Not liking animals

[KittyGlitter]

I know a couple of people who have told me they don't like animals and they grew up in a household without pets. I find it really hard to relate to, as I can't imagine not going soppy over a cat or dog. I love animals, especially cats and horses. Does anyone else find it sad that there are some people who have no love whatsoever for our furry friends?

[smudge]

I love all animals except Hyenas.

[smudge]

Also except dogs that poo in public places, but then that's down to the owners of course.

[pjm007]

I don't like cats and not only for the reason they keep leaving turds in my garden, I just don't like them.

[dmsjps]

I too find it unusual when people don't like animals, but then again, those people probably think we're odd because they can't understand what we see in them!

pjm007, I've known lots of people over the years who don't like cats. I can't understand why, but I do know that when someone who doesn't like cats comes to my house, my cats make a bee-line for them, as though they know! Does that happen to you?

I suppose it takes all sorts! Some people don't like kids, some don't like old people, some don't like black, some don't like white, the list goes on ...

Personally I think it's good for kids to grow up in contact with animals. It teaches them how to look afer something (or someone, in a parallel world) and be responsible for their welfare, how to share, how to care, etc, etc, and also how to grieve. Also, so many kids talk to their pet when things go wrong, they can be very theraputic.

I don't for one minute mean that as a parent you should get a pet so that your child can turn to the pet rather than to you, because of course that's irresponsible; but the more outlets to help/therapy there are for all the upsets kids go through in life, then surely the better.

[Chillum]

I'm completely ambivalent towards animals. I'm more than happy that they share our planet, and appreciate the diversity and wonder of the natural world. On the other hand I have absolutely no wish to share my house with one. I've never had a pet, but then, I've never wanted one either. 

[nrmatth]

I grew up with pets so naturally like them, I imagine someone you didn't grow up with a slobbery dog or self centered cat may not see the charm these pets have. But Even pet lovers gave me sideways glances when I would take my four foot long iguanas out to be walk and sunned and I think a snake owner is nuts! : ) so it's all in what your used to. Plus I could understand someone not finding the joy in a litter box or poopy scooping, but being it was one of my chores growing up I guess I felt I had too much time on my hands when I moved out. four indoor cats and two dogs later here I am.

[magicdice]

hello! i'm one of these not-liking-animals people. we've always had several pets in our household - a rabbit, a hamster, fish, things like that - but i've never particularly wanted to spend time playing with animals when there are other things to do that i consider more interesting/fulfilling/useful (i can see myself offending a lot of people in this post and so i'll apologise for that now!) i think part of it is that my sisters both love animals & so have always assumed responsibility for the fun and not-so-fun parts of it. however, i still have no desire to have a pet of my own - another life depending on my actions is a bit too much responsibility for me!

[camille79]

dmspjs - I remember reading about the cat attraction to those who dislike cats phenomenon!  Apparently, when you like cats you are more likely to look straight at them which the cat regards as confrontational.  However, if you don't like cats you look away which is seen by the cat as a friendly gesture (like when cats rub the sides of their face against you!)  Not sure how plausable the theory is - personally I think it's down to pure mischief!

[littleoldme]

No offence to magicdice here, but I simply do not understand people who don't like animals, and never will. I can understand people not liking a particular animal, but to dismiss animals in general? I've had at least one dog around all my life and a cat for most of that time. Having said that, we did have one six-month petless period. The house seemed so empty that we couldn't stand it.

[Robinia]

Love all creatures great & small -  favourite is the polar bear but not a practical pet so I have a King Charles spaniel!  He's had his hair cut this morning & looks lovely! 

 I know people who wouldn't have anything that sheds hairs or is unhygenic (their word not mine) in their houses but as I always point out we humans catch far more bugs from each other than we ever do from our furry friends.

[Chillum]

You're right in my case IAP, but then, I was bitten (by dogs) on four separate occasions before I was 13., so it was with just cause. When I was young, I actually used to completely change direction and walk well out of my way if I saw one of the local boot-boy dogs roaming in the distance. I'm sure after the first one, the others probably smelled the fear and it unnerved them. I can now tolerate them, but it's taken a long time.

[ali_alic]

I am an animal lover and foster unwanted animals from the cruely treated to the ignored.  I have a great respect for all animals but don't expect my visitors to feel the same about the house cats and rabbits!!  Went 3 days without a pet once, hated not having another heartbeat in the house!.

However on a practical note, my father always maintained that exposure to animals, dirt etc helped build up the immune system.  So yes, I grew up with the dog sleeping in my room (often on my bed) and to this day still have the cats join me in the morning for their cuddle!  Our obsession with cleanliness has led to a generation of allergy sufferers!

[eupraxia]

Well Magicdice as an animal fanatic  I'm glad that you understnd yourself well enough to know you don't want pets. Good for you. Theres nothing worse than people who take on animals and the decide they don't really like it, worse still those who take on animals and then decide they can just kick them around, abandon them or worse.

Animals are for life, loving and companionship. They need and rely on their owners, and you understand that.

I just wish more people would put a lot more thought in to having a pet.

Eupraxia

[JB]

I never had a pet whilst growing up (none of my family are animal lovers) but was determined that once I was able, I'd have animals! I got my first dog (a rescue) and was devastated when she died. The silence in the house was disturbing. Happily, this has now been filled by 2 six month old lunatic SBT puppies!

On reflection though, all through my childhood, all of my friends had animals - dogs/cats/horses etc....not a conscious decision though..

[LordyGeordie]

I love animals, especially if they're cooked well.

[Artful]

I've read the same thing as you camille regarding cats and humans and eye-contact.

I adore animals of all sorts and this morning I found that our 2 chickens had been killed by a fox. My dog took me out to show one of the remains and he wa very sad. BTW the chickens had been with us just over 2 years. The cold weather this wonter did our geese in (residents of 5 years). The garden is now very empty.

[Dom Tuk]

I think in the wides scheme of things anyone professing to not liking animals is sligtly better than those who openly proclaim that they hate children (usually the unmarried single types)

[flip-it]

I love animals.......they taste great !