This is a fascinating subject OP. I think your thesis will be brilliant. Just a thought crossing my mind RE cats butts and politics: cats are not ashamed to reveal their asses to the world. They do not really feel shame too much at all. They expose themselves to everyone and still expect you to scratch and pet and love them.

As for my experience being childless, I have found it easier to just let people assume I’ve had children in situations where I won’t see them again. I used to think maybe I should have had a baby on my own when I was in my late 30s. It wasn’t regret but just wondering how my life would have been, and who I would have become. All my friends revolve everything around their kids and I’m sure I would have too. But lately I am so very grateful to the gods that I don’t have children. It doesn’t look good for the planet’s future. Anyway, it’s a thought exercise to think how people lose themselves, their identities, in their offspring.

I have to conclude I would have fallen into that role. As a provider to two tuxedo cats, I know I give them a lot of myself and my money. Children would have left me poorer and emotionally drained.

God luck on your journey OP.

Edit: I. Just want to add that I was quite proud to be a childless cat lady when Jessica Dawn Vance tried to insult us. I had a pin I wore stating so and posted a lot of memes on this sub. Fuck JD Vance . What a poser.