Mine belong to my DD. My 3 children found them as kittens and there mother was run over by a car, so they brought them home as a rescue mission. They were a week old then and I said we could keep one, but after nursing them with syringes and paying for all their vet costs, we all got attached to them, so my DD claims ownership, but they claim all of us, except DH, who is allergic to them (and he's been known to sneak them treats if no one is looking). We should have stock in lint rollers and various cleaning methods, but DH has survived and we limit their house activities. I had a chicken pen built in the garage with heat lamps and lots of climbing equipment and toys, so sometimes they go out. They never lived outside so we can't let them out and worry about them. They aren't essential to my sewing, but they do keep me on my toes. They are very good at claiming and inspecting anything I sew, not just quilts, they have a fabric addiction as well and check everything. Besides, with ownership and cats--who is the master? I should say the rescue was 5 years ago and our four kids in the box were checking for fabric. I had ordered fabric and when we emptied the box, they made sure I had it all unpacked. So pets essential no, but interesting and helpful YES!