'It's just an animal not a child': Pet pawrent chooses to stay in with her sick cat instead of going out with her friends, they accuse her of using her pet as an excuse

Friendship in your 20s can look wildly different for everyone depending on where life takes you. For some young adults, weekends are all about hitting new bars, having late-night adventures, and seeing where each night leads. There really is nothing wrong with that; if you're new to being employed and want to make good use of all of your extra big kid money, then by all means, live it up! But for others, priorities naturally start to shift. Work, family, mental health, or, in this case, caring for a beloved pet can quickly become the things that take center stage. And when routines and responsibilities clash with spontaneity, even the closest friendships can start to feel a little… claws-out.

One woman recently found herself in exactly this situation with two of her best friends. She's a devoted pet pawrent, and to her, her cat isn't just "an animal that lives in the house." This feline is her comfort, her routine, and one of the most meaningful parts of her daily life. She still makes an effort to see her friends — because she truly enjoys spending time with them — but lately, they've shifted toward more spur-of-the-moment, late-night outings. Anyone with a fluffy companion knows that this doesn't always mesh with the responsibilities of pet pawrenting.

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Author image for Ely Bulnes Ely Bulnes
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