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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.
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#1
View Of Dogs Getting Their Picture Taken Mid-Walk And The POV Of Their Dog Walker
RELATED:
#2
How I Met My Human
#3
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
Anders Eriksson 1 year ago
I tried to commit suicide in may and in August I will get my first own dog! I am so happy!!!
tee-lena 1 year ago
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
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Bubba Jones 1 year ago
We really do not deserve them, and there is a reason DOG is GOD spelled backwards.
Riley Quinn 1 year ago
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".
MalibuClassicMan 1 year ago
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.
Sarah Léon 1 year ago
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 !).
Inge Diedericks 1 year ago
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.
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
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. 🥰
Jenni McKenzie 1 year ago
Hey OP, I don't know you but I love you. Stay alive. Keep trying. It's all any of us can do.
Theora Fifty-five Johnson 1 year ago
For anyone who considers ending themselves, we need you here. Please stay.
ROSESARERED 1 year ago
My beautiful cat saved me from the same when I was a teenager...his fur was often wet with tears. Miss you puss, I hope there is a heaven for pets
Janet Watson 1 year ago
I'm glad you're here and so is he. Be good to yourself. You look like such a sweet person
Karen Lyon 1 year ago
I saw a video about a woman who adopted a stray kitten she found near her apartment. I don't know that she was suicidal, but I love how she explained what it meant to have the now grown cat in her life: "All this time I thought I was rescuing him, but really, he rescued me." Yes, that is what they do. Every time.
Gingersnap In Iowa 1 year ago
I'm in a treatment facility for my depression. Only a dog named Melvin has kept me alive. Don't give up. Get a dog or a cat or both!
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.
#4
Tucked In Safe With Mama
#6
Gus 100% Believes Grammy’s Visits Are For Him. He’s Not Wrong
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.
#7
Rozi The Cheetah And Her Companion Pup Daisy Have Grown Up Together
Gavin Johnson 1 year ago
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.
#8
This Service Dog Got A Graduation Picture Next To His Owner
#9
My Dog Is Terrified Of Thunderstorms But Decided To Protect My Twin Daughters From The Storm Anyway
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.
#10
Cerberus At The Pet Store
#11
Thankfully, I Saved This Little Guy From My Lawnmower Today
#12
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
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.
#13
Customer's Cat While I Was Replacing A Faucet And A Drain
#14
Bun Jovi, The Rabbit, And His Pupper, Abel, Are Best Friends
#15
When Dinner Is 7 PM And It’s Already 7:01 PM
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.
#17
The Stray Cat I’m Feeding Has Made Friends With A Hedgehog
#18
Took My Puppy Through The Wendy's Drive Thru
“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.”
#19
I’m So Proud Of Them For This
#20
After Dad Tells Sydney How Pretty She Is For A 13-Year-Old
#21
Met Some Friendly Black Sheep Today. They Ran Right Up To Greet Me
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.
#22
The Foster Kitties Are Growing So Fast With The Love Of Their Dog-Father
#23
A Fox Kit I Photographed
#24
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.
#25
I Know Retrievers Love The Mud, But Seriously?
#26
He's In Love, She's Not Quite Sure Yet
#27
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.
#28
My German Shepherd And The Stray Puppy I Was Afraid He Wouldn’t Get Along With
#29
Gave My Boy Mike A Middle Part
#30
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
#31
Panda Used To Be Very Shy, But Now She Loves To Get Attention
Speak easy buttercup 1 year ago
I know a bunch of bored pandas that love attention! (And yes I am obviously talking about myself as well! Lol)
#32
Went To The Vet Today, 10/10 Customer Service
#33
Friendly Dog Follows Google Maps Snapper And Shows Up In Every Street View Shot
#34
Our Dog And Cats Have Their Own Pet Fish
#35
My Rat
#36
There Is Nothing Like Watching Your Relatives On TV
#37
My Sister's Cats Sleep With Heart Tails
#38
My 10-Year-Old Lab Is The Ultimate Nanny
Sergy Yeltsen 1 year ago
That is so gorgeous. And the kitten is showing it is curious, and not afraid. Ahhhhh...
#39
My Horse Sitting Down
️ ️~ lefty libra️ ~ 1 year ago
so elegant and grazeful (its not a misspelling! the horse people know what im talking about! i hope)
#40
First Day Home And My Little Furball Already Trusts Me Enough To Doze Off In The Safety Of My Hands. Pure Bliss
#41
Enjoy This Sweet Girl's Content Face After Getting Her Coat Brushed
#42
My Uncle Cut Holes In His Fence So That His Dog Could See Out
Sergy Yeltsen 1 year ago
Imagine walking past the fence and getting a cold, wet nose where you least expect it...
#43
These Two Spoon All Day, Every Day
#44
My Girlfriend's Twin Cats
#45
Squirrel Visits Almost Every Day
#46
Every Time My Kid Takes A Shower
#47
Caution: Lethal Cutie
#48
My New Kitten And My Ferret Became Instant BFFs (They Are Always Supervised When Together)
Jay Scales 1 year ago
The lower photo shows a mischievous, plotting pair who will soon rule the entire household... :D
#49
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
#50
My Cats Queue Politely Behind Each Other For Their Turn At The Food Dish
#51
We Had A Surprise Visitor When We Went Out For Our Morning Walk
#52
My Cat Hugging A Pillow Of Himself
#53
My Cat Likes To Sleep On My Head - My Boyfriend Snapped This Pic After A Heavy Night Out
#54
My Kitten Likes To Put His Paws In Between My Face And Glasses While We Sleep
#55
An Emotional Support Highland Cow
Laugh or not 1 year ago
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.
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What do you think ?
Phillip Moderow 1 year ago
I screenshot some of the cat images, print them, and send them to my grumpy doctor friend. Cracks her up, makes my day.
Caroline Driver 1 year ago
Just think, before the internet , we grew up thinking that cats, dogs, rabbits, mice etc etc were permanent enemies.
Phillip Moderow 1 year ago
I screenshot some of the cat images, print them, and send them to my grumpy doctor friend. Cracks her up, makes my day.
Caroline Driver 1 year ago
Just think, before the internet , we grew up thinking that cats, dogs, rabbits, mice etc etc were permanent enemies.
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