Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/dogs-cats-act-like-children/

Having dogs and/or cats is just like having kids, don’t you agree? If not, then you clearly don’t share a home with an animal.

They get jealous, possessive, and will act up to get our attention. They have unique personalities, just like kids, and some are more like the mischievous yet lovable, Dennis the Menace.

No matter their personality, all pet parents can agree that their furry companions act a lot like children.

Check out the list of ways and feel free to add any we forgot in the comments.

dogs cats act like kids 3 - 15 Ways That Dogs & Cats Act Just Like Children
Photo: Unsplash/Chewy

Form close bonds with parents

Cats may not show it as much as kids and dogs, but they all love us in their own way.

Have selective hearing

You can call their name until you are blue in the face, and they don’t appear. However, if you say “dinner” they come running.

Fight over toys

Even if you have two of the exact same toy, the dogs or kids will want the same one and will fight for it.

dogs cats act like children 4 - 15 Ways That Dogs & Cats Act Just Like Children
Photo: Unsplash/Rafael Forseck

Test boundaries

They are all intelligent and want to see if you really mean what you say. It can be exhausting…

Inquisitive

Kids ask questions while dogs and cats watch our every move. They quickly figure out the words that are associated with their favorite things. As well as the words or actions we don’t want…

Like to cuddle

There’s nothing like snuggling on the couch with our children, two and four-legged.

dogs cats act like children 5 - 15 Ways That Dogs & Cats Act Just Like Children
Photo: Unsplash/Mathias Reding

Play catch/fetch

Fido is always up for a game of fetch in the backyard.

Sibling rivalry

No matter the species, they all seem to get jealous when their brother or sister is getting more attention.

dogs cats act like children 2 - 15 Ways That Dogs & Cats Act Just Like Children
Photo: Unsplash/kevin turcios

Bath time is a struggle

enough said…

Make perfect flower girls and ring bearers

Fur children and kids look adorable in bow ties and tutus.

Always want to play

Everything can be made into a game whether you have time to deal with it or not. Their curious minds like to be challenged and while that is a great thing, it isn’t always at the most opportune times.

Misbehave when you are on the phone or in a meeting

Why is it that every time you have a meeting or are on the phone the kids start fighting, the dog starts barking, and the cat decides to rest on your keyboard?!

dogs cats act like children 6 - 15 Ways That Dogs & Cats Act Just Like Children
Photo: Unsplash/Cristofer Maximilian

Make a mess and don’t clean up after themselves

Do I need to say more?

Keep us moving

There is never a dull moment when you share your home with pets or kids. They keep us on our toes (literally) and make sure we enjoy the little things in life.

Make our lives whole

At times we may be tired and frustrated, but we wouldn’t change a single thing about our kids – including our four-legged ones.

dogs cats act like kids 7 - 15 Ways That Dogs & Cats Act Just Like Children
Photo: Unsplash/Tatiana Rodriguez

Some have even said that dogs are like babies and cats are like teenagers…they may be on to something. Parenting can be tough, but if you have a sense of humor and a support system you will be just fine.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog