AnimalsAUG 21, 2024

50 Outlandish Escapades Of Pets Who Somewhat Succeeded In Stealing Their Owner’s Food (New Pics)

Eglė Bliabaitė, Oleksandra Kyryliuk and Mindaugas Balčiauskas

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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!

#21 No Trick Is Too Dirty When It Comes To Cake

Zunicero

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124points

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

forever_flowers

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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

burritosliced

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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

Daveebob

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121points

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.