13 Absolutely Adorable Animal Pics To Save Your Day

Is there really anything better than a healthy dose of wholesome animals lighting up your screen? Probably not!

So, whether you’re taking a lunch break, relaxing at home, or just procrastinating (no judgment here), take a few minutes to enjoy these cute critters we’ve gathered from all corners of the web. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our chat with Sonia, a volunteer at ACSA, a cat shelter in Canada, who contributed some of these heartwarming pics.

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13 PHOTOS

#1 Honestly, Just Wanted To Show How Handsome My 20-Year-Old Dude Is

#2 Kiddo Had A Rough Day At School, And Then I Caught This

If there’s one thing that rivals looking at adorable animal photos, it’s spending time with them in person. Sonia, a dedicated volunteer at Adoption Chats Sans Abri (ACSA), a cat shelter in Canada, knows this joy firsthand. Regularly involved at the shelter, she also shares snapshots of the cats she cares for on Reddit. Bored Panda got in touch with Sonia to learn more about her experiences.

After moving back to Quebec City, where ACSA is located, Sonia felt a pull to help out. “I walked in front of the shelter a couple of times before finally deciding to step in and volunteer,” she explains. “Now, I’m usually there twice a week. It’s really good for my self-esteem. It’s also hard to feel depressed when you’re in a room full of kittens.”

#3 My Golden Retriever Is 17 Today. Still Loving Life

#4 I Got A Cat For My Dog After She Got Anxiety After An Incident And They Became Instant Soulmates

Since 1996, ACSA has been caring for stray and abandoned cats, helping them find forever homes. They pride themselves on being an ethical shelter, only resorting to euthanasia in cases of severe medical issues. Their mission extends beyond care, aiming to raise awareness about responsible adoption and the importance of sterilization.

#5 I Found This Kitten Near A Convenience Store. She Follows Me Everywhere I Go, So I've Decided To Bring Her Home. I Asked The Clerk If Anyone Owns Her And They Said No One Does

#6 My Partner Took A Picture Of Our Cat Watching Me As I Leave For Work

#7 This Is Judy. She Or He Comes To My Kitchen Window Every Day To Get Some Almonds. I Love Her Or Him So Much. That Little Smile Makes Me Melt

Sonia frequently updates social media on the progress of the cats under ACSA’s care. Her photos feature kitties getting plenty of pets, receiving treatments, and playfully roaming the shelter. “We specialize in feral cats, and people love seeing their transformation on Facebook, so I started sharing them here on Reddit,” she says. “The feedback has been amazing, so I try to post each day.” 

#8 Precious - 1 Year After Her Rise To Fame. Still Making This Face After Losing Her Top 2 Canine Teeth

#9 Adopted This Dude A Month Ago And He Won’t Stop Staring At Me

#10 It Would Be A Sin Not To Adopt Them Both

“There are so many cats in shelters. I don’t understand why people would intentionally breed more cats just because they look a certain way” Sonia points out. “Adoption is the way to go—you don’t ‘buy’ a cat. Yes, there’s a fee, but it hardly covers the costs we’ve put into caring for each one.”

#11 He Wanted To Help With The Proposal

#12 This Service Dog Received His Master’s Degree In Occupational Therapy From Clarkson University After Attending Every Single Class With His Human

#13 My Boy When Asking For Treats. How Could I Resist That Adorable Smile?

Sadly, while adopting from shelters is widely considered the ethical choice, many shelters are facing a crisis. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adoption rates soared as people sought companionship during lockdowns. Some shelters even emptied out as animals were adopted at record rates. But that wave of enthusiasm was short-lived, and shelters are now overwhelmed again as more animals come in than go out.