I’m starting to notice a distinct split in my social circle – those with babies, and those with pets they treat quite similarly to babies, which includes me. I’ve always had a variety of pets growing up – cats, dogs, fish, lizards, ferrets, hamsters; you name it; I’m just an animal lover. And really, allergies aside, what’s not to love?

You can custom choose your “pet baby.” Any breed, size, or gender you want is yours. Pick a dog you can hike with or one to throw in your purse when you’re out and about. Get a fish for your cubicle, or like me, a kitten (or two) to curl up on the couch with after work. For the choister generation, pets can provide the perfect balance of responsibility and freedom until we’re ready for the real thing.

There are several reasons I’m enjoying my time as a kitten mommy, aside from my obvious lack of husband (power to the single parents!) Kids are expensive! I work for a nonprofit, and after bills, I don’t make much of a profit either. Luckily my cats seem to enjoy kibble and water daily, and are more enthusiastic than you would think about playing with free things such as plastic bags and the occasional set of toes.

Of course there’s also the personal freedom. I can leave them snoozing on the couch as I head off to work, and eight hours later, well, they’re still snoozing on the couch; it’s a tough life they have. I’m free to work, run errands, and see friends without worrying about a babysitter. I can curse in front of them, or at them (window screens are not for climbing, you beasts!), there are no Elmo DVD’s to drive me nuts, and if they’re hungry at two a.m., well, they just have to wait til I get up at seven. I hear that doesn’t work as well with human babies. I also don’t have to worry about being responsible for adequately teaching them to function in society. Thank God. Have you ever tried to teach a cat anything? After two years I’m still working on, “The couch is not a scratching post.”  Not to say they’re starved for attention. In fact, I’m looking around for my furry babies before I even kick off my work shoes every day.  There really isn’t much better after a long day at work than to grab a book, lay by a sunny window, and scratch the ears of a purring kitten and unwind. Sometimes they can be even better than a person when I’m sick or upset or overtired – they are content to sit with me and just BE, no fighting, no unsolicited advice, just love.

And it’s the same for all the pet owners I know – we chit chat about their odd behavior, trade funny pictures, and are convinced our pets are the cutest and smartest (but mine really are, though). We’re great pet owners, and I’m pretty sure we’ll make excellent parents one day, just not today. So if that makes me a cat lady, so be it.