Bored Panda
50 Times People Got Their Pet A Sibling And Documented How It Went
AnimalsJAN 23, 2024

50 Times People Got Their Pet A Sibling And Documented How It Went

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Despite not being humans, we often see our fuzzy friends as members of our family and household, who live under one roof, sharing good times and bad. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that some of our pets might start to act like the other animals in the home are basically their family as well. 
People from across the internet share funny, cute, and adorable photos of pet pairs, from actual siblings to interspecies found-families. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites, and be sure to share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. We also got in touch with Nina Thompson from the San Diego Humane Society to learn more.

#1 Best Picture I Could Ever Hope To Get Of These Two

Best Picture I Could Ever Hope To Get Of These Two
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275points

#2 The Shelter Has Made A Rule That These Siblings Must Be Adopted Together Because They Are Inseparable. They Sleep This Way Every Night

The Shelter Has Made A Rule That These Siblings Must Be Adopted Together Because They Are Inseparable. They Sleep This Way Every Night
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274points

#3 This Big Brother Helps His Baby Sister Use The Dog Door. He Stands There And Lets The Baby Go Through His Legs

This Big Brother Helps His Baby Sister Use The Dog Door. He Stands There And Lets The Baby Go Through His Legs
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266points

Bored Panda got in touch with Nina Thompson from the San Diego Humane Society to learn a bit more about animal friendships and she was kind enough to answer some questions. “At San Diego Humane Society we witness a wide variety of animal friendships. One special case is a dog named Bunny, who came to us with her seven puppies as a stray in November of 2022. Once Bunny’s puppies were weaned and old enough to be adopted, it was Bunny's turn to find a home.”

“However, without her puppies, Bunny's behavior shifted and she became shut down. We sent her to a foster home to help her through this time, but even still she struggled. The foster's child started giving Bunny stuffed animals for company and she would groom them and interact. So we found a young shelter puppy to send to foster with Bunny and she came to life! When that puppy was adopted we found her another new dog friend. Bunny has befriended many dogs during her time at the shelter, often with other shy dogs who also do well with dog friends.”

#4 My Parents Found A Kitten And Our Rottweiler Found A New Friend To Look After

My Parents Found A Kitten And Our Rottweiler Found A New Friend To Look After
246points

#5 They Slept Together Like This All Night Long

They Slept Together Like This All Night Long
245points

#6 Our Kitten Found A Cozy Spot In-Between His New Brother And Sister

Our Kitten Found A Cozy Spot In-Between His New Brother And Sister
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234points

“Bunny is currently in fostering with her latest pal, Johnny On The Spot. Bunny is required to go to a home with a social dog to be an emotional support for her. She's been with the San Diego Humane Society for 425 days and is seeking the perfect home and dog friend. If you are interested in learning more about Bunny, here is a link to her adoption profile,” she shared with Bored Panda. 

#7 I Heard A Scuffle, Then Silence

I Heard A Scuffle, Then Silence
Brothers. What can you do.
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230points

#8 Don’t Get A Kitten And A Husky They Said

Don’t Get A Kitten And A Husky They Said
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223points

#9 Practically Twins. Just Look At Those Ears

Practically Twins. Just Look At Those Ears
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218points

“She also had some suggestions for readers who would like to help animals in need. “Shelters across the county, including San Diego Humane Society, are over capacity and struggling to keep up with the constant influx of animals. Most shelters are especially over capacity with large dogs. Here are some ways community members can help save animals:

Adopt: If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, San Diego Humane Society urges you to consider adoption first. By opening your home to a shelter pet, you give a deserving animal a second chance while creating critically needed space for other pets in need. Jan. 26-28, 2024, adoption fees will be 50% off for adult dogs at all San Diego Humane Society campuses. There are currently 240 adult dogs available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society.

Foster: With shelters facing space crises, fosters are more critical than ever. By temporarily opening your home to a pet, you give them a break from the shelter — and help preserve extremely strained shelter resources. Whether you choose to foster for a few days or weeks, it all makes a difference. At San Diego Humane Society, we provide all the supplies, you provide the safe space and love.”

#10 My Kitties (Brothers, 10 Months) Are So Connected, They Always Do The Same Things

My Kitties (Brothers, 10 Months) Are So Connected, They Always Do The Same Things
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210points

#11 While On Holiday, My Sister Asked For A Picture Of Her Two Cats. This Is What She Got

While On Holiday, My Sister Asked For A Picture Of Her Two Cats. This Is What She Got
209points

#12 Autumn Has Been Teaching Her Brother A Thing Or Two

Autumn Has Been Teaching Her Brother A Thing Or Two
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204points

The classic animal love-hate relationship is between a dog and a cat. These two pets, stereotypically, are seen as so different that they can’t even help but annoy each other. The bubbly, friendly, clumsy, and overbearing dog, who just wants to play, with the aloof, “superior” and deeply proud cat is a match made in hell.

#13 Typical Sibling Behavior

Typical Sibling Behavior
203points

#14 My Friend Runs An Animal Temp House. This Is Usually How Young Fluffs Look Up To Their Older Temporary Sister, Who's Clearly Had Enough Of Their Shenanigans

My Friend Runs An Animal Temp House. This Is Usually How Young Fluffs Look Up To Their Older Temporary Sister, Who's Clearly Had Enough Of Their Shenanigans
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200points

#15 These Two Siblings Have Been Inseparable Since We Adopted Them

These Two Siblings Have Been Inseparable Since We Adopted Them
199points

However, this is more often the case when an older house cat has “its” space invaded by a new and very energetic puppy. In reality, cats and dogs often have been seen exhibiting signs of friendliness. In fact, this can go as far as dogs “adopting” certain cat behaviors. For example, researchers have observed cats and dogs performing “nose sniffing” which is a distinct cat behavior. This means that a dog has not only learned and observed this move but is willing to do it with its friend. 

#16 Madeline And Isabelle - Sisters From Different Litters, Up To No Good

Madeline And Isabelle - Sisters From Different Litters, Up To No Good
192points

#17 When Your Parents Make You Hang Out With The Annoying Kid

When Your Parents Make You Hang Out With The Annoying Kid
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192points

#18 My Friend's Golden Retriever Has Taken Quite A Shine To His Feathered Siblings

My Friend's Golden Retriever Has Taken Quite A Shine To His Feathered Siblings
184points

The real reason why many animals form “unlikely” friendships with other beasts from different species stems from the same reason we have domesticated them in the first place. Domesticated animals have been selectively bred to be docile and generally friendly. After all, if a cow and a human can be “friends” then it’s by no means strange that a cow and a ram could do the same thing. After all, they probably share a lot more, from a love of grass to hoof fashion. Humans could never relate. 

#19 My Sister's Cat Was Lonely, So They Got Another Kitten. I Think They’re Getting Along Just Fine

My Sister's Cat Was Lonely, So They Got Another Kitten. I Think They’re Getting Along Just Fine
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183points

#20 I Was Trying To Take A Nice Photo Of My Cat, But Then His Brother Suddenly Photobombed Him

I Was Trying To Take A Nice Photo Of My Cat, But Then His Brother Suddenly Photobombed Him
183points
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