There’s an old saying that dogs are a man’s best friend — but for cat lovers, this goes for cats too! Today, many pet owners treat their cats and dogs like kids, calling them “fur babies”. This term was even added to the Oxford Dictionary, defined as “a person’s dog, cat, or another furry pet”.

It’s no surprise that pet owners do this. Cats and dogs are smart, loving, and caring. A study found that mothers’ brains light up similarly when they see photos of their human kids and their “fur babies”. The mothers also felt the same excitement and happiness in both cases. Of course, some people think treating pets like kids is silly — but pet lovers strongly disagree.

Pet owners love spoiling their “fur babies” with sweet gifts. Many buy soft beds for their pets to sleep in, or cute clothes for walks or trips. These days, it’s also common to celebrate pets’ birthdays. Owners throw small parties, give gifts like toys, treats, or new beds, and even prepare pet-safe cakes. Some even take their pets to in-house spas to help them relax! Doing this makes owners happy, and it’s clear the cute “fur babies” feel happy too.

Why do some people do this? Because pets get very attached to their owners. You’ll see many videos of pets greeting their owners excitedly after being apart — making owners feel loved and needed. Dogs show love loudly: they lick, wag tails, and hug. Cats do it differently: they meow, purr, or nudge their owners with their heads.

If you want to treat a “fur baby” like your kid, go for it! Pets need love, and they’ll love you back fully. Adopt a cat or dog from a shelter today — and shower them with lots of care!

1.1. What can we infer about the study mentioned in the passage?

A It focuses on pet owners’ daily habits.

B It links mothers’ emotions to pets and kids.

C It proves pets are smarter than young kids.

D It advises people to keep pets.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。第二段提到“A study found that mothers’ brains light up similarly when they see photos of their human kids and their ‘fur babies.’ The mothers also felt the same excitement and happiness in both cases”可知，母亲在看到自家孩子和“毛孩子”的照片时，大脑活跃区域非常相似。在上述两种情形中，母亲们同样感受到相同的兴奋与喜悦。由此可推断该研究将母亲对宠物和孩子的情感联系起来。故选B。

2.2. What can we infer about pet owners from Paragraph 3?

A They enjoy taking pets on vacation.

B They believe pets understand gifts.

C They care deeply about their pets’ comfort.

D They often take photos of pet birthdays.

解析：选C。C推理判断题。第三段原文提到宠物主人喜欢用贴心礼物，如软床、可爱衣物、举办生日派对等来宠爱他们的“毛孩子”，由此可推断，主人非常在意宠物的舒适感受。A、B、D 选项虽然内容积极正面，且与宠物主人的关爱行为相关，但原文中并未直接提及或暗示这些具体信息。故选C。

3.3. Why do people treat pets like “fur babies” according to the passage?

A Pets cling to their owners.

B Pets can do housework.

C Pets need expensive gifts.

D Pets look like kids.

解析：选A。A细节理解题。第四段原文明确提到“Why do some people do this? Because pets get very attached to their owners”由此可知，这样做的原因是宠物会对主人产生深厚依恋。故选A。

4.4. What is the main message the author wants to convey?

A Pets are smarter than humans.

B People treat fur babies like family.

C Oxford Dictionary adds new words often.

D Pets should enjoy what humans have.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。文章开篇提到人们将猫狗称作“毛孩子”并像对待孩子一样照顾；第二段通过研究说明主人对“毛孩子”与对孩子的情感相似；第三段列举主人宠爱“毛孩子”的具体行为；第四段解释原因是宠物对主人的依恋；最后呼吁人们领养宠物并用心呵护。整体围绕“人们像对待家人一样爱护‘毛孩子’”展开。故选B。