well I opted for the full package deal, the kids, the husband and the furkids, and I would not have it any other way, all are very special and unique in their own way, and all feature my life very much, my cats never answer back, are always there for me, so they have a very special place in my life, when I am feeling down or low, they are always there for me, they don't suffer the same stresses as we humans, so my furbabies have that magic quality, that helps make me feel better.,that really no human can do.

I would not be without any one of my family, I love them all unconditonally, and they mean the world to me, furbabies and all.

Just my opinion but whether cats are a substitute for children, it does not matter, whatever gives you pleasure and happiness in life is all that really matters.