Pictures of Animals Posing as Humans by Svetlana Valyiskaya

It’s often said that pets and their owners can start to look alike, but these adorable photographs take the old mantra to a new extreme. They are the work of Svetlana Valyiskaya (27), from St Petersburg, who snaps pets in everyday poses in her spare time from her job as a commercial photographer. The vibrant costumes and scenes, which Svetlana designs herself, have made the photos a hit in her native Russia – and it’s not hard to see why. She said: “I really love animals, they are loyal, faithful and true and always interesting to work with – plus they never criticise the photographs afterwards”.

Cat poses with balloons in a tux. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)



Reading the Metro, enjoying some Swedish meatballs. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Just chilling, in bed, with a paper, whatever. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Matching, daaaaarling. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Dinner time. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Fly me to the moon. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


This is the life. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Does this dress make my butt look big? (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Even cats have chores. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Hardcore hamster. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Corn on the cob for hipster kitty. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


No doubts about this cat’s preferences. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)


Bathtime for these little pups. (Photo by Svetlana Valyiskaya/Mercury)