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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.

#1

View Of Dogs Getting Their Picture Taken Mid-Walk And The POV Of Their Dog Walker

View Of Dogs Getting Their Picture Taken Mid-Walk And The POV Of Their Dog Walker

Majorpain2006 , runaround_hound Report

#2

How I Met My Human

How I Met My Human

alahmaad7 Report

#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

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

paper_plains Report

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

I tried to commit suicide in may and in August I will get my first own dog! I am so happy!!!

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

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

We really do not deserve them, and there is a reason DOG is GOD spelled backwards.

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

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".

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

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.

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

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 !).

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

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.

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

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. 🥰

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

Hey OP, I don't know you but I love you. Stay alive. Keep trying. It's all any of us can do.

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

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

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Janet Watson
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad you're here and so is he. Be good to yourself. You look like such a sweet person

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

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.

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

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!

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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.

#6

Gus 100% Believes Grammy’s Visits Are For Him. He’s Not Wrong

Gus 100% Believes Grammy’s Visits Are For Him. He’s Not Wrong

Fishmike52 Report

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.

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#7

Rozi The Cheetah And Her Companion Pup Daisy Have Grown Up Together

Rozi The Cheetah And Her Companion Pup Daisy Have Grown Up Together

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

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.

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#8

This Service Dog Got A Graduation Picture Next To His Owner

This Service Dog Got A Graduation Picture Next To His Owner

Zealousideal-Rule-24 Report

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#9

My Dog Is Terrified Of Thunderstorms But Decided To Protect My Twin Daughters From The Storm Anyway

My Dog Is Terrified Of Thunderstorms But Decided To Protect My Twin Daughters From The Storm Anyway

ReserveMaximum Report

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.

#11

Thankfully, I Saved This Little Guy From My Lawnmower Today

Thankfully, I Saved This Little Guy From My Lawnmower Today

pbmax542 Report

#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

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

MerleandMavis Report

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. 

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#14

Bun Jovi, The Rabbit, And His Pupper, Abel, Are Best Friends

Bun Jovi, The Rabbit, And His Pupper, Abel, Are Best Friends

IAmHappyPants Report

#15

When Dinner Is 7 PM And It’s Already 7:01 PM

When Dinner Is 7 PM And It’s Already 7:01 PM

Herwiththetwodogs Report

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

The Stray Cat I’m Feeding Has Made Friends With A Hedgehog

piggledy Report

“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.”

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#19

I’m So Proud Of Them For This

I’m So Proud Of Them For This

Mangestein Report

#20

After Dad Tells Sydney How Pretty She Is For A 13-Year-Old

After Dad Tells Sydney How Pretty She Is For A 13-Year-Old

Doctor_Gonzooo Report

#21

Met Some Friendly Black Sheep Today. They Ran Right Up To Greet Me

Met Some Friendly Black Sheep Today. They Ran Right Up To Greet Me

dickbob124 Report

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

My Grandmother tells me that in a family full of black sheep, I am her favourite Llama 🙃

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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

The Foster Kitties Are Growing So Fast With The Love Of Their Dog-Father

Ktycan Report

#23

A Fox Kit I Photographed

A Fox Kit I Photographed

Puzzleheaded_Fox4684 Report

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

The middle photo is one of the sweetest animal photos I’ve ever seen! ❤️

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#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

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

ThrowAwayNzProblem Report

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

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#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

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.

Pheobbiani Report

#28

My German Shepherd And The Stray Puppy I Was Afraid He Wouldn’t Get Along With

My German Shepherd And The Stray Puppy I Was Afraid He Wouldn’t Get Along With

squidly_doo Report

#29

Gave My Boy Mike A Middle Part

Gave My Boy Mike A Middle Part

bird_freakk Report

#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

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

bytesniper Report

#31

Panda Used To Be Very Shy, But Now She Loves To Get Attention

Panda Used To Be Very Shy, But Now She Loves To Get Attention

Modern-Moo Report

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

I know a bunch of bored pandas that love attention! (And yes I am obviously talking about myself as well! Lol)

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#32

Went To The Vet Today, 10/10 Customer Service

Went To The Vet Today, 10/10 Customer Service

AdvancedHat7630 Report

#33

Friendly Dog Follows Google Maps Snapper And Shows Up In Every Street View Shot

Friendly Dog Follows Google Maps Snapper And Shows Up In Every Street View Shot

imgur.com , boredpanda.com Report

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#34

Our Dog And Cats Have Their Own Pet Fish

Our Dog And Cats Have Their Own Pet Fish

bambi_gotback Report

#36

There Is Nothing Like Watching Your Relatives On TV

There Is Nothing Like Watching Your Relatives On TV

belkigeliryarin Report

#37

My Sister's Cats Sleep With Heart Tails

My Sister's Cats Sleep With Heart Tails

zeroThreeSix Report

#38

My 10-Year-Old Lab Is The Ultimate Nanny

My 10-Year-Old Lab Is The Ultimate Nanny

mycustomhotwheels Report

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

That is so gorgeous. And the kitten is showing it is curious, and not afraid. Ahhhhh...

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#39

My Horse Sitting Down

My Horse Sitting Down

bmoc9891 Report

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

so elegant and grazeful (its not a misspelling! the horse people know what im talking about! i hope)

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#40

First Day Home And My Little Furball Already Trusts Me Enough To Doze Off In The Safety Of My Hands. Pure Bliss

First Day Home And My Little Furball Already Trusts Me Enough To Doze Off In The Safety Of My Hands. Pure Bliss

OnlineCasinoCheck Report

#41

Enjoy This Sweet Girl's Content Face After Getting Her Coat Brushed

Enjoy This Sweet Girl's Content Face After Getting Her Coat Brushed

briblossom Report

#42

My Uncle Cut Holes In His Fence So That His Dog Could See Out

My Uncle Cut Holes In His Fence So That His Dog Could See Out

Legalize_Canada Report

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

Imagine walking past the fence and getting a cold, wet nose where you least expect it...

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#45

Squirrel Visits Almost Every Day

Squirrel Visits Almost Every Day

wherearemytweezers Report

#46

Every Time My Kid Takes A Shower

Every Time My Kid Takes A Shower

rotflolosaurus Report

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

They must believe the kid is in danger with the sound of running water 😻

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#48

My New Kitten And My Ferret Became Instant BFFs (They Are Always Supervised When Together)

My New Kitten And My Ferret Became Instant BFFs (They Are Always Supervised When Together)

Tacocat0927 Report

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

The lower photo shows a mischievous, plotting pair who will soon rule the entire household... :D

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#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

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

ActualBath Report

#50

My Cats Queue Politely Behind Each Other For Their Turn At The Food Dish

My Cats Queue Politely Behind Each Other For Their Turn At The Food Dish

jonosvision Report

Note: this post originally had 55 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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