Childfree - what's your take on pets?

[musixa]

Asking because some childfree people I know have expressed a link between not having children and not wanting pets, and I'm interested in that idea because it isn't one I identify with; also interested to know how many of us fall into the 'cat lady' stereotype!

I knew I wanted a cat from the age of three, when my mum took me along to feed a neighbour's cat while they were on hols - I fell in love with him, even more so when he cleverly gifted us a dead mouse as a 'thank you'. My parents wouldn't have pets, so getting a cat was the first thing I did when I got a house of my own - I was very single-minded about it.

So, where do you all sit on the subject of pets?

I’m allergic to cats, so that’s a non-starter. I actually like dogs, and have had them in the past, but I no longer want the restrictions which come with having one. Fish, birds, small furries, reptiles etc not my thing.

My parents were the same; I got my first cat as soon as I left home at 18. I've had a least one pet ever since and stepped up to horses 13 years ago. They are definitely animals rather than children, apart from the dog that sleeps on my bed. And the one who gets cuddles when watching the TV. And the cat who sits on my shoulder. Oh, and the horse who demands scratches and will tip over the poo wheelbarrow if he doesn't get them... 😊

I don’t have human children. I do have numerous cats and dogs. I was a mad cat lady for ages - now a mad cat and dog lady (work situation changed so I could get dogs as well as cats). I guess I wanted something to nurture and love, but of the furry variety, lol.

All the pets for me.
My retirement plan is to become a full time crazy cat, dog, donkey and alpaca lady. Quite taken by ferrets recently too.

I have never wanted children but have always wanted pets .
Fortunately my parents also liked animals so there have always been pets in our house .
When I was young it was a cat and dog , then just a cat then a dog and other cat joined us .
When I got to about 13 I got a pair of polecats .

Over the next 20 years I had more polecats and a dog.
I now gave just a cat , I'd love a dog to but work full time .

I have three cats and a dog and massively fall into the 'they're my children' camp.

I love them so much!

I was broody for a dog...did not have the same feelings about a baby at all.

To be clear I don't dress them up or anything...

But they definitely have the run of the house, we chat to them a lot and I definitely love them more than anything/anyone else except DH (just in case he reads this)

As a child I grew up with dogs but don't particularly like them. Also had hamsters, and wanted a cat.

Adult me doesn't really like pets at all, it's sensory. My friend has a cat and I really don't like it rubbing up against me. And dogs drive me absolutely insane, sensory overload, yapping and jumping, the licking really pushes me over the edge.

As soon as we bought a house we got our first dog. Got a 2nd one within a year. They are firmly part of the family now, and I adore them. DH and I chat away to them like they understand, and I genuinely get a swell of love when I go into the sitting room in the morning to see them waking up.

I know they aren't human/children but they are our dear pals.

I also know others aren't keen on dogs and I am quite happy to put them out if we have visitors, don't expect people to want them to come with us (e.g to visit family) and always prepared to pay our wonderful dog sitter instead of asking for family help.

Unlike my sister who has babysitters on tap for her 2 kiddos 😂

I don’t understand why anyone wants children but I also don’t understand how anyone could not want a pet. They are brilliant stress relievers.

seriously, I don’t want to see your baby photos. They don’t have paws or a tail so they are of no interest to me!

We're childless rather than childfree. I had a cat from aged 24 and only lost her after 15yrs. That was hard. Had 2 dogs, lost one about 2 months ago unexpectedly so we're down to one very pampered pooch. They are probably our kid substitutes on a lot of ways, but all have definitely been treated as cats / dogs in terms of their needs not our wants.

Most childfree people I know have dogs actually!

I love animals. Always have. There has never been a time in my life I've not had a pet. There have been plenty of times I've said "never again" but animals just have a way of finding their way in. Strays came and stayed. Critters that friends' children got bored with. Old dogs no longer wanted by colleagues.

They are a huge commitment though. They never grow up and leave home or ever become self-sufficient.

I think I love your horse😄

@Over40Overdating , go for it get a pair ( or more) of ferrets / polecats . They are very social so shouldn't be kept alone.
Jill's ( females) absolutely must spayed , if they are allowed to come into season* *theput so much into getting their bodies ready they lose most of their fur , bone density goes , eye sight can be damaged and ultimately it can kill them.

Feel free to ask any questions 🐾

Well.. unpick this, Freud...
Allegedly my stepdad wanted kids, but Mum said best to wait a year or two after getting married to let everyone settle down.
Two years later, she raises the subject... "Christ no, your two are enough!" came the reply, and they got a puppy instead, who I not unreasonably regarded as a sort of sister.

I am a mad dog lady...

I'm 100% a cat lady, and DH is a cat man. He's had 12 year old girl cat since she was 6 weeks old (he found her on the street!) and she absolutely adores him in return.

Boy cat imprinted on me and is my little duckling, he never wants to be away from me and is my little pal.

I definitely feel maternal and protective over them - I always have an urge for more cats, but just not children!

Kids, absolutely not. Pets, the more the better

I can understand pets triggering sensory issues - my sensory issues tend to be related to textures and clothing rather than animals but I can see that the lack of control with animals would magnify this quite a lot. It's unfortunate that cats often zone in on people who are uncomfortable with them while ignoring the ones who are desperate to make a fuss of them!

I am the crazy cat lady with my crazy cat. I've always had cats as a child and as an adult. The family have all had that one cat that they personally have a special bond with as well and the one I have now is definitely it for me, we have a very special relationship.

As for the "can't love cats as much as children" my sister will freely admit (to me not her son) that her particular cat she had a special bond with she loved as much as she loves her son. And her son is flipping adorable so that's saying a lot!

I too, currently have my 'soul cat'. I love all my cats, past and present, but I have a special bond with this chap, who had a very poor start in life but is now thoroughly spoiled.

I would never have a pet - I don’t really like animals. Don’t at all get why people go wild about them.

I think I’d prefer to have a child than a pet, but very happy having neither!

I love dogs not so keen on cats but they’ll do in a pinch! I was on holiday a few years ago and we went to a local village to watch a traditional dance display. There was a cat there who out of around 250-300 people chose my lap to come and fall asleep on. I was absolutely delighted!

Never had pets due to allergies.
Never wanted the responsibility. I'm not much good at looking after myself.

My dog fills a hole in my heart I never knew I had. I don't have children through circumstance rather than infertility, I was never 100% that I wanted them, but I did go through some dark times when I realised that it probably wasnt going to be in my future for a number of reasons. I really struggled with working out what the point of me was when all my friends were becoming mums, but I know that doing so wasn't quite right for me.

So we got a dog, at DH's instigation and she is the light of my life. Obviously I know that she's not a baby, and I don't anthropomorphise her. But nevertheless, she is my baby, amd she gives me focus, and something to consider and prioritise above myself. I can't imagine being without a pet of some sort, I find it such a comfort and a joy.

Totally understand what you mean about your pet fulfilling that role in your life without it being necessary to anthropomorphise them. The light of your life is a good way to put it.