Pawrenting and parenting have more in common than one might think. Mornings often begin with the sound of wailing outside the bedroom door. But in this household, the source of the noise isn’t a child; it’s Biscuit, the family cat. As proud pawrents of three furry friends, they have come to realise how the lessons learned from their cats can relate to the journey of parenting.
The Journey Begins
In late 2019, this couple decided it was time to adopt pets. Growing up, neither had the chance to have animals of their own, so bringing home Biscuit, Bluebell, and Bobby felt like a dream come true. Each cat possesses its own quirks and personality, turning their life together into a delightful adventure.
When they first welcomed Biscuit, the couple quickly discovered the responsibility that comes with being a pawrent. Just like kids, cats require care and attention. Biscuit, for instance, has an insatiable appetite and wails for food at dawn. Initially, the couple thought they could ignore the noise, but they soon learned that a well-fed cat is a happy cat. This lesson in routine offered an early glimpse into the world of parenting.
Everyday Challenges
Of course, being a pawrent isn’t always smooth sailing. They’ve faced their fair share of challenges. For one, the cats shed fur everywhere, and litter gets tracked across the floor, making their home look more like a pet playground than a tidy space. The chaos can be overwhelming at times, reminding them of the messiness that comes with raising children.
Biscuit is particularly mischievous, often leaving them shaking their heads in disbelief. One morning, she managed to break not one, but two ceramic bowls in her frenzy to get to her food. The couple has learned to laugh at these moments instead of getting frustrated. It’s a lesson many parents can relate to—sometimes, they just have to roll with the punches.
Finding Joy in the Chaos
Despite the challenges, there’s an incredible amount of joy that comes with pawrenting. Each day brings new surprises, often in the form of Biscuit’s silly behaviour. When one partner returns home after a long day, the cats greet them with playful antics that can quickly lift their spirits. These little moments of joy make the chaos worthwhile.
It’s fascinating how pawrenting and parenting both teach patience and love. During the Covid-19 lockdown, the cats provided much-needed companionship. They turned stressful days into fun ones, leading the couple to take countless photos and videos of their antics. They often find themselves thinking, “If this is what it’s like to care for pets, what an adventure it will be to raise a child.”
Insights from Fellow Pawrents
The couple isn’t alone in their experiences. They have spoken with friends who also navigate the world of pawrenting and parenting. Michelle, a friend with both a dog and a young child, mentioned how caring for her shih tzu, Monkey, prepared her for motherhood. “Having a pet before having a baby made things easier,” she shared. It seems that the lessons learned through pawrenting can provide a valuable foundation for parenting.
Image from iStock
Conversely, they met someone who decided against having kids but found great joy in caring for their cat. This person expressed how their pet filled a nurturing need, demonstrating that pawrenting can offer its own kind of satisfaction.
Embracing the Future
Reflecting on their lives as pawrents, the couple sees how their experiences have shaped their understanding of family. While they are still undecided about having children, they know that the lessons learned from their cats have equipped them for whatever lies ahead. Embracing the messiness and joy of family life—whether with furkids or human children—has become their mantra.
Pawrenting and parenting share many common threads. Their experiences with Biscuit, Bluebell, and Bobby have opened their eyes to the beauty of responsibility, love, and patience. As they move forward, they feel ready to embrace whatever comes next, knowing that the lessons of pawrenting have prepared them for life’s adventures.
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