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No matter how well-fed our furry friends are, there’s something irresistible about the sight (or smell) of food that isn’t theirs. Whether it’s a sneaky swipe from the counter or a bold grab from your plate, pets have a way of turning into tiny bandits when they think no one’s watching.

But as it turns out, they’re not as slick as they think! We’ve gathered a collection of hilarious moments where these four-legged thieves were caught in the act, with guilt written all over their adorable faces.

Check out the pics below and don’t miss our chat with pet behavior consultant Erica Peachey, who explains why animals resort to stealing food and what we can do about it!

#1

Cracked The Case On The Missing Bagel

Cracked The Case On The Missing Bagel

my_life_with_dogs Report

#2

My Rat Fou Fou Is Trying To Steal My Cinnamon Roll

My Rat Fou Fou Is Trying To Steal My Cinnamon Roll

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Picture this: you’re preparing dinner, setting the table, and putting out the food. You step away for just a moment, and when you return, something’s missing from your plate. If you have pets, you probably know exactly who the culprit is.

Many pet owners have caught their animals in the act, noticing the satisfied look on their faces after sneaking a bite. While it might seem like they’re being mischievous, that’s not exactly what’s going on.

As Erica Poachey, a pet behavior consultant and animal training instructor, told Bored Panda, pets don’t really understand what stealing is. “Food is there, and if no one is actually eating it, it’s available,” she explains. “‘Stealing’ is our interpretation. We know the food wasn’t meant for them, but they don’t know that.”

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#4

Evidence Of Guilt "On The Face"

Evidence Of Guilt "On The Face"

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Likewise, stealing food doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is underfed or starving at that moment. Animals, just like humans, like delicious things. “It’s the same reason I eat chocolate and cake even after a meal—it tastes good and gives a nice feeling,” says Poachey. She also points out that the thrill of “hunting” for food can be part of the fun, turning the act of finding something to eat into a rewarding experience for them.

#5

I Want To Apologize To Our Neighbors Who Are Missing A Rack Of Ribs. Our Dog Escaped Through The Fence And Came Back An Hour Later With This

I Want To Apologize To Our Neighbors Who Are Missing A Rack Of Ribs. Our Dog Escaped Through The Fence And Came Back An Hour Later With This

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The hunting impulse in animals is often triggered by their sense of smell. For dogs, for example, smelling is their primary sense. While the human brain is dominated by a large visual cortex, the dog’s brain is ruled by its olfactory cortex. To put this in perspective, a dog has up to 300 million olfactory receptors in its nose, compared to just 5 million in humans. Even domestic cats have around 200 million odor sensors, giving them a sense of smell about fourteen times stronger than ours.

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#7

Egg Thief

Egg Thief

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Nina
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have seen it before, but I just love that picture of the busted cat ^^

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#8

"Is This Cake Batter?!" Dunks Entire Head In

"Is This Cake Batter?!" Dunks Entire Head In

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Alexia
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Senegal parrot =))) they are amazing birds, with great personality

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#9

The Side Eye. I Wouldn't Have Suspected Anything Had Happened If I Hadn't Seen The Noodle Hanging From His Face

The Side Eye. I Wouldn't Have Suspected Anything Had Happened If I Hadn't Seen The Noodle Hanging From His Face

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Smells provide clues about what might taste good. Just as the aroma of coffee in the morning wakes you up or the scent of pancakes pulls you into the kitchen, imagine what it’s like for your pets every time you cook something like chicken. With their powerful noses and hundreds of millions of receptors, it’s no wonder they might be tempted to have some, even if you hadn’t planned on sharing.

That said, these strong smell abilities don’t always lead to action. Depending on their personality or training, some pets are pickier eaters, while others might rummage through the garbage if given the chance.

#10

"Human, I’ve Done Things, Waffle Things"

"Human, I’ve Done Things, Waffle Things"

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#11

I Caught A Papaya Thief

I Caught A Papaya Thief

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Nina
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How to check if your fruit is ready for consumption; place cat nearby

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#12

Be Aware Of This Cheese Cheddar Robber. His Last Sighting Was In Glasgow, Central Scotland. He’s Been Stealing Cheesy Cheddars Out Of The Pockets. Keep Your Cheesy Cheddars In A Safe Place

Be Aware Of This Cheese Cheddar Robber. His Last Sighting Was In Glasgow, Central Scotland. He’s Been Stealing Cheesy Cheddars Out Of The Pockets. Keep Your Cheesy Cheddars In A Safe Place

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Even the breed of your pet can be a factor in whether they’re more likely to steal food. “It’s known that certain dogs, like Labradors and Beagles, are more inclined towards hunger,” says Poachey.

She also notes that size matters: “Bigger dogs are more likely to steal—they tend to eat more and can easily reach work surfaces.” Habit plays a role as well. “A dog who learns that tasty food is occasionally available will search harder the next time,” Poachey adds.

#13

Who Did It? Own Up

Who Did It? Own Up

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Alexia
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kitty is innocent of all charges. You have no proof

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#14

He Stole A Pancake

He Stole A Pancake

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sbj
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His eyes are not only bigger than his belly but him too

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#15

Pizza Thief

Pizza Thief

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Cats, on the other hand, are much more selective when it comes to food because they have specific dietary needs as carnivores, unlike omnivores. “They’re usually only interested in something that appeals to them, typically meat, but some have broader tastes,” says Poachey. “And of course, cats can get into just about anywhere.”

Cats are also naturally designed to eat little and often. “So, if we’re only feeding them twice a day, they’re likely to go looking for something to munch on between meals,” she adds.

#17

Everyone, This Is Kiki, The Dog, Trying To Steal Pizza From Me

Everyone, This Is Kiki, The Dog, Trying To Steal Pizza From Me

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#18

Someone Got Into The Spaghetti Bolognese

Someone Got Into The Spaghetti Bolognese

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Punishing animals for stealing food, even when you’re really frustrated, isn’t the right way to handle the situation. “Any punishment will have side effects, no matter the context,” says Poachey. “Quick fixes that involve something aversive when an animal does something we don’t like won’t work and can increase the risk of other issues—like a lack of trust, food guarding, fearfulness, and more.”

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#21

No Trick Is Too Dirty When It Comes To Cake

No Trick Is Too Dirty When It Comes To Cake

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Additionally, punishing pets for eating food can leave them confused. “If they’ve already eaten and we get angry, they’re unlikely to connect the two actions,” Poachey explains. “‘Looking guilty’ is usually just ‘looking frightened.’ They’ve eaten the food and enjoyed it, so why would they associate your anger with something they found pleasurable?”

“If they still have the food and we try to take it away, they don’t understand. They’re likely to become defensive—how else can they react? Then we end up with an animal who’s learning to guard what they see as important from us.”

#22

My Husband Caught Our Cat Stealing Our Son's Chicken Nugget

My Husband Caught Our Cat Stealing Our Son's Chicken Nugget

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#23

I Came Home To This Little Bastard Bloated Because He Ate 3/4 Of A Costco Pizza By Knocking It Off The Counter

I Came Home To This Little Bastard Bloated Because He Ate 3/4 Of A Costco Pizza By Knocking It Off The Counter

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#24

Caught My Cat Eating My Soup While I Was On The Phone. It's Been More Than 10 Years That I Have To Pay Attention To Him Every Time I Eat. He Never Gives Up. I Love Him

Caught My Cat Eating My Soup While I Was On The Phone. It's Been More Than 10 Years That I Have To Pay Attention To Him Every Time I Eat. He Never Gives Up. I Love Him

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So what should you do instead? “The quick answer,” says Poachey, “is to not leave food where your pet can reach it. If you don’t want your pet to get it, it’s your responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

It’s also important to remember that many foods we eat can be highly dangerous for animals—like chocolate, raisins, bones, and certain nuts.

“Teach your pet that it’s rewarding to come to you, to be with you, and to respond to you. Be someone they enjoy being around.” While these tips can certainly help, Poachey advises not to rely on them completely. What works for some pets might not work for others, and sometimes there could be underlying issues. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional.

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#26

He Stole The Baguette From The Table

He Stole The Baguette From The Table

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Me. Just Me.
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Size is not a factor. The fact that this baguette was once bigger than him doesn't stop him for a second.

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#27

Left The Pot Of Spaghetti Alone For A Few Minutes And Caught Him Red-Handed

Left The Pot Of Spaghetti Alone For A Few Minutes And Caught Him Red-Handed

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#28

Momo Decided To Un-Decorate The Gingerbread House

Momo Decided To Un-Decorate The Gingerbread House

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#29

Cheeseburger Thief Caught Red-Handed

Cheeseburger Thief Caught Red-Handed

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#30

Caught Red-Handed

Caught Red-Handed

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sbj
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That face is daring you to try to get it back and warning you that you don't stand a chance

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#31

I Turned Away For 2 Seconds And We Found Him With His Face Dipped In Our Nacho Cheese

I Turned Away For 2 Seconds And We Found Him With His Face Dipped In Our Nacho Cheese

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#32

The Crime, The Criminal, And The Evidence

The Crime, The Criminal, And The Evidence

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#33

Why Is He Like This? Yes, He Knows He’s Not Allowed On The Counters. He Just Doesn’t Care. Corn Is Life

Why Is He Like This? Yes, He Knows He’s Not Allowed On The Counters. He Just Doesn’t Care. Corn Is Life

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#34

My Dog Almost Gave Me A Heart Attack Today. I Thought She Attacked Our Other Dog Outside And Had Blood All Over Her Face. Then I Saw A Seed And Realized She Got Into The Tomatoes

My Dog Almost Gave Me A Heart Attack Today. I Thought She Attacked Our Other Dog Outside And Had Blood All Over Her Face. Then I Saw A Seed And Realized She Got Into The Tomatoes

dgroove8 , dgroove8 Report

#35

Putting His Entire Foot In My Coffee To Lick My Bowl Clean. He Could Have Just Gone A Few Inches To His Right

Putting His Entire Foot In My Coffee To Lick My Bowl Clean. He Could Have Just Gone A Few Inches To His Right

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iBlank
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ah! The human put a foot warmer in front of my food bowl

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#37

This Sweet Tooth Stole A Vein Worm And Was Caught

This Sweet Tooth Stole A Vein Worm And Was Caught

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#38

Uncle Rico Found A New Way To Tell Me To Feed Him. He Takes Food From The Kitchen Counter And Leaves It Next To Me In Bed While I Sleep

Uncle Rico Found A New Way To Tell Me To Feed Him. He Takes Food From The Kitchen Counter And Leaves It Next To Me In Bed While I Sleep

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#39

I Can't Even Make Dinner In Peace

I Can't Even Make Dinner In Peace

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#42

He's Like, "Chill Guys, I’m Keto"

He's Like, "Chill Guys, I’m Keto"

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#43

My Cat Is Ridiculous. Insanely Food-Motivated. I Just Fed Him. He Eats Every 6 Hours Because He Acts Like He's Being Tortured If It's Any Longer

My Cat Is Ridiculous. Insanely Food-Motivated. I Just Fed Him. He Eats Every 6 Hours Because He Acts Like He's Being Tortured If It's Any Longer

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#44

This Is Maddie. She May Be Blind, But It Didn't Stop Her From Finding The Cake I Baked For My Dad's 75th Birthday And Helping Herself To A Surprisingly Restrained Bite

This Is Maddie. She May Be Blind, But It Didn't Stop Her From Finding The Cake I Baked For My Dad's 75th Birthday And Helping Herself To A Surprisingly Restrained Bite

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justagirl
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think take her to the vet. Definitely not supposed to have chocolate.

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#45

Making My Son Cry Because She Stole His Sucker. The Look In Those Eyes Is Pure Evil

Making My Son Cry Because She Stole His Sucker. The Look In Those Eyes Is Pure Evil

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#46

She Stole My Nutter Butter

She Stole My Nutter Butter

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#47

"Mom, I Stole For You This Sausage From The Kitchen"

"Mom, I Stole For You This Sausage From The Kitchen"

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LillieMean
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, this is how it goes. Mom, I hunted this sausage from the kitchen for you because you are so bad at hunting and I want to take care of you. Eat, let's practice hunting together later.

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#48

His Name Is Cowboy And He's Actually The Most Precious Boy

His Name Is Cowboy And He's Actually The Most Precious Boy

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#49

Always Looking For Opportunities To Steal

Always Looking For Opportunities To Steal

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Linda R
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine doesn't steal food, but she'll steal just about anything else and hide it.

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#50

It Stole The Cheese

It Stole The Cheese

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Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.