In America, there is an amazing number of families with one or more of them having fur.
This may sound silly, or does it? Both men and women agree that their pets are members of the family. Are your fur babies members of your family? One source, author, Vinita Mehta Ph.D. Psychology Today, called this, “interspecies families”. That term made me snicker.
More women see their pets as their children than men.
However, it isn’t especially one age group, or demographic that this pertains to either. Young adult couples, as well as middle aged single women are just as likely to feel parental connections with their pet. Although it seems that most single men interviewed see themselves as caregivers or roommates, one even referred to himself as the one who pours the food. In this case they were definitely not identifying themselves as pet parents.
These statistics might surprise you.
In most cases both men and women agree that their pets are members of the family. It is interesting to note that a little less than half of these “parents” have dogs. However, about a third of them have both cats and dogs. It is just under 20% that are parents to only cats. My husband and I are cat parents of 2 beautiful tuxedo boys. One is a long-haired beauty, and one is a short haired beauty. I am not in the least bit biased either. “Wink”
I don’t agree but some have said that the reason that young adults and young couples in particular, have pets instead of children is because of the economy, and global warming.
“With that reasoning, we’ve become a nation of pet owners instead of parents. Nearly 85 million American households have dogs. Only 35 million have children. There are about 4 million babies and 6 million puppies born in the U.S. every year.” written by Jeff Kunerth, grandfather of a dog named Margo.
But is it the American way, since both men and women agree that their pets are members of the family?
It seems that the western culture is not the only culture that sees pets as family. It is believed that the orient is probably where dogs were first domesticated. This is based on the sheer number of breeds that are there, as well as documentation that goes back thousands of years. However, the way dogs are viewed in the orient is somewhat contradictory. Some families have dogs as pets and in turn have dogs for dinner. Ok, icky, in my opinion. I don’t know if cats are seen the same way. My husband seems to think so.
Often empty nesters fill their home with the pitter patter of little furry feet. Both men and women agree that their pets are members of the family.
Many pet parents find the transition to childless living easier when they can transfer their doting behavior to their pets. We know that the pet industry is booming. One survey revealed that over 50% of dog owners have dressed them up for Halloween, and other holidays. The trend to have family portraits done with the family pets included isn’t as new as it has been made out to be. There are plenty of Victorian portraits with beautiful pets included. Parenting pets is alive and well and is not expected to end any time soon. I made a Pet-Sitter Printable for you. Enjoy.
How about your family? Are fur babies members of your family? Let us know! Leave a comment below.
Please enjoy this Printable. make as many copies as you like.
Smiles, Beth
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