'Crazy Cat (Childless) Lady'

If you’re a woman without children, you’ve probably heard it at some point: “Oh, you must be a crazy cat lady!” Whether said in jest or with a hint of judgment, this stereotype is all too familiar. Somehow, being a woman who loves and cares for pets—especially cats—has become synonymous with loneliness, eccentricity, and unfulfilled maternal desires. But why is that? Why is it that women without children are often labelled this way, while their choice to love and care for animals is seen as odd or as a substitute for children?

Let’s unpack the myth of the “crazy cat lady,” and why this label is not only inaccurate but also unfairly dismissive of the meaningful connections women build with their pets.

The Origins of the "Crazy Cat Lady" Stereotype

The image of the “crazy cat lady” didn’t appear out of nowhere. For centuries, women who lived alone—whether by choice or circumstance—were viewed with suspicion. Historically, society has often defined women by their relationships to others: as wives, mothers, caregivers. If a woman didn’t fit into these roles, she was seen as somehow incomplete or even dangerous to societal norms. Pets, particularly cats, became associated with these women, giving rise to the stereotype of the lonely, isolated woman surrounded by animals, apparently driven “mad” by her loneliness and lack of human contact.

In addition, lets not forget the associations between witches and cats…and the stereotype of the “evil” childless witch that’s been portrayed for centuries until the present day, such as in the Snow Queen (or pretty much any daytime film on Channel 5 where there happens to be an “evil woman”!).

While society has somewhat evolved, the idea persists. Today, the “crazy cat lady” trope is often applied to women without children, suggesting that their attachment to pets is a form of compensation for the absence of children in their lives. But this assumption ignores the deeper reasons why people bond with animals and the unfair expectation that women must be mothers to be fulfilled.

Why Having Pets Isn’t a Substitute for Children

For many women who are childless not by choice (CNBC), their pets are a source of companionship, comfort, and unconditional love. However, this relationship is not a substitute for children, nor is it a sign of an unfulfilled life. The idea that women turn to pets as a "replacement" for children is rooted in the misconception that women are defined solely by their ability to mother.

 People form bonds with animals for many reasons, such as companionship, loyalty, and love in their own unique way. Whether you’re a person who has chosen not to have children or are unable to have them, having pets is simply about enjoying the connection, joy, and fulfillment that animals can bring into our lives.

In fact, studies have shown that having pets can improve mental and physical health by reducing stress, providing routine, and offering emotional support. For women who are CNBC, these benefits can be incredibly important, especially when dealing with feelings of grief, isolation, or the misunderstandings that often come with childlessness.

The Misunderstanding of Women Who Are CNBC

When people assume that a woman who doesn’t have children must be a “crazy cat lady,” they’re misunderstanding something fundamental about the experience of being CNBC. Women who are childless not by choice are often subjected to a range of misguided judgments—being perceived as bitter, jealous, or unfulfilled simply because they don’t have children. This type of thinking also extends to the way people view their relationships with pets.

There’s a harmful misconception that people who are CNBC are "making up for" their lack of children by doting on their pets. But this view is not only incorrect, it’s dismissive of the complex and valid emotions that come with childlessness. As mentioned in some of my previous blog posts, feeling grief over not having children isn’t a reflection of being unhappy or ungrateful for one’s life. It’s about mourning a deep and personal loss while still finding joy and fulfillment in other aspects of life—including relationships with pets.

The Power of Pets in Healing and Companionship

Pets, especially for people dealing with grief or loneliness, can be a source of incredible healing. They offer non-judgmental companionship and a sense of purpose that can help alleviate some of the isolation that comes with being misunderstood by society. For many people, pets provide an emotional connection that is deeply fulfilling, regardless of whether they have children or not.

There’s nothing “crazy” about finding joy in taking care of animals, whether you have one cat or ten. People care for pets because they love them and because pets bring happiness into their lives. This is not a “replacement” for children or anything else. It’s simply one of the many ways we connect with the world around us.

Breaking Free from the Stereotype

The “crazy cat lady” stereotype is not only outdated but also rooted in the idea that women without children are incomplete. This harmful assumption fails to recognize the full lives that women lead, whether or not they are mothers. Having pets isn’t a sign of eccentricity or loneliness—it’s a reflection of love, compassion, and the desire for connection. Total normal traits for any human, no? Afterall, we don’t question men’s or mothers’ decisions to have pets, and we certainly don’t assign them negative labels for doing so. Yet, for women who are CNBC, the same choice is often seen as peculiar or a sign of something missing in their lives.

Conclusion

If you’re a woman who doesn’t have children and you love your pets, that doesn’t make you a “crazy cat lady.” It makes you someone who enjoys the company of animals and finds joy in caring for them. Your relationship with your pets is not a replacement for children, nor does it reflect some deep-seated loneliness or unfulfilled desire.

Loving animals is a beautiful, life-affirming experience, and it’s time we stop labelling women who don’t fit the traditional mold of motherhood as “crazy” just because they choose to care for pets. Whether you have children or not, your love for your pets is a valid and important part of your life—and it’s certainly not something that needs to be explained or justified.