In the last few years, I’ve seen several applications submitted for Maine Coon Kittens that has expressed them wanting a kitten instead of a child. This has ranged over many age groups, from the 30’s to the 50’s.
These owners take the ownership of a Maine Coon very seriously. They provide luxury items for their Maine Coons, and the best of the best in everything. They frequently buy siblings from a litter, as to have that sibling bond continue from the nest to their new home.
People do treat and refer to their Maine Coon cats as their “children”, but this is leveling up! With this being an interesting subject, the following research has shed some insight into this remarkable trend.
People Are Having Less Children
In many countries, the number of people having children has been declining in recent years. This trend is often attributed to various factors, including economic and social changes and changes in personal values and priorities.
In the United States, data from the Census Bureau shows that the total fertility rate (TFR), which measures the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime, has been declining for several decades.
In 1976, the total fertility was about 2.12, but by 2018, it had fallen to about 1.72. This decline is thought to be due in part to factors such as women entering the workforce in larger numbers, changes in social norms, and an increase in the cost of raising children.
Overall, while the exact reasons for the decline in the number of people having children vary by country and region, it is clear that this trend is a widespread phenomenon.
TRENDING: Maine Coon Cats Instead of Children
Consequently, there has been a trend of people choosing to get Maine Coon cats as pets instead of having children. Various factors, including financial considerations, the desire for flexibility and independence, and a growing awareness of the challenges and responsibilities of parenting have driven this trend.
You know what they say : Two Maine Coon Kittens are better than one!
It Costs Less to Raise a Maine Coon Than it Does a Child
One primary reason people choose to get cats instead of having children is the cost. Raising a child can be incredibly expensive, with the average cost of raising a child to 18 in the United States estimated to be around $233,610.
In contrast, the cost of caring for a cat is significantly less, with the average annual cost of owning a cat estimated to be around $1,000. For many people, the financial savings of getting a cat instead of having a child are too great to ignore.
Owning a Maine Coon Allows for More Flexibility Than a Child
Another factor driving the trend of getting cats instead of having children is the desire for flexibility and independence. Cats, unlike children, can be left alone for extended periods without supervision. This allows people who have cats to maintain their independence and continue pursuing their interests and hobbies without the constraints of parenting.
In addition, cats are generally much easier to care for than children, requiring less time, effort, and attention. This makes them an attractive option for people who want to enjoy the companionship of a pet without the demanding responsibilities of raising a child.
Maine Coons are less Challenging than a Child
Another reason people are choosing to get Maine Coons instead of having children is a growing awareness of the challenges and responsibilities of parenting. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of information and support available to parents, making it easier for people to understand the demands of parenting.
As a result, many people choose to opt out of having children altogether or wait until they are older and better prepared to take on the challenges of parenting. For these people, getting a cat can provide the joy and fulfillment of caring for a dependent creature without the long-term commitment of raising a child.
Maine Coons Are a Great Fit for Everyone
Whether you have children of your own or not, having a Maine Coon will add warmth and enjoyment to every aspect of your life. They’re a great fit for families with children, or they can become your children. You can even walk them on a leash and no one will look at your wierd! How’s that for fun. <3
If you’re thinking of getting a Maine Coon kitten instead of having your children, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Us and let us know your story. We’d love to feature you on our website.
