In both anime and real life, pets are the ultimate companions. They don’t call your favorite anime shit and they are there for you when your typical romance genre drama arc comes up. As they add just the right amount of cuteness, they can help elevate any anime series out of the surly bounds of mediocrity!

Madara from Natsume’s Book of Friends

Although actually a demon with less cute motivations, Nyanko-sensei’s sole saving grace is the many cute cat-like habits he demonstrates throughout the series.

Guts from Kill la Kill

Sadly named for his eating gusto rather than after the main character of Berserk, this sassy little pug from the Mankanshoku family is quick to take your food the second you turn your back.

Dokusonmaru from Durarara

What happens when your owner shows absolutely no emotion? You give him a cat that is just a big adorable ball of emotion.

Kirara from Inuyasha

…Why have a cat when you can have a giant fire demon that goes from compact and cute to vicious and rideable?

Happy from Fairy Tail

While not so much a pet as he is a character and special magic race, Happy has the fortunate appearance of a cat with other cat like habits like enjoying fish and hating dogs.

Blair from Soul Eater

Happy is good an all, but wouldn’t you rather have a cat that transforms into a sexy naked witch?

Black Hayate from Fullmetal Alchemist

Black Hayate is Rize’s ridiculously well-trained dog. He is just more proof that when you train a dog at gunpoint, they either end up good boys or die trying.

Marshmallow and Kuro from Say I Love You

Let’s be honest here, Marshmallow steals the show by being fat, fluffy, and sassy. Newcomer Kuro is just there to support him.

Ein from Cowboy Bebop

So when are they going to start making USB drives in data dog form, eh? Like Ein, they don’t need to talk, they just need to be cute and carry all 250 seasons of One Piece, aye.

Akamaru from Naruto

The Inuzuka family is known for their loyal dog partners, but unfortunately the only dog you get to know is Akamaru, Kiba’s partner. However, this dog does more than just look cute and grow huge over a time skip. He also… Pees on things? Tracks people? Roid rages on soldier pills?

Makkachin from Yuri on Ice

The only reason to watch Yuri on Ice.

Chi from Chi’s Sweet Home

Chi is the only cat in the world to have an entire anime series about a cat and its various antics and going-ons. Despite that derp face, this is probably the most normal pet on our list.

Nagoya from My Little Monster

Roosters: the most overlooked of loyal pets. Not only is Nagoya pretty much the main character of My Little Monster, at times throughout the show, he is the ultimate bro. As Haru instantly bonds with him and refused to leave him in the rain, it also has a humanizing effect for the violent, vaguely rapey character.

Inko from Toradora

Cute might not be the best term for Inko, the sickly parakeet. While Ryuuji considers her a part of the family and, for some reason, still has hope she will be able to say her own name one day, she is actually pretty impressive in her mastery of more complicated and inappropriate words.

Taroumaru From School Live!

If you’ve watched School Live all the way through, you know exactly why Taroumaru is the ultimate dog. He is forever the doggo in our hearts!

There are about half a million more awesome anime pets out there, so we probably missed a few. Tell us your favorites in the comments section below.