We all love our pets, but let’s face it: sometimes they can be real jerks. And that goes for animals of every kind. Most people think that cats are usually the ones who are jerks, and they’re right to a degree. But don’t discount other animals, too.
Yup, everything from dogs to lizards to birds to fish can be jerks. Whether that means playing too rough, making a mess, or stealing your food, they know we love them — and they have no problem taking advantage of that.
So, what are we to do when our pets act like jerks? Well, there’s not much you can do. Clean up their messes, snap a photo, and remember that you love them, even when they’re on their worst behavior. After all, the mess won’t last, but that picture and memory will.
Of course, if you’re thinking about adopting a pet for the first time, you might want to look through these photos before you do. Sure, not all of them involve the destruction of property, but a lot of them do. If you’re renting your home, just know you might not get your security deposit back.
Is it worth it? Sure. It’s hard to stay mad at these lovable pets.
Sometimes, pets develop fixations you can’t really explain. This oddball cat decided he really liked men’s underwear and socks. His bewildered owners had to send a notice out to the neighborhood about his impressive collection.
2. The shower curtain shredder
When this kitten was discovered by her owner in the process of destroying the shower curtain, she had the good grace to look ashamed for a moment. But that only lasted briefly before the thrill of the hunt started again.
3. The dog who wanted a raft no matter what the cost
This dog was excited at the sight of its favorite pool float. In fact, it was so excited it was willing to almost drown its owner to get it.
You might not know it to look at them, but some birds have incredibly strong beaks. Just take this little guy who destroyed his carrier and isn’t afraid to do it again.
This manuscript dating from the 1400s has some tiny cat paw prints tracked across it. That just goes to show that some animals have been jerks for a long time.
6. The worst gift giver ever
This cat owner wasn’t exactly surprised — or excited — to find a hairball on the floor one morning. They were surprised, however, to see that it had been decorated with a bow.
This poster woke to hear their parrot yelling, “Help me! Help me!” Usually, that meant the bird’s leg was stuck in the cage. This time it meant “I’m being attacked by a hungry cat!”
8. The dog who cried wolf
This dog is trying to get its owner to shake its paw, just like it was trained to do. But it’s playing a sneaky game where it fakes him out every time.
9. The snake who got revenge
Life must be crazy when you own an enormous snake named Julius. This creature was mad that she (yes, she) wasn’t allowed on the couch. So she tried to pee on the shoes.
10. The cat that found a comfy spot
It seems like cats will snuggle up on any surface they can. Sometimes, that means unrolling a roll of paper towels to get comfy.
11. The hot weather lover
This cat owner was sweating in their non-air-conditioned home and was desperately trying to cool off in front of the fan. Unfortunately, their cat found out how to unplug it, turning it into a game.
12. The bartender who cuts you off
This is how to ruin good wine, dog style: plunk your tennis ball right in the glass. It’s much more direct than telling your human it’s time to take a break.
I’m sure this cat had a nice clean litter box somewhere nearby. However, that didn’t stop it from climbing into the dog’s food dish and letting loose.
14. The one who could open car windows
If your dog knows how to open car windows, there are a few bad times for them to do it. While you’re going through a car wash is probably pretty high on the list.
15. The one who loves a good fire
Who doesn’t love relaxing in front of a warm fire on a cold winter’s day? However, most of us probably don’t love it enough to sit on top of a cat for prime access.
16. The disappearing baker
This cat owner was happily baking a pie and getting ready to load it up with all kinds of delicious things. They turned back to find this solitary paw print indicating they weren’t baking alone.
This cat’s owners were trying to watch a show, but she wasn’t happy about not having the attention on her. This was her solution. Thanks a lot, cat.
18. The one who steals from babies
This parent thought their baby was really tucking away their lunch. But then they turned to find the cat doing this. It knew it had easy access to food.
19. The fighting siblings
Siblings fights seems like a universal truth, no matter what species you belong to. Just look at these misbehaving dog sibs who are having fun torturing each other.
This cat somehow climbed up to the satellite dish, probably blocking the home’s signal. Judging by the look on that face, it’s not sorry at all.
These cats didn’t have a convenient cat door, so they made one for themselves. You may have a shoji (that’s what that door is called!) or cats, but not both.
Who could possibly have destroyed all these pillows? Not this sweet little guy, right? His innocent face is way too cute to be the culprit.
This bird was not about to let their owner enjoy a quiet evening with a puzzle. It was quick to start attacking the pieces, then pooping on them.
Hm, I don’t remember this pose from my yoga classes. Is it “yowling cat, claws in eyes”? It doesn’t look very relaxing.
25. The weird one in the neighborhood
You thought you had it bad because your neighbor mows their lawn at 7:00 in the morning. This fish actually eats its tankmates and then spits them out again. So rude.
This dog was just trying to enjoy a refreshing drink of water from the hose when his brother stepped in to interrupt. The poor pup’s face says it all.
One cat owner awoke at 3:00 a.m. to find their cat standing on the top of the door and yowling loudly. His creative genius doesn’t wait for the sun!
28. The jungle gym enthusiasts
Who said only house pets can be jerks? These goats are doing what most goats do…being tiny, adorable little monsters. They have no sense of personal space.
29. The straight-up murderer
This dramatic scene looks like it’s a fight between two siblings over which of them is their owner’s favorite. It’s downright Shakespearean, isn’t it?
30. The one that ruins snuggle
This cat and dog were peacefully coexisting side by side when the dog decided to ruin it for no reason. Some people (and dogs) just don’t know a good thing when they see it.
Look at that! Two perfectly clean litter boxes, both tidy and comfortable! Then there’s this jerk of a cat that decided to poop directly between them. Maybe he just couldn’t make up his mind?
Turtles are cold-blooded, which means they need an external source of warmth to be, well, warm. Sorry, turtle, this kitty found a warm lamp and it’s hers now.
33. The two who just had a bath
These two dogs literally just got a bath, which means it’s the perfect time to go romp in some mud puddles! They might need to chill outside for a while.
Any pet can be a jerk, and that goes for ferrets, too! This ferret and dog are close to the same size, with the ferret is using it to his advantage.
This cat’s owner couldn’t help but wonder why his room was so cold when he had the heat running. It turns out it was because all that heat was being funneled into one fluffy belly.
36. The other energy saver
Maybe he’s just passionate about reducing their carbon footprint, but was it really necessary to shove the air conditioning unit out the window and smash it? Those things are expensive!
Cats seem to love stealing clothes. On this list, we’ve had a cat that stole underwear and socks, and now there’s Smokey, the kitty who likes to steal shoes. My new theory is that cats know they’re naked and they don’t like it.
The funniest thing about this is how terrified that poor dog looks. I won’t even bother asking why someone has a pet mallard that’s allowed to wander through their home.
This dog had the entire yard to use as his toilet, but apparently, he was too good to use the ground. Instead, he deposited his mess inside a helmet.
40. The bunny with no personal bubble
This bunny was looking for a soft, comfortable, squishy seat, and you can’t blame it for that. Unfortunately, the best one it could find was another bunny.
Snuggles with your pets are great, but there’s a line to be drawn. Here’s a word to the wise — if you have a pet that likes to snuggle but it can’t breathe, you might be too close.
42. The one with no compassion
Some animals, when they see their brothers or sisters in distress, go out of their way to become caretakers, making sure they’re comforted and at peace. This cat, on the other hand, doesn’t really care what the dog is going through.
This smug dog stole its owner’s place on the bed and then gave them this look. Yup, that dog knows exactly what it’s done and it’s not the slightest bit sorry.
These donkeys know this isn’t their car and they don’t care. You might even say they’re making real asses of themselves.
45. The one with cold feet
If you have pets, you know never to leave uncovvered food out. Usually, it’s because the animals will eat it. In this case, it’s because they’ll warm their bean toes on it.
46. This mischievous horse
This horse decided to root around in the trash can that someone left by its stall. Fun fact: horses get bored just like humans. So, they might want to give him a ball or a toy. Still, total jerk move.
This bunny hasn’t gotten the memo that it’s a rabbit and not a cat. Or maybe it hasn’t gotten the memo that’s cat food and not rabbit food. Or maybe it just doesn’t care.
Can you say “invasion of personal space”? This iguana has no concept of it. It wants to get to one place, and this guy’s face is the only path it’ll consider taking.
Have you ever heard anyone say, “You live like a pig!” This pet actually does, meaning that it destroys pillows when its owner is out of town.
Cats want to sit smack dab in the middle of whatever their owners are doing as a way of being the center of attention. Or maybe this cat just really hates puzzles.
51. The Cain and Abel pair
If you can’t tell, there are two bunnies in this picture — brothers, in fact. The black one is on the bottom getting suffocated by his sibling.
52. The interior designer
See those patches? Those are recent additions by the owner after Tweety here decided to peck through the wall. His expression says he’ll do it again, too.
53. The destructive mouse
This mouse looks like it’s having the time of its life destroying a pillow, and it’s really done a number on it! Since it’s hard to read a mouse’s expression, there’s no knowing whether it feels shame, but probably not.
54. These outdoor enthusiasts
These cats were so excited to see what was going on outside they just had to climb up on their owner for a better view. You guys couldn’t have used the windowsill?
This guy was just trying to take a selfie when he noticed something odd going on in the background. His cat was helping itself to some delicious nachos. What a jerk.
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We all love our pets, but let’s face it: sometimes they can be real jerks. And that goes for animals of every kind. Most people think that cats are usually the ones who are jerks, and they’re right to a degree. But don’t discount other animals, too.
Yup, everything from dogs to lizards to birds to fish can be jerks. Whether that means playing too rough, making a mess, or stealing your food, they know we love them — and they have no problem taking advantage of that.
So, what are we to do when our pets act like jerks? Well, there’s not much you can do. Clean up their messes, snap a photo, and remember that you love them, even when they’re on their worst behavior. After all, the mess won’t last, but that picture and memory will.
Of course, if you’re thinking about adopting a pet for the first time, you might want to look through these photos before you do. Sure, not all of them involve the destruction of property, but a lot of them do. If you’re renting your home, just know you might not get your security deposit back.
Is it worth it? Sure. It’s hard to stay mad at these lovable pets.
