ADVERTISEMENT

Fire up our latest collection of funny parenting tweets and you'll know that moms and dads never get tired. Or, who knows, maybe you even have a little bundle of joy to remind you of that every single day.

Either way, we humans aren't the only ones who have to nurture our young. Far from it. And there's a fresh Twitter thread that beautifully illustrates this universal experience.

It all started when Shawna B shared a picture of a fluffy little family. "One of my favorite very specific image genres is cats that look completely unprepared for the realities of parenthood," she tweeted.

It quickly went viral, receiving over 350K likes and 50K retweets, and many people started responding to it with equally cute photos of animal parents. Continue scrolling to check them out!

You May Also Like:
#2

Dad Passed Out After A Long Day With The Kids

Dad Passed Out After A Long Day With The Kids

Марина Фомичева Report

The amount of time animals spend with their parents vary tremendously. It's not very common, but there are a few species who stick around mom for a long time—or even their whole lives.

The orangutan, for example, tends to do everything slowly, including leaving home. According to Helen Morrough-Bernard, a primatologist at the U.K.'s University of Exeter, the great apes give birth only once every 7 to 8 years, and the youngster will sometimes nurse until six years old—about the time a new baby comes along.

#3

The Joy Of Motherhood

The Joy Of Motherhood

aerrorfree Report

#4

Imitation Expert

Imitation Expert

camymilla Report

Most orangutan moms let the older offspring stay together for up to three years after the infant is born, but some chase the juveniles off after six months.

ADVERTISEMENT

When the new arrival comes, the older sibling will "go off exploring on their own and may stay out overnight," Morrough-Bernard told National Geographic.

"I like to think of this as like a teenager going off to university and coming back in the holidays. They are not truly independent but are trying out their independence."

#6

Baby Sheep Sleeping On Its Mother

Baby Sheep Sleeping On Its Mother

DD1234567 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jo Davies
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a slight speak impediment when I was young and sheep became peech. These perches are bloody booful!

that.bitch.mae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's amazing that tiny little thing is gonna grow up to have that much wool

Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you have first hand wool mattress you know you made it in this world.

Felicia LaGrant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Baba, baba white sheep sleeping on his Mama"s wool. So cute 🥰☺️

Liz-ard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best place since the ground is made of asphalt and is wet.

Aileen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Today I learned that sheep loaves are most definitely a thing, it's not just cats.

HarriMissesScotland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

warmth. I love sheep, and had a flock that wandered in and around my house in Scotland. One of them had a defect of some sorts. He had exceptionally short legs and a rectangular body. Think fuzzy coffee table. Never left his mother's side.

Hugh Walter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lamb . . . ell ay em bee, they're called 'lamb's . . . 'baby sheep'? Baby Journo!

GFSTaylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lamb. The correct word for a baby sheep is 'lamb'. We have specific words to use for baby animals so use them insteading of degrading vocabulary or resorting to 'cutesey' language.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

Kids

Kids

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, I saw a baby rhino once, in the huge savannah habitat at the San Diego Animal Park! The mother was just standing there like a boulder, like your typical adult rhino, while the baby charged around and around her like an Olympic track team on amphetamines. It was still at it when we left.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The African elephant world is another interesting case, as it revolves around women. The oldest, largest female is typically the leader, and females stay with their natal herd their whole lives.

Males leave their family group between age 9 and 18, and since a wild elephant's lifespan is about 56, that could mean up to a third of his life is spent at home.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Mom And Baby. Pure Happiness

Mom And Baby. Pure Happiness

danielbenitez1990 Report

Like in elephant society, female lions "are the stable social structure of the pride, and it's the males that come and go, taking over prides," Ed Spevak, curator of invertebrates at the St. Louis Zoo who has also studied African animals, explained.

Male lions always disperse for other groups in this fission-fusion society, and about one-third of females will go off to other prides.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the animal kingdom is full of wonderful moms who care for their offspring, often putting their children above themselves, some take a very different approach.

Most lizards, for instance, "deposit their eggs, cover them, immediately forget they did that and move along," Nassima Bouzid, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington, said.

#15

When You Find Out You're Pregnant

When You Find Out You're Pregnant

NoctuaMasterRace Report

#16

Caught This At My Parents' House. Just Cruizin' With Mama

Caught This At My Parents' House. Just Cruizin' With Mama

cheesybstrd Report

#17

Pretending To Be His Mother

Pretending To Be His Mother

Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Because they have a cloaca, an opening for their reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems, lizards might even think the eggs are "an uncomfortable and weird poop," and never think about it again.

Bouzid said the lack of parental care in most lizards may simply be part of a strategy to have as many offspring as possible in hopes that at least some will survive.

#19

A Stray Cat Decided To Bring Its Kitten Into My House Today. The Kitten Was Extremely Aggressive But The Mom Was Surprisingly Chill

A Stray Cat Decided To Bring Its Kitten Into My House Today. The Kitten Was Extremely Aggressive But The Mom Was Surprisingly Chill

SecretIdentity_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

mother kitty: i didnt raise you like this ferocious kitty : i got my dads attitude

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Sleep

Sleep

Adam_Lewis243 Report

Add photo comments
POST
LittleLiz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Big dog: "for maximum comfort, sleep like this." Baby dogs: "ok I guess we'll try it... Hold on... Oh my gosh this is so comfy!"

View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Being A Mother, No Matter How Tired You Are, Kids Are Always Important To You

Being A Mother, No Matter How Tired You Are, Kids Are Always Important To You

Report

But one lizard species goes even further—not only do their young never see the parents, they never see any adults of their species at all.

At least one population of The Labord's chameleon of southwest Madagascar's dry forests "will lay all of their eggs before winter. The eggs will then hatch just before the summer rains," Bouzid said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The eggs spend eight to nine months developing and in the meantime, the adults will have aged and died.

#23

Back To Front - Dad, Mom, Brother, Brother, And Sister. A Family Snuggle

Back To Front - Dad, Mom, Brother, Brother, And Sister. A Family Snuggle

MrFergusonWntBowling Report

#25

The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far From The Tree

The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far From The Tree

HMfly Report

Interestingly, many insects actually receive parental care. But not moths and butterflies. They lay their eggs on host plants and leave their offspring to whatever the world throws at them.

"Some lay their eggs near ant nests and the ants take care of the caterpillars. It's like Moses in miniature," Katy Prudic, an entomologist at the University of Arizona, said.

ADVERTISEMENT
#28

"Of All The Places He Could Sleep On, It Just Had To Be My Head"

"Of All The Places He Could Sleep On, It Just Had To Be My Head"

NutritionStrength Report

They can be really cunning. Let's also look at the caterpillar of the large blue butterfly.

It secretes a sweet substance attractive to a particular species of red ant and makes itself smell like an ant larvae so the ant takes it back to its nest with its own brood, which the caterpillar then eats.

#30

Six-Week-Old Leopard Cub Jumping On Its Mother In The Okavango Delta In Botswana

Six-Week-Old Leopard Cub Jumping On Its Mother In The Okavango Delta In Botswana

suzieszterhas Report

#33

“I’ve Had Puppies And This Is My Life Now?”

“I’ve Had Puppies And This Is My Life Now?”

lextexiana Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Some young have a natural defense to protect themselves from predators via toxic chemicals from their host plant—and others have pitch-perfect camouflage.

The common lytrosis of eastern North America, for example, can perfectly disguise itself as a twig. And if it happens to fall off its background branch, it can use its silk to attach a "zip line" and pull back up.

They might not have someone to give them a hug like the boys and girls in these pictures, but at least they got an evolutionary "inheritance" from their parents to survive!

#36

Mama Maybel With Her 3-Week-Old Kid, Scout, At Goats Of Anarchy Sanctuary. Maybel Had 4 Kids At The Same Time So She's A Busy Mama

Mama Maybel With Her 3-Week-Old Kid, Scout, At Goats Of Anarchy Sanctuary. Maybel Had 4 Kids At The Same Time So She's A Busy Mama

b12ftw Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#39

I Love You Mommy

I Love You Mommy

Report

#40

Baby Iguana Hanging Out With Its Mom

Baby Iguana Hanging Out With Its Mom

enderariias Report

Add photo comments
POST
glowworm2
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s not actually a baby. I think it’s actually another smaller species of lizard if I remember correctly.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

Proud Momma

Proud Momma

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1... 2.... 3.... 4... 12 puppies also idk if thats a smile of scaring of people

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

The Face Of Parenthood

The Face Of Parenthood

hugALLthecats Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bigger cat: mum why did you give me a punishment when that baby hit me first. kitty: *time for precious eyes how fully she will show her favoritism to me again*

View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

A Definition Of Parenthood In A Picture

A Definition Of Parenthood In A Picture

what-whhhaaaaattttt Report

#45

Mama Brown Bear Snuggling With Her Cubs

Mama Brown Bear Snuggling With Her Cubs

Report

#46

The Joys Of Motherhood

The Joys Of Motherhood

wg_t Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#47

Big “I Haven’t Slept In Days” Energy

Big “I Haven’t Slept In Days” Energy

nadineaboud Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

uve drained me of milk so can you please leave me alone so i can eat food

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#54

I Guess This Is My Life Now

I Guess This Is My Life Now

iderf Report

Add photo comments
POST
Shelby Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how it was for my dachshund too! She would walk around the house with pups hanging on!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#55

Overworked Momma

Overworked Momma

dartmaster666 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kay blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cats can fall asleep and nurse at the same time, I wish us humans could do that.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#56

Chewing Mom's Tail Until She Pays Attention

Chewing Mom's Tail Until She Pays Attention

Ehansaja Report

#60

So My Bulldog Seems To Be Pretty Proud Of His Son

So My Bulldog Seems To Be Pretty Proud Of His Son

STARER_OF_CAMELTOES Report

#62

"Stressed? What Do You Mean? I Am Not Stressed. Do I Look Stressed?"

"Stressed? What Do You Mean? I Am Not Stressed. Do I Look Stressed?"

herzliilii Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#63

My Cat's Reaction To Having Kittens For The First Time

My Cat's Reaction To Having Kittens For The First Time

sherbear83 Report

#64

My New Foster Momma With Her Babies

My New Foster Momma With Her Babies

Childofglass Report

#66

Mom Noms

Mom Noms

loopdeloops Report

Add photo comments
POST
Francine Govan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mom makes exaggerated pain face and noises, to encourage the pup! :)

#67

My Dad's Dog Just Had 11 Pups

My Dad's Dog Just Had 11 Pups

April_loves_James Report

#70

The Mother Is The World's Share Warrior - Who Struggles To Keep The Child On Her Head

The Mother Is The World's Share Warrior - Who Struggles To Keep The Child On Her Head

JuliaGulia76 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#71

First Day Of Motherhood. She’s Exhausted

First Day Of Motherhood. She’s Exhausted

deck65 Report

#72

Momma Clearly Has A Message For Her Little One

Momma Clearly Has A Message For Her Little One

markclagrange Report

#74

Motherhood Can Be A Pain In The Back

Motherhood Can Be A Pain In The Back

endauver Report

#75

No Milk There, Kid

No Milk There, Kid

astraennui Report

#78

Now They Have To Share This Window

Now They Have To Share This Window

M7rusa Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#79

My Cat Being Overwhelmed By Nursing The Newborn Kittens

My Cat Being Overwhelmed By Nursing The Newborn Kittens

VanierDe Report

#81

The Beginning Of Fatherhood

The Beginning Of Fatherhood

Report

#85

Three Weeks Old And I Think The Kittens Nearly Outweigh Mama By Mass

Three Weeks Old And I Think The Kittens Nearly Outweigh Mama By Mass

OVEiTeNt Report

#86

My GF's Cat Might Be Regretting Motherhood

My GF's Cat Might Be Regretting Motherhood

fishwhiskers Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#87

First Days After Giving Birth vs. One Month After. Mom's Still Questioning All Her Decisions

First Days After Giving Birth vs. One Month After. Mom's Still Questioning All Her Decisions

nievedpistache , nievedpistache Report

#88

Snickers Is A Proud (Anxious) Mama To 6 Adorable Pups

Snickers Is A Proud (Anxious) Mama To 6 Adorable Pups

franticmuffin Report

#89

The Face Of Motherhood

The Face Of Motherhood

chelsearain Report

#91

Oldie But A Goodie. My Cat Bluebell Completely Overwhelmed By The Duties Of Motherhood

Oldie But A Goodie. My Cat Bluebell Completely Overwhelmed By The Duties Of Motherhood

beaannola Report

#92

She’s Done With Motherhood Already

She’s Done With Motherhood Already

zamuWu Report

#94

Two Weeks Into Motherhood, Mimi Needed A Break

Two Weeks Into Motherhood, Mimi Needed A Break

Leoklank1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Took my Boston out for a walk because I thought that she needed a motherhood break, she refused to go further than the end of our street, then hurried home.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#95

Poor Mama

Poor Mama

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#96

Life Decisions Are Flashing Before Her Eyes

 Life Decisions Are Flashing Before Her Eyes

DidiCarisma Report

Add photo comments
POST
Cold Contagious
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's like, did this really just happen 😳, did that thing just come out of there? No, oh no, how did this happen...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#97

My Dog's Face About Sums Up Motherhood

My Dog's Face About Sums Up Motherhood

exhaledeeply Report

#98

Reality Of Parenthood

Reality Of Parenthood

pa_SW19 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#100

The Luxuries You Give Up In Parenthood

The Luxuries You Give Up In Parenthood

callthewambulance Report

#101

Mama Needs Patience With These Rascals

Mama Needs Patience With These Rascals

DidiCarisma Report

#102

The World's Biggest Pitbull Cuddles Up To His Adorable New Litter

The World's Biggest Pitbull Cuddles Up To His Adorable New Litter

iam_thehulk Report

Add photo comments
POST
Catarina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a tired face....you're beautifull even when you haven't slept for days....

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#105

Guess I Am A Puppy Pillow Now

Guess I Am A Puppy Pillow Now

jlitch Report

Add photo comments
POST
My O My
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*as long as the kid is quiet I'll put up with this

View more commentsArrow down menu
#106

I Think My Sister's Dog Is Regretting Motherhood

I Think My Sister's Dog Is Regretting Motherhood

reddpanda11 Report

#107

Dad Feeding The Young Ones

Dad Feeding The Young Ones

christopher.saleh.photoart Report

Add photo comments
POST
#108

Mother And Her Kids

Mother And Her Kids

dinukada Report

#109

When The Baby Won't Sit Still You Sit On It. Oh, Is That Not How Parenting Works? My Bad

When The Baby Won't Sit Still You Sit On It. Oh, Is That Not How Parenting Works? My Bad

mummamia123 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#111

My Friend's Cat Had Kittens

My Friend's Cat Had Kittens

Lucid_Nights Report

Add photo comments
POST
Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Your best friend is an irresponsible jerk for not spaying their cat

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#112

She Looks Terrified Of Motherhood In This Photo

She Looks Terrified Of Motherhood In This Photo

AshLeSnec Report

#113

My Friend's Cat Had The Exact Same Expression

My Friend's Cat Had The Exact Same Expression

PS_Dogtective Report

Add photo comments
POST
#114

The Look

The Look

Iyrytish Report

Add photo comments
POST
Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a broody hen who kept trying to incubate two unfertilised eggs, so one night we sneakily switched them out for two chicks. It worked - next day she was out in the yard with her new babies, proud as anything! She raised them both beautifully.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#116

The Look Of Parenthood

The Look Of Parenthood

demonceri Report

Add photo comments
POST
moose man
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dog lookin like she hasn’t had any sleep in a few days going bug eyed

View more commentsArrow down menu
#118

5 Weeks Today. This Doesn't Happen Often, But She Will Tolerate Them For A Bit. She Does Think Twice Before Jumping In, Though. Poor Girl

5 Weeks Today. This Doesn't Happen Often, But She Will Tolerate Them For A Bit. She Does Think Twice Before Jumping In, Though. Poor Girl

badmarcye Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#119

Help Me

Help Me

Animal shelter ''Second home'' Report

Add photo comments
POST
#120

She Wasn’t Ready

She Wasn’t Ready

MrDidget Report

Add photo comments
POST
ohjojo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well then pixie should have said no. She'll still make a good mama

View more commentsArrow down menu