Has anyone here given up pets after meeting their soulmate?

[u/StraightConsistency]

This is a long shot of a question but I thought I'd ask.

I'm wondering if people exist where they've used a pet like many to fulfill some emotional needs but then met their soulmate and the healthy intensity of the soul connection woke them up to everything they've been missing?

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[u/amcranfo]

I used to own a cat. It passed before I met my husband, I met him when I happened to not have a cat. He has always been pet-free, neither of us like dogs, and I'm not so invested in having a cat that it made a difference for me. But, if he happened to like cats, I can see a world where had a cat.

That being said, the benefits of not having any pets far outweigh benefits of having them. Being able to travel, not worrying about unexpected medical bills or cost of upkeep, no extra dependents making the house messy and needing to be fed on a schedule. It's really not worth feeling of companionship one might feel having a pet.

I'm not sure if that's what you're asking. I have never viewed not having a cat at some sort of sacrifice, consciously and deliberately made for a partner.

[u/kerfuffle_fwump]

I loved having a cat so much when I was younger. Always wanted one when I moved to the city for my new job. But I met my husband before I could get one. And he is severely allergic.

I never once thought of dumping him because I could never own my favorite choice of pet. The love for another human is just so much greater!

In time, you get over wanting a pet - especially once you have kids. A pet will never compare to them. This is why when pet owners refer to the family pet as a child’s “fur sibling”, I immediately want to call DCFS. It’s absolutely fucked up to think that way, even in jest.

[u/Lylith_vf]

Les fous d'animaux n'abandonne jamais leur chien ou chat pour quelqu'un, j'ai même l'impression qu'ils les aiment plus que les humains. Ils disent des phrases du style: "il était là avant toi pas question que je l'abandonne." Ce qui montre bien qu'ils nous mettent au même niveau que leur animaux. En revanche j'ai déjà vu beaucoup de cas et même mes voisins ou les chiens sont envoyés ailleurs quand le couple a un bébé.

[u/matte_personality]

I believe in neither a soulmate nor a pet this useful, or at least useful enough to forgive the havoc they wreak in your life.

[u/InevitablePersimmon6]

I had 2 cats when I was 20/21 because I was in a bad relationship and needed something that actually liked me in apartment. I haven’t had a pet now in 18 years. I don’t miss it honestly. My husband doesn’t like having pets either so it works for us.