Some parents can get a bit heated when a child-free person refers to their pet as their little one or claims that having a pet is just practice for parenthood. I adopted my cat back when I was a carefree single in my 20s; having a feline friend felt as essential as binge-watching sitcoms or stashing away ice cream. Now that I’m a parent, I still hold my cat dear as my firstborn. While my heart swelled with love for my human kids the moment they arrived, raising tiny humans can be quite a challenge. When the kids are particularly cranky, it’s hard not to notice how, in many ways, having a cat is a breeze compared to the chaos of parenting.
- Cats are quieter than babies. There’s nothing quite like the soothing sound of a purring kitty. A screaming baby? Not so much.
- Cats know how to entertain themselves. I adore my kids, but it often seems like they pick the exact moment I need to be productive to demand my undivided attention. My cat, however, can vanish for hours, enjoying her own company.
- Cats don’t wreak havoc on your belongings (well, not as much). Besides a few Mylar balloon strings (they’re a true delicacy) and a knitting counter that met its doom, my cat generally respects my stuff. Meanwhile, my little boys seem to have a talent for destruction that grows daily.
- Cats eat whatever you serve them. Be it kibble, wet food, or that stray pea you dropped, cats will chow down without fuss. Babies, on the other hand, can be quite picky!
- Cats don’t have milestones to stress over. Just when I start to feel like I’ve got a handle on my kids, they hit a growth spurt, leaving me scrambling for new baby-proofing ideas. Cats tend to find the same string toy just as thrilling three years later.
- Cats are low maintenance when it comes to hygiene. While some cats enjoy a splash in the water, most prefer to avoid it. Luckily, they’re self-groomers. I wish my kids could just lick themselves clean after spaghetti night!
- You only need to scoop the litter box once a day. While it’s not the highlight of my day, knowing that my cat is good for 24 hours post-litter scoop is a relief. With babies, you never know when a diaper emergency will strike.
- Cats provide excellent massages. Carrying a baby around and picking up dropped pacifiers can take a toll on your back. Thankfully, my cat is always ready to knead my sore spots in exchange for a head scratch.
- There’s no pressure for your cat to be a genius. I spend my days with flashcards and songs, worrying about my kids’ academic futures. My cat? She’s just happy thinking the sound of the can opener means a feast is coming.
- You can leave a cat overnight without a care. Finding a sitter for the kids means organizing emergency contacts and ensuring my phone is charged. For the cat? A little extra food and water, and she’s good to go for the weekend.
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In summary, while my cat may not be a child, she certainly brings joy and ease to my life in ways that often surpass the challenges of raising kids.