What do pets mean to you?

I see my cats as both family and friends (and sometimes a bit of entertainment, I admit it). I care about them and protect them, as with any family member (maybe even more so with them, since they can't feed and protect themselves). Since they both have very distinct personalities, we don't always get along perfectly, but we work it out, like any good friends would. They're also always there to comfort me. And their shenanigans often give me a good laugh. It's really the perfect relationship.