To think pet owners should stop calling themselves “dog mums” and “cat dads?”

[TheDeftAquaViewer]

It just feels a bit much when people treat their pets as if they’re children. AIBU to think this trend has gone a bit too far?

Bullshit, I worked part time and never expected anyone to pick up my work because of my childcare responsibilities.

My mother refers to her cat as my brother and I think it's cute. She calls herself "Nanna" in re: my sister's dog. It cheers her up and given that her husband, my dad, has a terminal illness, why the hell would you, a random stranger, care what she does or doesn't call herself in re: her cat?

@Catsmere Exactly. It's not like you'd start going on about 'my babies this, my babies that' in a business lunch with the CEO. It's a private term of endearment. I call them 'sausage' 'squingles' 'flapperoo'...this list is endless, silly and probably quite infantile. But I don't see why it affects strangers. 🤷

Yes

Because people tell strangers. Do you know how many times iv had conversations with people and I assume they're talking about their actual children then it turns out these babies are cats and dogs

Yes, it's pathetic. I think adopting (not buying from a breeder for your own entertainment) animals instead of having children is a valid choice but you're not their parent.

Why?

It is the dog equivalent of someone using a mobility scooter to get to a place that is too far for them to walk.

Like a PP, my best friend used one for her old dog when she struggled to get to her walks. And as dogs get older, running about is less important, but still getting out for mental stimulation is.

It’s weird. Everyone I know who worships their pet like a child is a pretty bitter and disgruntled person.
Spending money on a cat advent and a Xmas eve box is obscene.

That tells me all I want to know about you.

When you take on a pet they do become part of the family and you do have kind of parental responsibility for them.

So true.

Why does it matter how someone spends their money? What is it to do with you?

Meowmy and Meowther are used a lot on a couple of cat sites I'm on - usually as captions for pics of our cats looking like they're complaining about something. 😆

(DM me if you want to know the sites)

@Differentstarts well, that seems bizarre to me. If I was talking about my animals I'd say 'my cat'. I wouldn't even mention them by name as I'm well aware most people don't care. Not that there's anything wrong with not caring.
So yeah, people like that would annoy me.

So how does this explain people pushing dogs in pushchairs around shops 🤔

Is there literally nothing that cannot be laid at the door of trans people?

FFS “fur babies” is like nails on a blackboard for me too, but it isn’t the fault of trans women. People have been soppy about their dogs for centuries.

I find it amusing, personally. Someone at work has two little dogs. Although doesn't talk about them like children, they treat them as such. She even took three days grief leave when the last one died. Her DH is the company owner so I suppose that's how she got away with using it (meant for immediate family loss only, grandparents are even a push!).

They get her up EVERY night to use the loo & they find babysitters if going away overnight. Goes home at lunch to check on them, vet if one coughs. Imo harder work than children as they never get past the toddler stage!

And on buses! In the wheelchair spot

I would suggest there’s a better way to spaff a spare 50 quid at Xmas such as a food bank or children’s charity. The cat really doesn’t give a toss about being photographed with dreamies and Santa hat for FB.

I hope someone pushing a dog in a pushchair runs over your toes.

Maybe because they are combining shopping with walking their dog.

I don't know. I believe animals have the understanding of a three year old child. They know words, can read your emotions, can express themselves (who hasn't had a dog give them stink eye when they're cranky about something), demonstrate problem solving skills and have the same limited ability to match actions with consequences. I know people with elderly, movement restricted dogs who get them prams so they can still enjoy going out for a walk. How would you propose the dog go out if not in a specifically made device?

I think there's a lot of judgement which isn't necessary. As long as the animals in question have their needs for food, shelter and exercise met as well as their mental and emotional needs, where's the problem? It's much better than them being thrown in the back yard and having very limited interaction with the people who own them.

Or do you think animals are not sentient and have no emotion?

I couldn't give two hoots how people refer to their animals but I definitely prefer Ddog, pet baby to "that mongrel". I refer to my dogs as either the dogs or the puppers.

You can donate to charity and spaff money on whatever too. Again, what has it got to do with you?
Human babies don't give a toss either. People get such photos done for memories, because one day that is all they will have.

Maybe you should keep your beak out of other people's business.

They're not hurting anyone.

Do you actually hear yourself.