Most of us, as children, had a favorite teddy, blanket or pillow, and tiny puppies and cute kittens do just the same thing – oftentimes, the toy they played with when they were youngest will remain their favorite. These then-and-now photos show adorable pets growing up together with their very favorite chew toys.

But why do pets like certain toys and not others? Dogs prefer pet toys that either taste like food or can be torn apart, while cats like things that they can play with; both animals might like their owner to engage them. And once a pet starts to play with one toy, habit soon makes it their favorite.

The first tennis ball was invented in the 1870s, and the first rubber toys in the 1950s. Do you have a pet who has a favorite toy? Vote on the before-and-after photos below, or post your own cute pets!

h/t: The Dodo