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 sort of put animals in the same category as children. Fine for other people but not for me 🙈

Exactly what @Wolfpa says.

I don’t want the responsibility or ties of either kids or pets. I’m honestly surprised this thread shows me to be in such a minority! Almost all of my childfree friends are the same, hardly any of us have pets.

I never wanted children but wanted a Labrador from before I left primary school. Now on my third (plus a spaniel). I don't think you can generalise.

I am allergic to basically all animals (cats, dogs, horses, cows, budgies AFAIK) but even if I wasn’t I wouldn’t get a pet. I don’t want any responsibility and don’t really get any joy out of looking after things. I like my houseplants and garden but even that gets overwhelming to manage, I worry about my plants on holiday and whether they’re going to shrivel up 😫 I could be convinced to get a tortoise maybe?

I’m also quite scared of dogs and don’t like them - firstly because they’re needy and smelly, secondly because where I come from I know of several people who have been mauled/badly bitten by one.

I'm the same. I just don't want the responsibility and to be tied down.

I’ve always had horses. They’re my life and always have been. I would do anything for them.

However, they are a lot of hard work and a very big commitment. You have to get up and care for them no matter how tired/ill/hungover you are. They ALWAYS come first. If you want to do something else, you can’t unless you can arrange cover.

Of my friendship group from when we were children, when we all had our ponies together, a few have children but most do not. I maintain that we learned hard lessons about the commitment and life restrictions early on and didn’t want any more of it!

I grew up with cats and hope I never have to be without one. I have never liked children and never wanted any.

😄😄😄❤️

Are you me 🤣🤣

This post is on to page 4 and there's no photos.

I'm not angry, just disappointed.

I have the cats dog and children love it lol

I think my user name may be a clue😁

Awwwww! (S)he is so cute!

@Ramshaw and she knows it! 😁

What a sweetie!

Here's my two, also the reason for my username:

My mother loathed animals and I was not allowed to have any.
Naturally my house is crawling with cats. I am number one mad cat lady.
My son also loves cats and his house is full of cats.
Cats have always been our passion.
Parents and siblings will not visit us ever because mother hates them and siblings are allergic.

Cute! I love cats. There’s some who live next door, they’re my favourite neighbours.

Straw poll but all my child free friends have pets, usually dogs and horses.

I have two horses and a dog ..... I have never been a cat person. To me it goes beyond just having something to care for (a child substitute?). The animals add a whole additional dimension to my life which I would certainly miss if they weren't there. Apart from giving me a lot of exercise and keeping me fit, they also bring a social element into my life - my horsey friends and my doggy friends. I have made some very dear friends through both and my life would definitely be much poorer if they weren't there.

I have cats. Sometimes I do find the commitment a lot (I'm also single so they're 100% my responsibility) but actually I live a quiet life anyway so it's not much of a practical issue. My job requires a lot of routine too and I don't particularly like travelling. We had dogs when I was growing up and I much prefer cats. They're a lot more relaxing to be around and my cats are just the right balance between affectionate and independent.

A lot of my childfree friends have cats, a few have a dog or other pets.

I've never wanted children, but there did come a point a few years ago where I felt broody for something to love and nurture. I went back and forth on it for a long time, mostly worrying that I wouldn't bond with the animal and find it an annoyance. I finally took the plunge and got my beautiful cat, and I'm so glad I did because he's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I honestly didn't know what love was until I brought him home.

This is my situation, too. It does feel like a huge commitment and I have to consider my cat in everything I plan to do. It can feel a bit tiring and restrictive at times. But like you I live a quiet live so it's a sacrifice I'm happy to make. Holidays are nice but having a cat is nicer as far as I'm concerned.

Can’t stand kids but I love ALL the animals. Especially dogs. I genuinely can’t see how someone would prefer the company of a child over a dog.

For me, children and animals are not comparable so I’ve never wondered why I’d have a hundred dogs if I could and yet have absolutely no interest in kids.

He’s gorgeous! Look at his cute little paws! And he has amazing eyes!

He is and he knows it I’m a chronic depressive but my MH has improved massively since he entered my life. It’s difficult to feel down for long with that little face looking up at you.