With being a pet parent comes many of the same responsibilities and sacrifices as does being the parent of a human child.  Here we share 10 things we’ve learned from being pet parents.

10. Pet hair is a design element.

9. At bedtime, the animals get in bed first and you perform contortionist acts to find a place for yourself.

8. Pets are just as picky as kids when it comes to eating.

7.  People judge you by the behavior of your pets just as they do the behavior of your kids.

6.  There will always be toys strewn around.

5. Scratching posts are sometimes just a suggestion.

4. No matter how many pet beds and blankets you may have, your lap as always the most comfortable place to be.

3. You will never go to the bathroom alone again.

2. The box the expensive toy came in is more fun than the actual expensive toy.

1. Your life is not your own…and that’s OK!