Have you ever caught yourself talking to your dog like they’re a toddler? Or maybe you’ve referred to your cat as your “fur baby” without a hint of irony. 

If so, you’re not alone—and no, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost touch with reality. In fact, psychologists say this kind of bond is more common (and meaningful) than many people realize.

For some, pets are more than just companions—they’re family. And for others, they fill a role that looks a lot like parenthood. 

People who think of their pets as their children often share a few key traits that go beyond affection. It’s not just about spoiling them with treats or dressing them up for the holidays. It’s about the way they relate to the world, form emotional connections, and express their values. 

Here are six traits that tend to show up again and again in people who truly see their pets as their kids.

1. They have a strong nurturing instinct

Some people treat their pets the same way others treat newborns: fussing over them, making sure they’re comfortable, and feeling distressed if they sense any discomfort.

On one hand, it might look like an over-the-top display of affection. On the other, it’s a window into their deep-rooted desire to care for another living being.

Research referenced in the Harvard Gazette supports this: “Researchers found that when mothers viewed photos of their own dog, their brains lit up in many of the same caregiving-related regions that activate when they saw their baby—suggesting the ‘nurturing-instinct’ circuit can fire for pets as well as children.”

These findings suggest that the caregiving areas of our brains may not be limited to human offspring.

I’ve seen this nurturing instinct in play when friends plan their day around walking schedules or fret over the best pet food brands.

It highlights the fact that their protective instincts, which might otherwise be reserved for human children, are channeled straight into pet care.

If you’ve ever rearranged your routine to accommodate your cat’s strict feeding time, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Caring so deeply can feel both heartwarming and overwhelming, but it’s a profound reminder that love isn’t restricted to biological connections—it blossoms wherever we choose to plant it.

2. They view pets as functional substitutes for children

This might sound a bit controversial, but research backs the idea that pets can serve as stand-ins for kids in certain families.

A study cited by PMC found that child-free adults who form high attachments to their pets are more likely to see them as “kids,” invest heavily in their care, and even adjust major life decisions based on the animal’s needs.

It’s not just a quirky phenomenon; it’s a real pattern that can reshape someone’s home, finances, and daily life.

Sometimes that means paying for doggie daycare instead of a babysitter, or forgoing spontaneous weekend trips unless there’s a trusted pet-sitter on call. 

While some people may scratch their heads at this intense dedication to a pet, for these individuals, the sense of purpose they find in caring for a furry companion is more than enough to feel deeply satisfied and connected.

3. They show high levels of empathy and prosocial behavior

Many “pet parents” aren’t just compassionate toward animals; they often extend that empathy to people as well.

According to a separate study highlighted by PMC, the stronger someone’s attachment to their pet, the higher their scores on empathy and prosocial attitudes toward humans.

Those who treat their pets like children are frequently the ones who’ll volunteer at shelters, check in on neighbors, or donate to local community drives.

In a world that can feel very self-focused at times, having people around who treat pets—and people—with kindness can make a massive difference in the overall warmth of a community.

4. They feel “pet-parent guilt” when they can’t be there

Guilt is another hallmark trait of those who see themselves as pet parents. 

Just as some moms and dads grapple with parental guilt for working long hours, people who identify as “dog moms” or “cat dads” often experience a similar pang when they’re away too long. 

According to an interesting study, owners who see themselves as “dog parents” can develop a type of guilt that mirrors parental remorse with human kids.

That sense of responsibility is so strong that being away during mealtime or missing a favorite walk can lead to feelings of anxiety or worry.

Some pet parents manage this guilt by scheduling midday check-ins with dog walkers or setting up cameras to peek in on their pets.

While these steps can seem over the top to those who don’t share the same bond, they reflect how seriously many people take their role as a primary caregiver.

5. They borrow the language and practices of human parenting

Have you ever noticed someone describing their pet’s behavior as if they’re talking about a toddler’s temper tantrum? 

People who treat pets like children often adopt parenting language—words like “training,” “teaching,” “lesson,” and “reward” pop up frequently in casual conversation.

A piece in Psychology Today points out how owners may even see pet care as a dress rehearsal for future child-rearing, underscoring just how deeply that parent-like lens can shape their approach.

For instance, potty training becomes the equivalent of teaching a toddler where to go, and basic commands are seen as building blocks for social etiquette.

It might sound like an exaggeration, but it reveals how fully some people lean into the idea of their animals as little ones who need guidance.

And from a practical standpoint, certain lessons really do parallel human parenting—consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement can go a long way, whether you’re raising a human or guiding a fur-baby.

6. They invest in their pets like personal projects

Lastly, pet parents devote time, money, and emotional resources into making sure their animals thrive.

Some people enroll their dogs in specialized agility classes, spend hours grooming their cats for shows, or pay for advanced vet treatments and wellness plans.

These commitments go well beyond the basics of feeding and shelter, edging into what we might call “full-scale personal development.”

For many pet parents, this investment doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s part of an intentional lifestyle where growth, learning, and shared experiences matter.

I’ve known friends who bond with their pets through yoga-inspired “doga” sessions or mindful strolls that double as walking meditations.

They see their pets as an extension of their own pursuit of wellness, making the time spent nurturing these animals a core part of their routine.

In a culture where self-improvement is often a priority, shaping a pet’s physical and emotional well-being can be deeply fulfilling.

Final thoughts

Taking pets in as family members—sometimes just like children—reflects a genuine desire to connect, care, and grow alongside another living being.

For some people, this path offers the emotional satisfaction of nurturing without the demands of human parenting.

For others, it’s simply a natural extension of a gentle, empathetic spirit.

Regardless of why it happens, one thing is certain: treating our pets like kids reveals the remarkable depths of our ability to love.