Your Relationship With Animals (Non-humans)

[flow]

What is your relationship with animals? Do you find that you get along with them exceptionally well? Do they seem drawn to you? Are you drawn to them? How often do you seek out interaction with animals?

 

[FacetiousPersona]

You are a sick, sick man.

 

[lindsayo09]

what in the name of all fluffys are you talking about?

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

To answer what I think is being asked and not Face's demented little reading of it, I'm rather neutral. I like animals just fine and some like me okay. There's no powerful bond or anything though.

 

[lindsayo09]

ok ok i get it now, i get along great with horses, cats, and dogs they seem to like me and i them, i do have a bond with horse people have called me a horse whisper because i can talk to a horse and calm him down

 

[Fukyo]

I much prefer the company of animals to that of humans.I always felt much more comfortable interacting with them.There wasn't a time in my life when I didn't have a pet and love towards animals was always encouraged by my mother,so I didn't have to worry about my wish to have a pet refused.There were often different kinds of animals in our house and I would always get emotionally attached to them.Caring for them gave me a lot of joy,and it still does.I couldn't imagine myself without having a pet.

Edit:
*headdesk at those who got the wrong idea*

 

[lindsayo09]

yeah pets dont backstab

 

[Cegorach]

HA! Face, I just love you so much sometimes!

I'd have to say that I simultaneously love and hate my pets, I rid myself of any and every item in my possession that requires large amounts of effort to maintain, unless it also provides a certain level of compensation for these efforts...

That being said, I don't consider my pets "items" but I do question whether or not I'm actually getting any enjoyment out of them, they piss me off more than you can imagine some days!!! o_o

 

[Sugarpop]

Cat lives in my house. Nice, uncomplicated company. Cats don't question or interfer with your motives. They only require the odd meal and an open door. Probably the top INTP pet.

How, exactly, do you think Face interpretted the OP?

 

[Deleted member 1424]

I've always liked my pets; but not other peoples that much. Specifically when they are not trained in the slightest. I had a cat growing up who only liked me, and often times she was the only creature I actually liked to interact with. I was very sad when she died.

 

[didyouknow]

I love animals. They're so simple to please. A little food, affection and they're off to bed.

I have a pet cat called Fluffy who I've had since I was 10. She's a lot like me; Smart but incredibly lazy, sleeps all day and not too affectionate. We've developed a kind of body language that lets me know what she wants to do. I can now recognise similar body language in other cats to know how they're feeling. So I suppose cats like me not because of some absurd spiritual bond, but because I know how to approach them.

 

[Devercia]

I love cats, and they love me. My cat is a cowardly manx. He is afraid of loose change and thunder storms. HE likes to sleep on my shoulders.

I detest dogs but they love me for some reason. They are like the less intelligent demographic of women, the more you are a jerk to them the more they love you for it.

I love horses but they hate me. They seem to wish me bodily harm.

 

[echoplex]

I am often a bit envious of them. They seem so carefree and wild, something I doubt I will ever truly feel. I am a bit sour on having pets right now, due to the bad luck I've had. I had one kitten suddenly get sick and literally die that night. Outdoor pets always seem to run away, despite regular feeding. Pets are just one big bundle of joy followed by sorrow, kinda like people, except with the joy part added.

Oh, and this reminded me of something hilarious I read recently about how we treat dogs:
http://www.theonion.com/content/opinion/stop_anthropomorphizing_me?utm_source=b-section

The Onion is hit and miss, but god when they hit...

 

[FacetiousPersona]

God, you're all sick. Even turtles do not escape the terror that is you.

 

[Deleted member 1424]

Oh let the furries have their fun.

 

[DynamicMind]

Up until three years ago my best friend was my dog, Holly. She was fat, lazy, stubborn, and the creature most willing to sit and listen to me rant.

I have a real understanding with animals though, I can get them to do just about anything for me. They're kind of interesting to watch and figure out their body language. Besides, they don't get creeped out like people do when you study them carefully for hours on end.

 

[Solfege]

God, you're all sick. Even turtles do not escape the terror that is you.

*raises hand* I have one of those...I'm nice to him. Honest.

I love turtles because they're quiet for the most part, and because they'll probably just go to sleep if you accidentally neglect them for a while (I don't do it that often). My turtle seems to have grown attached to me, though.

Cats are a different story. When I was young, a cat clawed at me for staring at her kittens. I've been guarded towards them ever since.

 

[chocolate]

I've never had a pet and I don't have a special interest in animals. But every once in a while an animal will intrigue me. The other day I saw a bird fly down onto a post right next to where I walking and I had to just stop and stare at it. He was my buddy for a few moments

 

[sagewolf]

I love my dog-- he's the best friend I have, always ready and willing to listen to any and all of my nonsensical ramblings. He's also the only one in the house who actually greets me when I come in the door, and he's always happy to see me too. I feel a lot more comfortable around animals than I do around people, generally, because the animals are a lot less pretentious than people generally are, as long as you can get into their head and figure out what they're thinking and why they're thinking it. They don't think like humans, and you need to take them for what they are.

 

[Carnap]

I love cats. But, they are too much work. Mine is at my mom's house because I couldn't take him with me. Whenever I visit and then leave he gets mad and sad that I'm gone and pees next to the computor (where I spend mass amounts of time) to show his anger !

I plan on putting him on a species appropriate carnivore diet when I visit this summer.

I might like rats, too...

I hate dogs. They seem stupid to me.

 

[Artifice Orisit]

I can get any cat to like me, it's just a matter of patience, staying perfectly calm and understanding etiquette.

Cat etiquette.
Sit down and wait until the cat approaches you,
When it does calmly present it with a closed hand,
It will sniff your hand and if it deems you acceptable will rub you hand with it's head.
(Note: Cats only like clean people)

 

[Carnap]

Cool, I love trying to get cats to like me. Thanks for the tip.


One thing I hate about dogs is that they'll like just about anyone. I like a challenge.

 

[Artifice Orisit]

Get a snake.

 

[Ghost1986]

What is your relationship with animals?

i currently dont deal with critters. yet when i was younger i much preferd animals.

Do you find that you get along with them exceptionally well?

i did not sure now.

Do they seem drawn to you?

cats and dogs seem to like me. i hate horses and i do fine with other animals.

Are you drawn to them?

not really

How often do you seek out interaction with animals?

nope. i reject animal interactions. my 15 year old cat ran away when i went to a government vocational program. with him gone and knowing how bad of a owner i was, i now refuse to deal with animals.

 

[s0nystyle]

I love animals and they love me. Is it odd that this occurs? Is it *gasp* anti-INTP-like?

 

[Felan]

Growing up I had all sorts of pets, cats, dogs, a pony, and a parakeet. I went for a long dry stretch with no pet, but I've had my current buddy for going on 4 years now. He is an Congo African Gray parrot and he by far the best pet I've ever had.

He wakes me up by cheering calling out "Good morning." If its cold he'll say, "Brrrr, it's cold." If I ask whose a pretty bird, he'll respond, "Hercules!" He'll fly to me on command and sometimes if he feels I am ignoring him overly much he'll do flybys till I give some affection.

Its even possible he'll outlive me, as they can live 60+ years.

 

[Ermine]

Cool, I love trying to get cats to like me. Thanks for the tip.


One thing I hate about dogs is that they'll like just about anyone. I like a challenge.

Exactly. It's really special earning the love of a cat, especially one that's aloof to everyone else.

 

[brain enclosed in flesh]

Domestic animals are pretty much like people for me: it depends on the individual. Dogs, in general, are too extroverted and needy for me, but there's been a few I've liked. I dig cats. I feel like we understand each other. I have two that I own, plus one that chooses to hang out in my yard. Some cats though... well, like people.

I've never understood the horse thing. In all honesty, I like cows better. They have sweet dispositions.

But overall, I prefer the wild animal, especially the ones most people dismiss- sparrows, pigeons, spiders, insects, bats, snakes, lizards, toads, moths, etc. They garner my sympathy and my respect. Plus, I think they're cute.

 

[Melkor]

Cognisant, you can skip most of your phases with a peice of ham in one hand.


Also, there are differnet types of cats.

the more introverted cats (usually female kittens) will almost never approach you, even if you decrease your height significantly be kneeling, and make the most soothing noises and hand motions.

 

[didyouknow]

I love my cat, even if she is really annoying at times. She wakes me up at 3 in the morning to be let inside the house, wants a snack and won't stop pestering me until she gets one. Then she sleeps on my clothes/newspaper/book all day. I use to keep a pet lizard in the garden and feed it bugs from a compost in the back yard. My cat would help me find it when it got lost... it was strange how she understood what I was doing. She is very, very independent (unless she's hungry) and mostly doesn't like affection. I hate it when people just assume cats like things, they're all individuals with their own personalities.

 

[Melkor]

*coughlosercough*

-nods-

yes dearie.

thats very nice..

I'll be outside..throwing up...

 

[didyouknow]

 

[Anthile]

It seems to be that all the INXX types share a strange obsession with cats. All the type-specific forums have several threads about cats (although I'm not absolutely sure about INTJ).

If you are also a famous writer this obsession can lead to some odd results.
How odd? Well, look for yourself: http://rca.vmk.zhdk.ch/lovecraft/html/catsdogs.htm

 

[Melkor]

I'm a fan of cats actually..

I think it's because, as a species, they generally represent us.

if you can get a InXX tio love you, you feel valued.

If, as an INXX yu get a cat to love you, same feeling.

 

[Artifice Orisit]

the more introverted cats (usually female kittens) will almost never approach you, even if you decrease your height significantly be kneeling, and make the most soothing noises and hand motions.

Patience, my methods have never failed me, it just takes a friggen long time in some cases.

 

[Malkavian]

I like most types of animals except frogs and toads who just freak me out for some reason.

Cats are appealing to introverts because they are harder to read than
dogs,therefore easier to relate to maybe.
Not until I had a cat of my own a few years ago now,did I understand the attraction of having one.They are interesting animals and have a very subtle pattern of behaviour. I found myself talking to it more than I did to any dog that I had.
I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad sign...

Snakes are very underestimated as pets.If you ever held one you would know that they are very comfy to pet and they seem to enjoy it a lot.

 

[Concojones]

Cats and Introverts: very interesting parallel!!

Doesn't seem to hold true for me though, because I prefer dogs.

Or does it? Because I also prefer extraverted people (provided they have some depth). I even tend to mislabel absolute introverts as uninteresting, even though I'm one myself, so I should know better. I even made that mistake with some introverts who are now my friends. Frankly, I don't think I'd like Concojones if I met him in real life. Unless we ended up talking by accident; then I might get charmed by his odd and far-fetched ideas

P.S. on-topic: I had rabbits and unfortunately never got that dog. I'd say I like animals, but not as much as some real fans do.

 

[merzbau]

i'm with concojones. cats don't interest me in the slightest. calculating, mercenary creatures!
my family has always liked dogs, so i get on with them pretty well. they currently have a labradoodle, a breed reknowned for their cleverness. she tilts her head to the side like she's trying to understand what you're saying. she also likes bananas.

apparently, you can knit with poodle fur.

 

[severus]

apparently, you can knit with poodle fur.

Urgh. That is ... urgh.

I too love cats, and co-own two of them. Other animals I'm pretty neutral about. Can't keep caged animals, as I don't have the initiative to take them out.

 

[Vrecknidj]

There are some humans I prefer to most animals. There are some animals I prefer to most humans.

Most of the animals that have ended up living in my house, other than insects and spiders, have been pets. Most of those pets cost too much in food, vet bills, and the like for me to really feel strongly connected to them. Additionally, most of them have vomited or otherwise discharged staining fluids (and or various amorphous liquid-like solids) onto my furniture and carpets. As such, I really would prefer not to have them around. There are two exceptions to this current rule, and they are both cats. Neither is particularly wonderful, but one was effectively saved by me from starvation at an extremely early age and so sees me as some sort of important clan leader (or whatever it is that cats understand).

And, that cat in particular hasn't expelled any fluids (other than when giving birth once, and that was on a towel, in a box, in a closet) onto my stuff and hasn't cost me much in vet bills, and tends to eat the mice that would otherwise damage my car.

So, that cat gets a thumbs-up from me. Most of the rest of the animals that have shared my residence have been more of a nuisance than they're worth.

I had a dog when I was a kid that I loved, she was a good friend (in the way that pets can be friends). Even so, I'd immediately sacrifice the life of any of my pets to save the lives of my kids, my wife, any of my friends, and most human strangers. But that's me. I'm a speciesist and proud of it.

Dave

 

[Tyria]

I love animals; they are much more honest with themselves than most people are. They are also loving and kind; you are free to be yourself around them and they will love you for it.

 

[ArcusDog]

What is your relationship with animals?

I love animals. They are beautiful and fascinating.

Do you find that you get along with them exceptionally well?

Yes, absolutely. Especially in my younger years, animals were often my best or only friends in the world. I have spent countless hours studying and observing different animals and used up many precious days of my life watching Animal Planet.

One of my passing endeavors was to be an amateur and professional animal trainer. When I was younger, I used to love working with problem horses and "fixing" them. I seemed to possess an innate understanding of their needs, desires, and motivations that other people lacked and could read their body language as though they were talking to me.

Later, I got involved with dogs and worked as a pro dog trainer for a year or two. My understanding of dogs was not quite as profound as with horses, but I was still a talented natural at dog training.

And just for fun, I've trained birds, cats, and even a pet rabbit one time (that was very hard because she wasn't very smart and had about a 2 minute attention span, at best).

Do they seem drawn to you?

Yes they do. Though certain animal personalities seem more drawn to me than others.

Are you drawn to them?

Yes I am. Though certain animal personalities are more repellent than others.

How often do you seek out interaction with animals?

Since I have pets (and have had pets throughout my entire life without interruption) I would say on a daily basis.

By the way, I think cats are awesome. They are not overly needy or demanding of attention (like dogs can be sometimes), but will seek me out for snuggling frequently enough to maintain a bond. And they are well suited to life under the rule of a terribly forgetful owner - when I forget to feed/water them they meow at me incessantly, when I forget to clean their box they pee on the floor/bed/rug (granted, this angers me, but it also reminds me to clean the box).

 

[didyouknow]

This makes me glad we trained our cat to use the entire garden as a kitty litter tray. If only that didn't mean waking up to open the door for her at 3am...