From cute puppies to mythical unicorns, animals represent affection without too much specificity, which works especially well when it comes to expressing personal sentiments. Birthday cards are perhaps one of the best uses of this charming style – and it’s probably a safe bet that you know someone who has a birthday coming up. We’ve got sea-worthy bears, dancing pigs, and thrashing rabbits all banded together to showcase some of our favorite animal-themed birthday cards. Check out our round up below!

From top right:

1. Land ho! Navigate the birthday seas with this sweet illustrated bear from Boyoun Kim.

2. Cats (and their owners) love birthdays too! Don’t forget your feline-loving bud with this card illustration by Alice Bowsher for Wrap Magazine.

3. Rawr! Loving the use of gold foil, script font and a beautifully illustrated scene by Dinara Mirtalipova for Red Cap Cards.

4. Happy birthday from turtle and bear (and the Everyday Balloons print shop).

5. Six little piggies from Lucky Horse Press to wish you a bacon-filled birthday.

6. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear bear, monkey, and cat, happy birthday to you – from Fugu Fugu Press.

7. Fantastic birthday wishes from this fantastic beast as visualized by Amy Heitman.

8. LOL-ing at this bear rocking his skivvies. Sweet enough for your aunt, yet cheeky enough for your BFF. Created by the sweet ladies of E. Frances Paper.

9. Rock out with your bun(ny)s out. Send this Wolf & Wren Press design to every party animal you know.

10. This beautiful painted Persian cat is another gem for any cat lover out there, from fellow cat lady Idlewild Co.

11. The folks over at Egg Press have tons of animal-themed designs in their arsenal. But what makes them extra specials is their clever copywriting and fun concepts.

12. Love the humorous message coupled with a majestic buffalo courtesy of Wild Hart Paper