Eman, along with the continual upward movement in the quality of life for humanity (I like Metatron's posts on this subject), I've been observing a corresponding increase in living standards for their pets. Pets seem to be living longer, and they've got more things to do with their leisure time (which, let's face it, is pretty well all the time!) They also seem to be getting smarter and more sophisticated in their tastes.
"Oh God! To hear the Insect on the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers in the dust." - The Ghost of Christmas Present