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These 23 Unlikely Animal Friendships Will Melt Your Heart

These unusual animal pairings are sure to make you smile.

Cat riding on dog's back
iStock

Animals might care as much about friendship as humans do. Humans like to have pals with different interests and backgrounds, and it seems some animals feel the same. For proof of these cute and diverse companionships, we have compiled 23 of the most adorable and unlikely animal friendships.


1 | This cuddly dog-and-cat duo

Pug and cat huggingShutterstock

The old adage "fighting like cats and dogs" doesn't seem to apply here.

2 | These farm animal friends

Cow and sheep hanging outShutterstock

The farm dream team.

3 | This kitten and duckling pair

Kitten and baby chickShutterstock

These two fresh-faced fluffs make a perfect pair.

4 | These curiously sized creatures

Big dog and tiny horse probably little sebastianShutterstock

If there was ever a time for the expression "that dog is as big as a horse," it would be now.

5 | These Easter friends

Bunny and chick cuddlingShutterstock

This Easter basket starter pack makes us excited for spring.

6 | These zoo pals

Giraffe and elephant hanging outShutterstock

The only thing cuter than a giraffe/elephant friendship is a baby giraffe and baby elephant friendship.

7 | This unusual duo

Crocodile with a butterfly on the top of its headShutterstock

Butterflies actually hang out with crocodiles quite often. In fact, in 2014, aquatic ecologist Carlos de la Rosa discovered that butterflies drink crocodile tears. As the scientist outlines in his paper published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, these tears are full of sodium, which butterflies need for their metabolic and reproductive processes.

8 | This sweet puppy/piglet pairing

Saint Bernard puppy and pigletShutterstock

This Saint Bernard is definitely showing his plump piglet pal some puppy love.

9 | This symbiotic relationship

Oxpecker on antelope's headiStock

This oxpecker is hitching a free ride on the head of their impala friend while looking for snacks. The oxpecker and impala antelope actually have a symbiotic relationship: While the oxpecker makes a meal out of ticks, the impala is freed from the little bloodsuckers.

10 | This moo-tiful friendship

Cow and pig eating togetheriStock

The internet is surprisingly filled with cute videos of friendships between cows and pigs.

11 | This dog/frog friendship

Dog with frog on headShutterstock

This dog looks completely unbothered by the fact that his best frog friend is hanging out on his head. It looks like something straight out of a children's book!

12 | This potbelly pig and pretty deer

Pot belly big and a small pigShutterstock

We've never seen this version of Bambi, but we'd certainly love to.

13 | This Sphynx cat and ferret friendship

Sphynx cat and a ferretShutterstock

These two cuddly creatures make an unlikely but precious pair.

14 | This frog and butterfly bond

Frog with butterfly on headShutterstock

Before this picture was taken, these two friends even appeared to share a kiss. D'aww!

15 | This sweet Serengeti alliance

Giraffe and ostrich walkingShutterstock

Nothing to see here; just two long-legged animals strutting their stuff through the desert in perfect harmony.

16 | This lazy, lounging pair

Monkey hugging lounging catShutterstock

This cat lounging in their monkey friend's arms looks so cozy.

17 | These cold weather comrades

Polar bear and dogShutterstock

These two are probably bonding over their love of snow.

18 | This domesticated duo

Cat kissing baby bunnyiStock

Bunnies and cats don't always get along—but when they do, they make for one adorable duo.

19 | This meow-nificant friendship

Cats and an owlShutterstock

This tiny trio has stolen our hearts!

20 | This boar and bunny pair

Sleepy boar and bunniesShutterstock

This sleepy boar is crushing a nap while his bunny buddies happily hop around.

21 | This tiger and bear bond

Tiger and bear hanging outShutterstock

"Tigers and bears, oh my!"

22 | This unlikely dog/bunny friendship

Bunny on dog's backShutterstock

This bunny-and-dog duo is on high alert for people who want to pet them.

23 | This baby animal alliance

White lion cub and kittenShutterstock

These two youngins are forming a forever bond.

Additional reporting by Sarah Crow.