Being a first-time parent comes with its perks, like getting lots of coos and giggles, but let’s face it, getting a pet is way cheaper. About two years ago, I rolled over and told my boyfriend that I wanted a cat. It was something I had been thinking about for a while, but I have a history of bad run-ins with cats, so I was a bit fearful. Then, I decided to just go for it. Being in your twenties is cool until you realize that your weekends aren’t always filled with fun and excitement from friends, so you’re challenged to find new ways of living. Personally, I am not ready for nine months of labor, so I began researching how to take care of a cat on YouTube and TikTok, and I faced my fear and adopted my first cat.

Little did I know that the process is super easy, and Petco makes it quick. Within minutes, I became a cat mom to a cute little tuxedo cat named Gemini. Both my boyfriend and I have heavy Gemini placements, so we settled on that name because we thought it was cool. Although this is our first cat, we love him dearly, and he loves to eat and sneak up on us randomly. Despite that, we love the peace of mind that cats bring within the home. Even as a full-time dog sitter, my cat has learned to stay in his corner whenever we have extra house guests, so he aligns well with our current lifestyle. I believe that many people feel the same. According to various surveys, 73% of millennials are highly inclined to own pets or already own their own. In comparison to Gen Z, The American Pet Product Association says that only about 16% of them are pet owners. This trend highlights a broader cultural shift where many young adults are prioritizing pet ownership over having children due to financial and lifestyle considerations.

One thing that often goes unnoticed is that getting a pet can also heal your inner child. As someone who grew up as an only child with a few imaginary friends, getting a dog as a pre-teen was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve experienced. Kewpie and I spent two good years together before my family told me we had to give him away in the midst of us moving, and I was heartbroken. We gave him to a loving family that took really good care of him, but as he got older, he developed a tumor and was put down. This is also something nobody ever tells you, but pet death is gut-wrenching! Once I healed from that loss, my partner and I adopted my cat Gemini. He has helped me so much with my anxiety and my ability to be more gentle with all things around me. I can now attest to getting a pet being a deeply healing experience for your inner child. It provides an opportunity to experience the love, joy, evolution, and stability that may have been missing in childhood, fostering emotional well-being and personal growth.

In conclusion, while starting a family is a beautiful experience, it’s important to do what’s best for you. For many in our generation, that means creating safe, happy spaces with pets rather than children. Embracing pet ownership allows us to experience companionship and joy while maintaining the flexibility and financial stability that our lifestyles demand. Moreover, having a pet can also heal your inner child, providing unconditional love and a sense of playful wonder that many of us long for. So whether it’s a cat, dog, or any other pet, finding what brings you peace and happiness is priceless.