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 childfree, petfree and plantfree but I’m happy to look at pictures and hear stories and attend birthday parties for other peoples 😁

What has having pets got to do with being child free?

When we met, over 40 years ago, DH had 2 dogs and I had 2 cats. Over the years we have had a lot of dogs and cats (mainly rescues). At one time we had 4 dogs and 6 cats.

We have 2 dogs now but no cats as the road we live on is too busy. We both really miss having a cat

No children but have 2 dogs, whom I adore. That said the dogs are much loved throughout my and DH’s families; the nieces and nephews love them; my nephew borrows them for walks/ runs.
I don’t see it as an either / or situation. It so happens that my childless circumstance freed up some time /££ to live with dogs at this point, so I do.

We're talking about things in our life. You don't have to read or comment.

This is a "canine" post: it's marking territory. Not the first time. Won't be the last. My suggestion is to not engage.

I am 100% pro-cat, despite growing up with cats, dogs (of all sizes), turtles, parrots, tropical fish and horses.

It's the sometimes polarised stereotypes specific to those without children that got me thinking of this - "childless woman doting on her 20 cats, 17 dogs and a hamster" vs "childless woman who does not need or want anything to look after" type of images you often find in the media.

It's just an interesting angle (in my opinion, anyway) from which to consider the topic of pet ownership; obviously if you want a more general discussion one of the pet topics would be a better place to look 😁

I have to say getting a dog helped me be okay with being child free for the most part,
It was something I wanted really badly, and then got, and then had major puppy blues. Now couldn't be without him and I probably love him more than my husband.

However, it did show me just a teensy glimpse of what it's like to be woken up numerous times a night, to still have to get up and do things even when you feel like shit, and ultimate have a small being be completely reliant on you.

I love caring for something, and he makes me laugh on a daily basis. So I get that fulfilment instead. Whilst still being entirely okay and not guilty at all for putting him in daycare when needed and going on lovely all inclusive holidays without him.

I am single and child free. I have a cat - would live a dog but I work long hours and it wouldn’t be fair.

I do hate the cat lady sexist stereotypes though. Lock down didn’t help as my cat jumped into a lot of meetings!

i have had cats since childhood and I do love her very much. I take pet ownership very seriously and she is very well taken care of.

My lockdown meetings were a veritable hive of cats, dogs, children and even the odd budgie getting in on the act 😁

I've never had children but had pets as a child, goldfish, budgie, rabbit, gerbils, a tortoise which we still have 50 years later, pigeons and a God awful Siamese cat. After my childhood living with that mental cat it's a wonder I wanted cats of my own. I've had heartache, worry and joy from the 4 cats I've owned as an adult but I've never thought of them as "fur babies".

As an adult I've also had a rabbit, rats, gerbils, hamsters, African land snail, goldfish and stick insects. I'd never have a dog as I'm too lazy and hate the cold and rain or a guinea pig.

I’m childless, live on my own (although have a partner), and think I’m in the minority here - I don’t hanker after pets. I don’t really understand the need for them really. I’ve got to a stage where, at 51 I have come to terms with not having kids, and am trying to embrace a life without them. I wouldn’t want a pet to tie me down.

I was always indifferent about children but have been a lifelong pet owner . Can't ever imagine not having pets in the home .

I have a cat but while being very spoilt, he is not a child substitute. I'd like a dog but think that the daily walking might be too much, on top of a long commute.

was always unsure about kids and assumed no pets due to a busy career. Lockdown changed our work circumstances and after one stressful day I announced I wanted a cat.

2 weeks later we had found a very special, special needs cat, driven 2 hours in lockdown to have him put in our car and fallen in love at first sight! Bringing him home was enough of a shock to the system (autistic) that I then realised I would probably never manage parenting. My boy is the centre of my world, the object of all my affections, silly nicknames and baby talk and provides us with endless love and laughter.

2 years on, we have just been approved to adopt a second cat with the same health condition and I CANNOT wait to love on him.

Pretty sure me and DH were just born to be cat parents. When considering a child, having less time and attention for the cat, felt like a compromise we didn’t want to make!

I've been responding to the "when are you going to have children?" question with "I'd rather have a pony!" for years! I follow up by pointing out that they don't wake you up in the night and if they really piss you off you can sell them or shoot them and doing that with kids is generally frowned upon.

I do now have a horse. My Mum refers to her as her four legged grandchild. 🤣

I am disappointed to learn that you have a horse and not a wee donkey.

I love animals, and have cared for all sorts of animals and birds. Funnily enough, after all the talk of chicken-keepers on the site thread, I am a chicken keeper!

I love dogs. Had one as a child. We got our first dog at the end of our infertility journey and she was incredibly healing. Our last dog died five years ago. We will probably get another one but at the moment enjoying being able to travel without restriction. In the meantime I’m a devoted dog auntie - have three doggy nephews and a doggy niece. Love spending time with them all.

I like cats too. Re mad cat lady stereotypes, I do know someone with four cats and a dog, but she also has two children.

I've got chickens too!

I have no children, and no pets other than just my three wonderful chooks. How long have you had chickens @lemonchiffonpie? I'm very new to them but always wanted them. Dream come true!

I'm allergic to horses and cats, so they're out.

I love dogs but I find them far too much of a tie. I hugely value being able to go out and about when I want, be spontaneous and not have the responsibility of a dog.

And I hate it when the house isn't clean and tidy, I had a friend's dog for a week and I was so relieved when the week ended, the extra cleaning, dog smell and hairs etc really got to me. It was well behaved but still took so much energy to entertain, walk, etc (Can you see why parenthood wouldn't suit me!).

The chickens though are a breeze, I think outdoor animals are the way forward for me! Thinking about maybe having pigs, alpacas, a donkey, I'd love cows and a few sheep but we don't have enough land :(

I foster cats for my local rescue, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s hard when they go to their new homes but there’s always someone else ready to move in, & I love getting the updates from their new parents.

How long have you had chickens @lemonchiffonpie? I'm very new to them but always wanted them. Dream come true!

I've been looking after little flocks of chickens for more than 15 years. They have such dear little different personalities and voices and look very decorative free-ranging in the garden, and take care of lots of snails and weeds.

I'm also allergice to cats!

'I think I’m in the minority here - I don’t hanker after pets. I don’t really understand the need for them really'

Same here, and yes I do think we're in the minority!

I'm honestly not a huge fan of animals. I really like dogs, but that's it. One of the things I'm most grateful for about not having children is not having to be responsible for anyone or anything else, and being able to make my own plans. That's part of the reason why I couldn't imagine having a pet. I have absolutely no desire to have to walk the dog at 7am every single day, hail rain or shine!

This is me also. Slightly older than you but in exactly the same circumstances, live alone but have a partner, a Charles and Camilla set up!

I don't dislike animals, however I have seen the restrictions placed on people who have them, it can make being spontaneous very difficult. Add on vet bills and cattery/kennel fees and it's just not for me.

At this stage of my life I have no ties, can go anywhere I want when I want, and the only thing I have to think about is making sure I turn the oven off when leaving!

@Lottapianos Same here.