But sometimes we see a photo of an animal that just feels like it radiates love. In those cases, it almost seems wrong to insist that animals can’t experience that emotion.
These 40+ animals are all affectionate in their own way, and one thing is pretty clear – they’re in a good place, and the moments captured in these photos melt our hearts.
1. Pets are love
Even birds can show their owners love.
How sweet is this feathered friend?!
2. Hello there
This sweet kitty just wants some love from the one she loves.
3. The coverup
Everybody likes a nice warm blanket to enhance their naptime and this furry babysitter is making sure the baby is warm, cozy, and bundled up tight.
4. Birdy bliss
They now share the same happy home.
5. We all have bad days
They don’t make you talk about it, they just give you the unconditional love you need to put yourself back together.
When she comes home from a long day at school, having a bad day, been told off or sad… She cuddles her best friend. from r/aww
6. Hush little baby, don’t you cry
This human-cat team rescued a crying kitten from the street and the resident feline made sure the baby knew everything was going to be alright.
7. Medical team
It’s like they have a sixth sense that alerts them to when we’re feeling ill so they can be nearby.
8. Gym partner
This person’s cat has taken on the responsibility, even waiting in the lobby for him to finish.
This cat follows his owner to the gym and then sits in reception waiting for his owner to finish their workout before walking them home. from r/aww
9. Baby mine
But many pups are so happy to see their new siblings that they immediately become caretakers and protectors to the most vulnerable members of the household.
10. A sixth sense
They also bug you when you don’t, but that’s beside the point.
My cat decided to arrive at precisely the right moment during story time with my daughter. from r/aww
11. Somebody to lean on
But it’s just as likely that the pup is lending dad some early morning moral support.
12. I pet your face
Some people assume cats aren’t very loving creatures, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
13. Support system
If only we were still small enough to Netflix and chill like this.
14. Friends forever
Sometimes we even feel a little jealous when we’re not included.
My dog, who has never liked cats, adopted my bottle baby foster kitten. She adopted him too, I think. from r/aww
15. Big spoon
They’re like two peas in a pod.
16. Making it work
Sometimes you just have to improvise.
My boyfriend Cliff works from home, but our kitten Simon insists on being held multiple times throughout the day. This was impacting Cliff’s ability to get work done so we had to fashion a kitten sling so that Simon could get his snuggles in and Cliff could work. from r/aww
17. It’s so hard to say goodbye
Is someone cutting onions in here?
18. Stuck like glue
And those rare, wonderful moments when our cats are in the same mood are certainly photo-worthy!
19. Fluffy nurse
It’s nice to know someone cares!
20. Spoonman
How sweet are these two?
21. Protecting the littles
This baby is well-protected by her furry guardians.
22. Partners in crime
It’s so easy to get away with being naughty and/or goofy with a furry friend nearby.
23. I’d rather be with you
That or it’s a very compelling book!
24. Freedom kitten
How awesome is it that these guys took in a stray and gave it some love while on duty?
And it looks like this kitten is repaying the favor by being a real sweetheart.
25. Guard dog
The pup looks simply smitten!
26. I wanna hold your hand
But this just goes to show that this relationship can work out better than you might imagine if you give it a chance.
27. Pregnancy pal
This sweet pit bull looks like it’s not going to let any harm come to the newest family member.
28. No naughty cats here
Just look at that innocent face!
29. Support system
These two are simply the sweetest!
This is Daisy and Luna. Daisy doesn’t like car rides so Luna comforts her until they both fall asleep. H*ckin heartwarming. 13/10 for each pic.twitter.com/dxUWUWmYCG
— WeRateDogs® (@dog_rates) August 16, 2018
30. You’re all mine
Some people think dogs are the only animals that wrap their paws around their owners, but they’re sorely mistaken.
31. They grow on you
But we love seeing the relationship work out like this.
32. Learning to trust
And all of a sudden someone is cutting onions in here.
33. The look of love
This pup sure did and we’re melting over it.
This is true love from r/aww
34. Love is wild
But it’s pretty obvious that this rescued cheetah has been around humans for quite some time and appreciates what they’ve done to make it safe and loved.
35. Thanks for the save
And she looks like she can’t wait to start her new life with dad.
36. Family comes in all shapes and sizes
Isn’t it wonderful when pets welcome little ones into the family with no drama?
37. Pillow pals
Imagine having this photo to look back on your whole life.
38. Operation donkey
It just goes to show you that all animals have love in their hearts if they’re treated well.
39. Special moments
Sometimes dogs really do make the best company though!
40. Everything’s gonna be alright
It’s probably pushing it to say dogs have empathy, since that’s a human trait, but they certainly have their own way of making us feel loved.
There, there human from r/aww
41. It takes all kinds
All you need to do is treat them well and they’ll return the favor.