Do you think that animals have feelings?

Question

Why or why not? All answers appreciated. Elaborate answers treasured. Thank you!

Answer 1

Don't make me mad.

Answer 2

If you look at evolution, it is pretty certain that animals, at least the social mammals, have most or all of the feelings we have.
They also have the ability to modify their feelings to some extent, as this must happen when we domesticate and train animals. It is inevitable in any animal which has to fit into a social structure.
Name any animals which do not have any relationships with others of their own species!

Our strong point is our ability to communicate what we feel and to use the power of thought to a greater extent than other animals to modify our feelings. It's really only a question of degree.

At the other end of the scale, even the simplest bacteria have the ability to move towards what they need and away from what they don't need. That suggests desire and fear!
If you get down to it, feelings are the chemical messengers that bodies use to create emotions - taking action in response to senses and bodily needs.

Answer 3

Yes, it has proven that they have feelings.

My cat for example, he has different moods, and understands many things. He likes to go outside at night, but amazingly, if I forget to lock the door, he can open the door. I tried budging it without turning the knob and it's impossible for an animal that size to open the door just by pushing it. So he has to be turning the knob. Anyways, I've been making sure I lock the door every night, and he will stay at the door for hours meowing to be let in.

When I finally get up in the morning and let him in, he gives me this disgusted look and gives a very distinctive meow. If he could talk he'd be saying some very nasty things I'm sure.

I sound pretty crazy, but, i feel I have a good connection with my animal friend.

Answer 4

Of course. Whos the first one to greet you when you get home from work waging there tail or put it between there legs when you yell at them. Our dog growing up always knew when we were down or happy because when when someone was down in our family he would always come by and put his head in your lap and look at you with those big brown eyes and that was always good for a smile and when we were happy he would always grab his rope and swing it around like crazy.I think sometimes animals have more feelings then people do. Animals are always there to protect there young unlike some people,and animals will always bring a smile to your face unlike most people.

Answer 5

It's a given that all animals feel fear, that they posses the fight or flight response. What other emotions, feelings, they have is, for me, only a guess. Domestic animals demonstrate happiness, contrition, and sadness. Dogs bark and growl aggressively to protect their territory. Cats purr with contentment. And both readily recognize their masters. Whether such displays translate to emotions such as we might experience, I don't know. I, however, am satisfied that, yes, animals have feelings and whatever some vet or zoologist thinks is his business.

Answer 6

I have owned three dogs, each with its own distinctive personality. Anyone who has owned a pet dog or cat can tell you from their own personal experience that their pets have emotions and feelings (joy, sadness, anger, frustration, guilt, etc.). The brains of higher animals (mainly mammals) are very complicated. Most scientists believe that dogs operate at the emotional and intellectual level of a two- or three-year-old human child. Anyone who tells you that animals don't have feelings, doesn't know animals very well, and probably has never had a pet.

Answer 7

feelings yes, conscious thought no,

animals are supposed to be treated with respect and care - see the bible - but there are not creatures with a soul

its really a bit sad if you look at the fact, that in most societies and countries - e.g. US, Europe especially - the animal welfare clubs and associations have FAR more members than those who care for kids

God Bless you

Answer 8

I know they have their own personalities. I know that my cat will know when he is bad. He can act contrite when he has done something wrong. I have seen dogs actually hang their heads down when they are bad. Animals have feelings. Look at them at how happy they are when you come home. They cry if they are sad. They cry if they are hurt. Yes, they definitely have feelings!

Answer 9

Yes, some animals cry tears, others whine when they are sad, i think animals have feelings, but that doesn't stop me from eating some of them.

Answer 10

certain animals do. sponges dont. neither do worms or spiders. fish dont. some reptiles may have some basic ones, like fear and curiosity. birds do. so do mammals. but humans have the most devolped emotion sense (or whatever)
its on of our only advantages over other animals. our emotions...hope, curiosity, fear, anger, love, etc, all helped us survive. our intelligence hepled us prosper.

Answer 11

Yes yes yes of course they have feelings. You can always tell they whine, cry, etc. they're just like us, but less intelligent (except they way they look of course..)