Although they don’t communicate like we do, our pets often seem to understand us better than most people. Whether they’re curled up in our laps or gazing quietly into our eyes, they have an uncanny ability to sense what we’re feeling and going through.
But there’s one thing they seem to struggle with—or maybe just choose to ignore—and that’s the concept of personal space.
The animals we’ve gathered from across the internet definitely don’t mind getting up close and personal. And while they may have no sense of boundaries, their hilarious antics are impossible to resist. So, let’s laugh at their adorable mischief together!
#1 I Hope I Never Have Personal Space Again
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#2 Hello Everyone
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When it comes to pets that just can’t seem to respect personal space, cats are probably the biggest offenders. To find out why they’re so clingy, Bored Panda reached out to Alex Worth, a certified cat behaviorist and member of the International Society of Animal Professionals.
“A cat’s attachment style and level of clinginess is influenced by a combination of early life experiences with human interaction as well as individual personality differences,” explains Worth.
#3 My Dogs Most Favorite Person In The World Is My Grandma. It Was Her 89th Birthday Yesterday, He Had To Greet Her With A Proper Hug
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#4 There's No Such Thing As Personal Space When Water Is Involved
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#5 I Guess My Puppy Doesn’t Know How Big He Is Anymore
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“While kittens that receive extensive positive socialization during a critical developmental window (2-7 weeks) are more likely to form secure attachments,” says Worth, “individual cats can also vary in their innate tendencies to be more independent or more prone to strong bonds with their owners.”
“Some cats are simply more extroverted and affectionate by nature, while others are more aloof and prefer their own space,” she adds.
#6 They Have No Regard For Each Other's Personal Space And Will Fight All Day But When It Comes To Nap Time They'll Cuddle Up In One Of Their Many Beds
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#7 I Met This Arctic Fox In Iceland, Once. Up Close And Personal
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#8 Brought A New Puppy Home 2 Weeks Ago
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Now, if you haven’t spent much time around cats, you might not realize just how insistent they can be when they want to be close to you. But if you’re a cat owner, you know the drill—your pet claiming your computer as their personal nap spot while you’re trying to work, or jumping straight onto your lap the second you sit down, leaving you stuck until they decide it’s time to move. That’s just how it goes.
#9 Cuddle Monster
Girlfriend caught me and my girl napping. Zero concept of personal space or her size but makes a good weighted blanket ?
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#10 That’s Fine Dottie. Just So Long As You’re Comfortable!
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#11 Our Older Cat Just Realized That Our Kitten Has Gotten Big Enough To Put Up A Fight
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“Cats’ tendency to lie near or on top of their owners is driven by their instinctual need for security and warmth, rather than a strong desire for social interaction,” says Worth. “We believe this behavior is an evolutionary adaptation—wild cats and domestic cats alike seek out enclosed, heated areas to conserve body heat and feel safe. Lying close to their human caretakers helps fulfill this innate drive.”
#12 So This Is What I Have To Deal With Now…
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#13 What Did I Do Before My Little Therapy Dog??
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#14 No Such Thing As Personal Space With A Pit Bull
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Some research also suggests that cats like to make themselves at home on computers because they enjoy imitating humans.
However, Dr. David Sands, an expert in animal psychology, believes it’s more to do with their owners’ scent.
#15 On The Train And Saw This Friendly Face
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#16 Somebody Gave Rat Poison To My Cat Simba (Orange) And Now He’s Slowly Recovering With Treatment. Luna My Other Cat Loves Her Personal Space But Decided To Keep Him Company During His Recovery And My Heart Is Just Melting
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#17 This Is Dorito. Dorito Doesn't Understand What Personal Space Is. I Woke Up Like This This Morning
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“You won’t be able to sniff it, but a cat can smell you all over the keyboard,” says Sands in a conversation with BBC. “Cats are scent machines from the end of the tail to the tip of their nose. Their world is about scent—their eyesight’s developed for night-time hunting, meaning their sense of smell is really important at other times.”
#18 How Dozer Gets Off The Bed. Keep In Mind He Had Plenty Of Room To Go Around Instead Of Over
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#19 Personal Space? I Love Your Personal Space!
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#20 What Exactly Is Personal Space, Again?
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But that doesn’t necessarily mean your cat sits on your laptop because they love the way you smell, according to Sands.
“It’s more probable your cat wants to deposit its own scent and supplant yours. It’s all about ownership—by doing this your cat is effectively saying ‘I own you!’” he says.
“People always think cats rubbing themselves against you or things you touch are expressing love. But actually, cats are very possessing individuals. For them, the more they can brush past you and deposit your scent, the better!”
#21 My Roommate Takes Up All The Mousepad Space. Advice Is Welcome
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#22 I Tried To Create Some Personal Space With My Knee, But He’s A Husky And Personal Space Is Not Allowed
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#23 Personal Space Issues Getting Ridiculous Now!
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As endearing as it is to have a cuddly, needy cat, Worth notes that excessive clinginess can sometimes signal underlying issues like separation anxiety or cognitive decline.
“Cats with separation anxiety may display distress behaviors like vocalizing, pacing, or destructiveness when left alone,” she says. “This is more common in cats that weren’t properly socialized during critical developmental stages.”
If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, Worth recommends consulting a vet. “It’s important to rule out any medical causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan,” she encourages.
#24 There's No Such Thing As Personal Space When You Have A Cat
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#25 8 Years Ago You Guys Loved This Pic Of Me And My Golden, Update-She Still Hasn’t Learned Personal Space
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#26 These Sweet Sisters Have Snuggled Since The Day They Were Born. They (And Their Mom) Were Supposed To Be Fosters, But I Couldn't Bear To Separate Them With How Close They Are
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#27 Goaterus Is Trying To Provoke Marshmallow Who Has The Patience Of Buddha
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#28 Not Working Today, Dude
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#29 It Took A Year Or So Before They Would Sleep Close To Each Other. Now, This Is What I See All The Time
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#30 Anyone Else’s Pibble Have No Sense Of Personal Space?
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#31 Oh, Hi Mom. Mind If I Take A Load Off?
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#32 I Don’t Think Cats Understand The Concept Of Personal Space?
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#33 My Shep Has Great Respect For Personal Space
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#34 Whiskey Reminding The Dog Who's The Goodest Boy
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#35 He’d Live In My Skin If He Could
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#36 Personal Space Does Not Exist!
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#37 My Personal Assistant Is Sleeping On The Job
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#38 No Personal Space
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#39 Personal Space Issues You Ask?
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#40 How About Some Pics Of Dogs Not Understanding The Concept Of Personal Space?
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#41 Josie Is A Firm Believer That Personal Space Is Myth
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#42 For Some Reason I Don't Think She's Thrilled About Her Younger Sister
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#43 Sure, Wherever You're Comfortable, Clawdia
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#44 Personal Space Is Non Existent
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#45 Show Me Pictures Of Your Puppies Annoying Their Siblings
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#46 Dear Cat: Out Of All The Places To Take A Nap, Thanks For Being A Dweeb And Choosing To Flop In My Work Space. I Cannot Imagine This Is Comfortable In Any Way, But You’re Really Cute
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#47 What’s Personal Space?
Never heard of it!
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#48 Anyone Else’s Weens Have No Sense Of Personal Space?
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#49 Someone Doesn't Understand Personal Space
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#50 Bruno Is The Most Tolerant Boy Ever…teddy Doesn’t Understand Personal Space
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