then searched the side she was heading towards and found her sister, and brought them home.
Amazing how big such a small bit of kitten got.
Load More Replies...4 Years Ago I Tried To End My Own Life. This Little Guy Is One Of The Things That Saved My Life. Life Can Be Hard, But There Are So Many Beautiful Things To Experience
I tried to commit suicide in may and in August I will get my first own dog! I am so happy!!!
I'm so happy for you! I'm glad you're dealing. Been there. My cat is the only thing keeping me here. She helps, alot
Load More Replies...We really do not deserve them, and there is a reason DOG is GOD spelled backwards.
I recall during a psych intake being asked if I was suicidal, and I responded with, "I don't have time for that because I have too many cats who depend on me for their survival".
Glad you found the peace you need, now he will need you to be there for him, prayers go out for you both, good luck.
My family, friends and doctors know that when I have suicidal thoughts, they have to talk about my cats. When I'm down and can't do anything, I still go and care for them. They help me keep a grip on the ground. I can be in the worst state ever, they still have to eat, drink, go outside... and I HAVE to be there for them (Wicca is a bitter when she's hungry !).
You were meant to find each other, your life is important, especially to this little creature who relies on you for everything. Maybe it could be a good motivation even later in life when you struggle, to know that somewhere out there will always be rescues who could need you to save their life, and they will continuously save yours in return.
I always say, if it weren't for my cats, I wouldn't be here. That's a lot of pressure to put on them, but, thankfully, they don't seem to mind. 🥰
Hey OP, I don't know you but I love you. Stay alive. Keep trying. It's all any of us can do.
If you’re wondering how the benefits of looking at animal pictures were revealed, it’s the achievement of a dedicated research group from the University of Leeds in the UK partnered with Australia Tourism.
The study was carried out by showing participants a 30-minute montage of cute furry critters, created by one of the team’s members, associate professor Dr. Andrea Utley. “There were some kittens, there were puppies, there were baby gorillas. There were quokkas. You know – the usual stuff that you would expect,” Utley told CNN.
Tucked In Safe With Mama
Cuteness level: mental impairment resulting in inability to speak... awwwww
Dad's Pride
I will name him George and I will love him a and pet him and squeeze him!
"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy "
Load More Replies...Gus 100% Believes Grammy’s Visits Are For Him. He’s Not Wrong
He is. I don't think I've ever seen a Rot without its tail or ears cropped. Good for the owner for not doing that.
Load More Replies...Notice how in the photo where Grammy isn't smiling neither is Gus? Gus knows what's up.
The latter, the quokka, is an adorable creature found in Western Australia and is often called the happiest animal in the world. It’s a relative of kangaroos and wallabies. Similarly to their cousins, they move around by hoping and carrying children in their little pouches.
Rozi The Cheetah And Her Companion Pup Daisy Have Grown Up Together
As I’m sure fellow BP readers know, cheetahs are well known to have anxiety problems when they are raised on their own. It’s common for them to have a companion dog to keep them chilled out and calm.
Please don't keep wild animals as "pets". It tortures them and often they let it show and get killed or end up in overcrowded wildlife stations. Of course they have anxiety or worse. If you love animals leave them alone where they belong or get pets from some shelter.
They aren't being kept as pets. Zoos do this to help the Cheetahs
Load More Replies...This Service Dog Got A Graduation Picture Next To His Owner
If you go to school, you should get your picture taken.
My Dog Is Terrified Of Thunderstorms But Decided To Protect My Twin Daughters From The Storm Anyway
The definition of courage is going into a situation despite the overwhelming fear.
Courage the cowardly dog! He always tries his best to save Granny.
Load More Replies...It’s rare to see this animal without a smile. Even though they’re not actually grinning, it’s just the shape of their mouth, their friendly personalities have earned them a joyous reputation. Interestingly, their happy-face selfies can be found all over social media under the hashtag #quokkaspiration. There are over 20,000 of them on Instagram.
Cerberus At The Pet Store
The guardians of HeLOL, where the "torture" is ever increasing levels of cuteness.
German Shepherd puppies!!! I have 2 German Shepherd Chow & Lab mixes. Male & female from the same litter. He is tall and long like a Shepherd, she is shorter and wider like a chow. They are both black and tan with 1 small white area.
Thankfully, I Saved This Little Guy From My Lawnmower Today
It’s Merle’s Favorite Time Of The Year, Breeding Time For Baby Ducks And Geese. He Loves All His Fluffy Babies And Always Is Very Careful To Look Out For Birds Of Prey
Just you wait until a birb of prey arrives, then you see the primal "protec ducky" instinct kick in.
Load More Replies...As the world's first duck dog, Merle loved his furry charges, but wondered if he would ever get all his ducks in a row.
Omg YES! Sam Sheepdog is so cute in old cartoons.
Load More Replies...All that duckling chasing could make Merle haggard!! (I couldn't help myself - country music fan.)
My Great Aunt & Uncle had a house on Lake Washington (Seattle). They had a dock and a ramp. Every year my Uncle Glenn would bring out the wire cage for the Mama Duck to create her nest on the ramp. They had a Springer Spaniel (a really good bird dog, named Teena). Instead of going to point when the ducks showed up, Teena somehow knew she needed to protect them. Every. Single. Year. It was amazing.
While we were in our back yard my macaw Billy warned me when a hawk was swooping down onto my pet row, he started growling and screaming in a manner timely enough that I could prevent the hawk from taking my crow. I had only had Billy for 2 days and he (abused by previous owners) was on a rehabilitation and trial period. I told him that he was not going anywhere because he was a good boi. That was in 2001 and he is still with me.
Quokka’s happiest animal status has made them quite the celebrities on social media. Many people specifically travel to Rottnest Island, where they reside, just to take a picture with them. While they’re doing this, they’re also participating in a good cause—not only getting a photo out of it. The island is reinvesting the funds that come from increased tourism in research for the animal’s conservation.
Customer's Cat While I Was Replacing A Faucet And A Drain
Every human needs at least one supurrviser to function properly.
Load More Replies...Bun Jovi, The Rabbit, And His Pupper, Abel, Are Best Friends
... My doggo ate a rabbit today... He could never be besties with a rabbit...
When Dinner Is 7 PM And It’s Already 7:01 PM
Starving three innocent animals! And I'm sure, that despite the kibble in them, all the kibble bowls are completely empty.
My house too. One of mine is a drama queen that splays herself across the kitchen floor like she's dying.
But we digress. The previously mentioned study involved 19 participants who were intentionally invited during the winter exams, a time when stress levels were at an all-time high. In each of the subjects, the researchers saw blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety go down within 30 minutes of watching the video.
Pup Living His Best Life
this photo makes me so happy. i can just hear him going yipeee!
The Stray Cat I’m Feeding Has Made Friends With A Hedgehog
Question... are hedgehogs naturally found in the wild?!??! If so, where?!?
There are seventeen species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introduction. There are no hedgehogs native to Australia and no living species native to the Americas.
Load More Replies...This way, there's always sticks for shish kebabs.
And the hedgehog's name is Doug? (the piranha brothers? Monty Python reference)
Load More Replies...Hedgehogs should not be out in the daytime, if they are then something is wrong with them and they need to see a vet. Call the local animal rescue group in your area for advice or to come and pick the hedgehog up.
Took My Puppy Through The Wendy's Drive Thru
I was honestly surprised when I learned that there are wendyses in Australia
They are different from US Wendy's. They do icecream, shakes and hotdog. Some do chips, or toasties.
Load More Replies...We'll keep the mood happy here and take as a given that everyone handling food washed their hands before putting on clean gloves.
Load More Replies...“I was quite pleasantly surprised that during the session, every single measure for every single participant dropped some – heart rate reduced, blood pressure reduced,” Utley said. “When they left, they filled the questionnaire in again and indicated that they were feeling less anxious.”
I’m So Proud Of Them For This
the only time two cats will cooperate is to annoy a human or a THIRD cat
You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Or it's easier to punch down than to lift up? (Just musing on idioms.)
"oh my god, guys! Can you just, like, stop it? Like, i'm wearing my best tuxedo!"
After Dad Tells Sydney How Pretty She Is For A 13-Year-Old
Met Some Friendly Black Sheep Today. They Ran Right Up To Greet Me
My Grandmother tells me that in a family full of black sheep, I am her favourite Llama 🙃
Thats the sweetest thing Ive heard! Your gran sounds great <3
Load More Replies...Depending on your next move, you get a but or not. Sheep are neighter as timid or afraid as people think, and my ex and her border collie were chased of a field after she failed this test 😂
And if you think regular sheep are fearless just wait 'till you see Shaun the sheep and the flock
Load More Replies...My town has a sheep meadow that's pretty central. I used to pass it for work. We're allowed to go in/through if we make sure to close the gate. I was taking pics of the sheep when I stepped onto a round, flat stone that CLEARLY is their feeding place/how the owner calls them bc EVERY single sheep suddenly RAN toward me the second I stepped there haha it was so funny.
This effect animals have on us can be explained by the concept of “baby schema.” It says that humans evolved to be drawn towards creatures with big heads, large eyes, chubby cheeks, and big foreheads because they had to care for babies. When we see such traits in something, it activates our paternal instincts that get ready for a cuddle, even if it’s a baby tiger you’re looking at.
The Foster Kitties Are Growing So Fast With The Love Of Their Dog-Father
So many adorable little faces. I am convinced they are this cute to survive and disseminate. In my experience, kittens are the worst. Then they fall asleep/look like this. And you forget the monster that kept you up all night attacking your feet, or stuff shredded toilet paper into your pony tail, or launched itself off of the couch onto your bare back.
And of course you eventually say, no kittens are the cutest. And the cycle begins again.
Load More Replies...A Fox Kit I Photographed
We have a family of red foxes that lives on our property. This year mom had 5 kits. They are SO incredibly fun to watch. Every evening around 7 they get the zoomies and chase each other through our yard and garden. I hadn't realized how much they actually bark either! They play just like puppies do. Poor mom sometimes looks like she needs a day off. :) She'll try to take a nap in the grass but invariably ends up getting pounced on by one of the kits.
I hope the parents use the middle photo at the little one wedding. Mom, Dad you guys are embarrassing me!
So cute! Funny we call them cubs here. I hadn't realised that kitts were what they're called elsewhere!
My Cat Louie Was Messing Around With Toilet Paper And I Decided To Tie A Loose "Bow" Around His Neck To See What It Looked Like. It's Been An Hour. He Absolutely Refuses To Let Me Remove It
So if you ever hesitate about bombing friends with adorable animal pictures and videos, don't worry; their mental and physical health will thank you! And in case you need fresh material to share with them, Bored Panda’s collection is here to help. Just check out this article about happy rescued beavers or dogs in lavender fields.
I Know Retrievers Love The Mud, But Seriously?
Oh Lord. I would hate to be the eto have give that little stinker a bath.
He's In Love, She's Not Quite Sure Yet
What do you think animals call other animals? Do you think all cats all across the world, or maybe just cats in the same local area, just know to call dogs, say, ‘the barking ones’ when interacting with each other? Or does each individual cat have a different name for what they call dogs?
I think most cats call dogs something like : annoying me-chaser
Load More Replies...You Might Find It Hard To Believe, But This Cat Is My Colleague. I Work At A Pet Supply Company, And Mr. Cat Is The Exclusive Model For Our Product Promotional Images
He also takes on the responsibility of supervising our work and keeping an eye on us when we use the restroom. His name is Yuki.
With those looks and that physique, I can see why he's a professional model. Someone call Ford Models and get this boy a contract!
I have an office manager that closely supurrvises me each day. Arya-66725...b17bbf.png
My German Shepherd And The Stray Puppy I Was Afraid He Wouldn’t Get Along With
He is showing a lot of white to be less intimidating to the puppy 🥰
Load More Replies...Gave My Boy Mike A Middle Part
My Son Is Three Days Old Today, Brought Him Home Yesterday. Our Dog Zuko Has Watched Over Him And Hasn't Let Him Out Of His Sight Since
I was thinking the same thing, while cringing "OUCH!"
Load More Replies...Panda Used To Be Very Shy, But Now She Loves To Get Attention
I know a bunch of bored pandas that love attention! (And yes I am obviously talking about myself as well! Lol)
Went To The Vet Today, 10/10 Customer Service
Friendly Dog Follows Google Maps Snapper And Shows Up In Every Street View Shot
"And this- this here is where I got a stick! See?" "Oh, and here, here's where I found some mud - super fun!" "I got a big bug right up here - come on, come see!"
Cute Doggo to Google "No need for your maps, I'll show you around".
This need to happen for every non-car Street View. They could change up to animal every now and then.
Our Dog And Cats Have Their Own Pet Fish
is that a betta? don't they need a bigger tank 3-5 gallons? I'm not sure what 3-5 gallons looks like exactly, but I don't think that's it.
That looks like around 2.5 gallons? Ish. Maybe 3?
Load More Replies...I had multiple cats, a fish tank, and a room converted into an aviary where the cages were left open allowing the birds to fly around the room. It was a mini-zoo.
My Rat
It's all fun and games until they run across the keyboard and send gibberish to your boss on Teams. Ask me how I know.
My rats like to stand on my phone when I set it down, so many of my friends and family have received rat texts and rat dials.
Load More Replies...given the keyboard, a mouse would have been more appropriate in this case :)
My oldest daughters mom had a rat she saved from being fed to my buddies snake, she named it gizmo
Yes they are! I've had a few pet rats in the past, they are loving and smart!
There Is Nothing Like Watching Your Relatives On TV
One of my gingers has the exact same markings! I've never seen another ginger like him until now!
Load More Replies..."guys, catch this. you know charles the cheetah? yea dude hes my cousin twice removed. nah nah im serious gang! im being so fr!"
That's what's considered "classic tabby". More often, we see plain ole "striped tabby".
Load More Replies...Yes, one of my grandcats stares intently when big kitties are on TV. They know that's family.
The kitten is looking at the cubs and the adult kitty is looking at the adult cheetah. Each one thinking, that's like me, lol
The one on the right looks just like my Sam :3 20240526_151140.jpg
My Sister's Cats Sleep With Heart Tails
My 10-Year-Old Lab Is The Ultimate Nanny
That is so gorgeous. And the kitten is showing it is curious, and not afraid. Ahhhhh...
My Horse Sitting Down
so elegant and grazeful (its not a misspelling! the horse people know what im talking about! i hope)
Just how stoo, um, stew, um, dumb do you think we are?
Load More Replies...The last time this pic was shown here someone posted that when a horse sits like that it means they have colic and could possibly die. That is 100% NOT true. This is just what a horse does when it's been lying down and is about to stand up. Sometimes they stay in this position for a moment before getting up the rest of the way. They don't usually sit around in the pasture like that. :) People also tend to think there's something wrong with a horse that's laying flat out on their side. Nothing's wrong - they're just taking a nap. They can sleep standing up for brief periods, but they get better rest when they lay down. So if you see a horse laying in a pasture on a sunny day please don't rush in to the barn screaming that it's dead. ;) And if you see a mask on their face don't worry! It's not a blindfold. It's like a screen and they can see through it just fine. It's to keep the flies out of their eyes.
Yes, that's the position they get in right before they stand. Sometimes they rest for a moment before popping their rear end up. Another fun fact is that cows do it the opposite way - they put their hind end up first.
Load More Replies...D'ya know, I think this is the first time I've seen a horse sat down. They're either standing or laying
My horse sat for a while on his friend's grave. He was very attached to this horse named Kia. who, unfortunately, developed cancer. My horse took it hard. My friend (where my horse lived at the time) said he sat for like a half hour on her grave. He never sat any other time, that I know of.
Honse sit. (Don't ask why it's spelled honse. People on discord call horses "honses" and it's funny)
First Day Home And My Little Furball Already Trusts Me Enough To Doze Off In The Safety Of My Hands. Pure Bliss
Ooooh I love Russian Blues!! I have one who’s a dwarf and she’s so darn adorable!
Just curious -- how can you tell a Russian Blue from a Chartreuse when the eyes are closed?
Load More Replies...Enjoy This Sweet Girl's Content Face After Getting Her Coat Brushed
Oxytocin rush from prolonged contact. Works on the brusher as well as the brushee.
Load More Replies..."I just got LOADS of attention from my person! What a wonderful day!"
My Uncle Cut Holes In His Fence So That His Dog Could See Out
Imagine walking past the fence and getting a cold, wet nose where you least expect it...
Imagine walking down the street, feeling watched, and looking around to see THAT
These Two Spoon All Day, Every Day
My Girlfriend's Twin Cats
Unquestionably the one on the right. Those eyes hide many thoughts.
Load More Replies...Squirrel Visits Almost Every Day
According to my cats, squirrels are sketchy af and need careful watching
Every Time My Kid Takes A Shower
They're doing that because the bathroom door is shut.
Load More Replies...Caution: Lethal Cutie
According to Google Lens, this is a smooth green snake. Wikipedia says the following about them: "The smooth green snake is a species of North American nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is also referred to as the grass snake. It is a slender, "small medium" snake that measures 36–51 cm as an adult." So non-lethal to humans, but lethal to prey. (Note: I am not a herpetologist. If Google Lens is wrong and this is actually another type of snake, feel free to correct me!) 😊 🐍
I don’t think that is venomous, it is a parrot snake- the belligerent zip tie
My New Kitten And My Ferret Became Instant BFFs (They Are Always Supervised When Together)
The lower photo shows a mischievous, plotting pair who will soon rule the entire household... :D
The real reason they need supervision, but we won't tell OP.
Load More Replies...I love the cat's markings. Similar to my cat's! Especially the nose/face
This Isn’t My Cat, But She Comes By For Pats, Cat Yogurt, And Laser Pointers. She’s Very Skittish, And It Took Months For Her To Warm Up To Me
One of my cats always returned home smelling of perfume, but I wasn't sure which human she was visiting, but she was obviously double-dipping love in the neighborhood.
My Cats Queue Politely Behind Each Other For Their Turn At The Food Dish
mine did this as well. I would put out 4 bowls, but they'd only eat from 1, so why bother?
Load More Replies...What is this magic? I have one garbage disposal that pushes half the food off the plate and then goes to the next of 3.
I have one that will almost unhinge her jaw like a snake to get as much food in, she then charges to try get the other two's food.
Load More Replies...When we were staying with a then-friend, one day we came across our cat and one of our host's two sharing a dish of food. Each would take a bite, then politely make room for the other to take their turn.
We Had A Surprise Visitor When We Went Out For Our Morning Walk
I hope you left it there. It’s mom probably left it there knowing it would be safe while she went to eat.
If it was a Persian kitty, they often get a lion cut. Sometimes because their fur gets so matted.
Load More Replies...My Cat Hugging A Pillow Of Himself
My Cat Likes To Sleep On My Head - My Boyfriend Snapped This Pic After A Heavy Night Out
Maybe the bf was playing and he put the controller down to take the pic?
Load More Replies...My Kitten Likes To Put His Paws In Between My Face And Glasses While We Sleep
I also sleep in glasses, I hate waking up without being able to see.
Load More Replies...An Emotional Support Highland Cow
No, this is cruel. It is not a cow, it is a calf. It needs to be back with its mother and rest of the herd, back in the field, not in a high-stress environment.
Agree. And wth is up with people using all kinds of animals for emotional support? Dogs, yes, maybe cats and rats, but leave the ducks in their ponds and the cows in their meadows - why would you even think your anxiety justifies taking a horse onto a plane or a calf into a library and making them uncomfortable instead of you? 😔
Load More Replies...It isn’t a baby. It’s a teacup cow. That’s as big as they get. https://ranchr.ag/blog/teacup-mini-cow/
•
Not Quite Done Yet!
Discover Your Competitive Edge
Subscribe Premium to Compare Your Stats with Others
More Premium features:
How did you score compared to others?
Your general stats:
| User | Result | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| / 20 | |
| / 20 | |
I screenshot some of the cat images, print them, and send them to my grumpy doctor friend. Cracks her up, makes my day.
Just think, before the internet , we grew up thinking that cats, dogs, rabbits, mice etc etc were permanent enemies.
I screenshot some of the cat images, print them, and send them to my grumpy doctor friend. Cracks her up, makes my day.
Just think, before the internet , we grew up thinking that cats, dogs, rabbits, mice etc etc were permanent enemies.
