13 Cancer Spirit Animals Best Representing The Sign

Cancerians are known for being affectionate, loyal, and caring. They are also tough and protective, especially of their friends and family.

Cancer is a sign that prefers to be around others. They are happiest with their “pack,” just like animals such as the elephant. This is also a sign that prefers to settle down and build a comfortable home life.

Not all the animals that represent Cancer are docile or sweet, though. Many of them show the tenacious and, at times, aggressive traits Cancer can express when they need to.

Crab

What animal represents Cancer? The crab is the main symbol for Cancer, at least in Western astrology. This is likely the one that everyone knows off the top of their head.

There are many varieties of crabs. Some are incredibly small and fragile, while others are large and can take down animals such as birds and even other crabs!

Crabs have soft underbellies but also hard protective shells and sharp pincers. Cancers may seem unassuming and overly sensitive, but they know how to protect what matters.

It’s not wise to underestimate Cancer. When threatened, they can lash out. Just like a coconut crab is strong enough to break open a hard coconut shell, Cancers are strong enough to face danger when someone they care about is in trouble.

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Golden Retriever

The Cancer traits associated with the Golden Retriever are reliability and compassion. Golden Retrievers are incredibly loyal and loving pets.

Cancers are supportive and affectionate friends. If you need a shoulder to cry on, they will be there for you no matter what.

Golden Retrievers also comfort their owners when they sense sadness or distress. Like Cancer, they are in tune with the emotions of the people they love.

Otter

The otter is a wonderful Cancer spirit animal because they are devoted, loving creatures like Cancer!

Otters are somewhat unique in the animal kingdom because they mate for life. They are highly affectionate towards their mate and even hold hands with them, similar to how humans do.

Cancers are loyal and affectionate partners. When they commit to someone, that commitment is for life. They want to build a home with someone and are looking for a life partner.

The otter doesn’t just hold hands for affection. They hold hands while sleeping to keep their partner with them. Cancer is equally as protective and nurturing toward the ones they love.

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Spider

In astrology, Cancer represents motherhood, while Leo represents fatherhood. How does this relate to spiders? Many species of spiders are fiercely protective parents who will guard their eggs no matter what.

Spiders do not just lay eggs, then leave them to fend for themselves. They stay with them and keep them safe from harm.

Some species of spiders regurgitate food for their hatched offspring like birds do. On the extreme end of things, there are even spiders that allow their young to consume them.

Cancer might not do anything that drastic, but if you ask them, they will tell you that they’d die to protect their children.

Pangolin

Pangolins are shy, harmless creatures that spend most of the day resting in their dens. Many people find these animals adorable.

While the pangolin is unlikely to hurt anyone, they can defend themselves. Their bodies are covered in scales, and they can roll up into a ball when in danger.

Cancer is a fiercely protective sign. They know how to protect their hearts by metaphorically putting up walls or rolling into a ball. Like the pangolin, you will also likely find them relaxing at home!

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Penguin

The penguin is another of the animals representing Cancer that mate for life. Penguins are incredibly romantic about choosing a mate as well!

Cancers take their time choosing someone to settle down with. They want to give their hearts to the right person. Once they choose a partner, they are loyal and faithful to them for as long as they are together.

Penguins take their time choosing a mate, and they also take their time selecting a unique token of affection for that potential mate!

Male penguins are known to select smooth, shiny rocks to give to potential mates. When their mate accepts the rock, they are essentially “married” for life.

Woodpecker

Another symbol of Cancer is the woodpecker. Woodpeckers and Cancers have much in common, particularly in home and family life.

Both male and female Cancers are devoted parents. They don’t leave child-rearing up to their partner and take an active role in their children’s lives.

Woodpeckers live in mated pairs instead of alone like some species of birds. One unique thing about this bird is that the female and male woodpeckers sit on their eggs, not just the female.

Family is incredibly important to Cancer. They will always make time for them and are happy to visit their parents and, later, their children. When woodpeckers leave the nest, they don’t stay gone forever! They are known to visit their parents from time to time.

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Elephant

Elephants are emotionally intelligent animals. They are incredibly compassionate and are known to display very “human” emotions such as joy, fear, grief, love, and anger.

Cancer is one of the most compassionate signs in the zodiac. Just like an elephant can tell when another animal, or even a human, is upset, Cancers can sense how others feel.

The elephant is also the Cancer woman’s animal. Elephants are incredible parents and tend to stay in family groups, with older siblings helping to care for younger ones.

Cancer women are some of the best mothers out there. They are in tune with their family’s emotional needs and are fiercely protective of their children.

Bear

The bear is the Cancer man’s animal. Bears represent the fiercely protective nature of Cancer men.

Bears are fearsome and intimidating creatures, but they are not aggressive unless they need to fight for their cubs.

If you threaten a Cancer man’s family, watch out! He will not let anyone harm the people he cares about, whether they are family by blood or by choice.

If you leave a bear alone, they are unlikely to bother you. As long as they feel safe, they won’t seek you out or do anything to harm you.

If Cancer feels comfortable, they won’t need to show their aggressive side. They will be just as docile as a sleeping bear.

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Mole

One of Cancer’s characteristics is being a homebody. They feel most comfortable when they are in the comfort of their own home, and they take great care to make the place they live inviting to others.

Like a Cancer decorates their house and fills it with homey touches, moles construct great tunnel systems to build a home for themselves.

Moles live underground and rarely come to the surface. They spend most of their life in the dark, cool earth. Similarly, Cancers spend most of their time at home or with people they are most comfortable with.

Cancer is also a highly intuitive sign. Because of their poor eyesight yet incredible ability to build their tunnel systems, moles are also associated with intuitiveness.

Cuttlefish

The crab is not the only Cancer symbol that is a sea creature. The cuttlefish is another excellent representative of this water sign.

If you look at a cuttlefish, you might find its appearance adorable or unassuming. Cuttlefish are predators, and they are excellent at sneaking up on their prey.

Cancer might seem weak or overly sensitive, but they are surprisingly tough! You also need to watch out for Cancer. The Cancer personality has a manipulative and aggressive side that can sneak up on you quicker than a cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish adapt to their surroundings, and so do Cancers. Don’t let them catch you off guard just because they are caring, emotional people!

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Opossum

Opossums are gentle, docile creatures that are unlikely to lash out unless threatened. Their main line of defense is playing dead rather than attacking!

This animal is also known for carrying its babies around, first in its pouch like other marsupials, then on its back.

A mother opossum keeps her babies with her and teaches them to avoid predators and find food, so they are prepared when they go out on their own.

Cancers are protective as well, of themselves and their families. They might not always attack, but they can escape danger when necessary!

Sheep

Sheep are group animals. This animal is often a sign of vulnerability, as a lone sheep is incredibly vulnerable to attack by predators.

Like sheep stay in their flocks, Cancers stay with their inner circle. They feel safe when they are at home with their family or spending time with friends.

Sheep are a great reminder that we don’t have to be alone. Sometimes, staying in a group is best to keep yourself safe. Cancer knows that all too well!