20+ Kitties and Puppies Who Gained 1 lb of Boldness and 20 lbs of Charm With Age

It seems that cats are born independent cuties, while dogs are born friendly little guys who we want to hug and pet without even thinking. In most cases, it really does happen like this. But it turns out that there are animals who have to have to come a long way from their ugly duckling selves to the beautiful swan they turn out to be. Anyway, they get their fair share of attention and hugs too.

Today Bright Side decided to show you 20+ photos of pets who needed a little bit more time to let their inner beauty shine.

21.

“Nimbus looks a bit different a year later.”

20.

“You might think that the big dog is the one who runs the show, but in fact, it’s this small fluff who does it. Bear is very bold and powerful, but I think Tuco simply lets him do it.”

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“This is my granddog. Kuechly the plusky, pit-lab-husky mix. And his ears are a perfect fit for his attitude.”

17.

“We found her alone in a parking lot, dirty, and her eyes were completely crusted shut. We had to syringe feed her by hand because she was so little. This year, she turns 8.”

16.

“From sad potato to happy heeler. She just recently turned 1.”

15.

“From 2 hours old to 8 weeks old — my precious orphaned foster child. She never learned how to be a real cat, so her mannerisms are all out of context, she flicks her tail and growls when she’s getting cuddles and I don’t know how to teach her that that’s not what normal cats do.”

14.

13.

“I finally captured the perfect picture of Loki.”

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“Harvey’s skinny body was found abandoned in a ditch, soaking wet. He was infested with fleas, anemic, and starving. Fast forward 5 years, he’s now a confident, happy, healthy boy with a career in modeling.”

10.

9.

“We adopted him when he was sick and weak and he instantly became the king of our home. The most energetic kitten I’ve ever met. A strong and handsome fellow!”

8.

“I was only meant to foster this guy. But his adopter dumped him in an industrial area 3 months after adopting him. His microchip and some amazing warehouse workers got him back to me.”

7.

“This is Spike. He started life as a hamster, but then he turned into a lion!”

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5.

“It’s really cute looking through photos of her gaining more pigment as she grew.”

4.

“How did these small kitties grow up so much within a year!?”

3.

“Lilith has grown up so fast, she’s still the prettiest girl in my life.”

2.

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What are your beauty standards for pets? Short ears, long fur, or vice versa? Let’s make up a description of the ideal cat or dog!