Pets are great companions, but they can also be a handful.
If you have a dog, you know they have no concept of your personal space, and if you have a cat, they've surely sat right in the middle of your work ... rather than the comfy couch next to you.
From the joys to the pains, here are 20 photos every pet owner can relate to.
Every pet owner understands what it's like to see their dog or cat grow from a boisterous puppy or kitten to a full-grown (and sometimes cantankerous) animal.
A playful kitten chews on the ear of a grumpy cat.
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Part of the joy of owning a pet is having a companion that changes with you over time.
Owning a dog means taking them for a walk come rain or shine or snow.
A man walks with his dog in the snow.
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Every owner knows what it's like to feel tired but still need to take your dog for walk. Sometimes it's raining, sometimes it's cold, but often your dog is none the wiser.
But you'd never dream of skipping it. A walk gives your dog exercise, burns off their energy, and helps avoid any accidents indoors.
Sometimes when you go for a walk, your dog has other ideas.
Woman struggling with her dog.
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Maybe they saw another passing dog or a nearby squirrel. Maybe they're just being fussy, but sometimes it feels like a full-body exercise wrestling for control of your dog's leash.
Giving a dog a bath can be an ordeal in itself ... sometimes resulting in you getting one as well.
A dog getting shampooed.
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Dogs often hate having baths because they don't like the loss of control that comes with having water dumped over them. Whereas a dog may happily splash through rain puddles, they might put up a fight when it comes to bath time.
If you've ever had to bathe your cat, you probably know this glare all too well.
An owner with their dog.
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Nothing says your dog loves you more than a face full of their saliva. Dogs are affectionate creatures that enjoy sharing the love with their owners.
... while having a cat means sometimes getting poked in the face.
Woman with her cat.
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Cats feel with their paws, and that means sometimes using your face as a makeshift scratching post when they're feeling affectionate or playful.
It can also mean having a constant work companion taking shelter on your desk.
A woman with her cat.
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Cat owners who work from home know what it feels like when their cat mistakes their computer mouse for, well, a mouse.
Cats are agile creatures who love to climb and find themselves in interesting locations.
A cat on the top of a door.
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This cat has reached the top of a door, although it looks like it might be regretting its decision.
Every owner knows their cat is determined to squeeze into any box, no matter how small.
Cat in a box.
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If it fits, it sits. There's a reason some people think cats are liquid. Cats love unconventional lounging choices and squeezing into small spaces.
Every pet owner knows what it feels like to cuddle up with their pet after a long day.
A woman with her cat.
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Hugging your pet can relieve stress and help with anxiety and depression. Being close to your pet raises oxytocin levels in your brain, which are responsible for increased positive moods.
But pets can also interrupt intimate moments between couples.
A couple and their dog.
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Pets like dogs and cats aren't one for personal boundaries and that includes interfering with romantic moments.
Dogs will also disturb your sleep by pulling the comforter off your bed.
A dog pulling a blanket.
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Why would you ever think you're allowed to stop paying them attention?
They'll also wake you up early in the morning or in the middle of the night.
A dog barking.
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Dogs can be vocal creatures. They may be barking for a number of reasons, but every pet owner knows what it feels like to cover their ears with a pillow or try to calm their dog.
Every owner knows what it's like to put out a bowl of food for their pet and nearly lose a hand.
Two cats and a dog enjoy feeding time.
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Pets often have scheduled times when they eat each meal, creating structure around their daily lives.
But that doesn't stop a pet from begging for food when their owner is eating.
A begging dog.
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Pets love to beg for human food (even when it's not good for them) by tugging at their owner's legs or sniffing around the dinner table.
Every pet owner loves taking selfies with their dog.
Woman takes selfie with dog.
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