Why do some people treat their pets as if they were kids?

[Tarifa]

You've seen them around, pets with sweaters or rain coats, or being pushed around in a stroller as if they were small kids or babies. Do you think it's cute or ridiculous?

[thegreenyogi]

Well there are many people who unfortunately have never been able to have real children of their own and so pets fill that void and in truth pets are very much like people. They have their own personalities and they give affection and so humans often tend to forget that they are also animals and perhaps the love we have for them can become over the top.

[Tarifa]

True. Yet they are pets and care should not get over the top. The emotional bond is certainly there. I see this woman every day carying her small dog along the beach promenade. I'm sure it would be happier getting some exercise.

[thegreenyogi]

Absolutely. Dogs aren't meant to be carried.

[Screenwriter]

Dogs and cats are forever children. They can't argue or complain and they never grow up. They're far easier to manage than human children and they never leave. So, in a way, they're toddlers forever and maybe, in a way, some sort of substitute children.

For others, they're a companion, pet and a comfort, and I expect it all gets mixed up in people's heads and psyches sometimes. Humans are odd ducks..

[ElenaLena]

I always refer to my cat as my baby boys.. but I don’t dress them.. I feel it’s uncomfortable to them..

as of using strollers or carriers, it’s just more convenient if you take them outside.. so definitely it’s not ridiculous in my opinion..

the cat and the dog in the pics look adorable 🥰

[Anonymous]

The same reason that a lot of women treat their kids as if they're best friends -- they're losers with no life.

Just yesterday I overheard a woman outside of a coffee shop ask her preschool aged son "hey buddy, do you want to go in and get something for lunch?" She was using a cutesie voice that nearly made me throw my lunch up.

[exitseven]

people do not have kids of their own have displaced feelings that they bestow on their pets. Some people are just plain lonely and pets can be a source of love.

[fonduegirl]

Only ridiculous if its overdone. A little pampering is cute and I am quite sure their pet appreciates it too

[sage2021]

I think that a pretty collar with a small bow on it is enough decoration.

[Billlewis]

Because, on some level, that's exactly what they are.

[NathanDavis]

sometimes it is just a need... just as it is with some kids

[Nikki1989]

They are probably trying to fill some kind of void in their lives.

[MrChinaski]

Because treating AI as a kid isn't quite good enough, yet.

[AngryCarl3]

Pets are domesticated. You can't expect them to survive the cold as if they were wild.

[Flower7]

Putting animals in clothes is not cute to me.

[FunkyMonkee]

Maybe they don't have kids.

[Knotty_ducker19]

Because they are cute

[Paige2006]

Because they don't have any kids

[Lululoli]

They're not?

[Anonymous]

Ridiculous mostly

[msc545]

Very cute