What is it with humans and our pets. We are the only species on the planet who has the desire to have a pet, or cares about the development, safety and well begin on other animals/species. You wouldn't find a chimpanzee for example trying desperately to potty train the local kitty, or a gorilla caring very much if the local pack of dogs gets fed today, so what exactly is it with us humans and out pets.
2007-07-29 08:05:15 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
This is actually an intresting question and has to do with maslow's hiarchy of needs.
Humans are the only creatures who can become self actualized. We are the only creatures who think abstractly. When all our basic needs are met we have this need to take care of other be it humans or animal. It is part of our social nature. It is a part of our civil mindness i guess. Erickson makes an argument in his stages of life and his moral development that humans have a need to show some domination of her world around him but this can be good as well as bad. Part of the good is caring for animals.
I hope this helped.
2007-07-29 08:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by dreamsofinsomnia 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Humans are different than any other animal in the world in MANY ways. I think it is because we are more emotionally evolved. Humans are also the only species to feel the need to help sick and neglected animals, and people. Other species will ignore sick animals in their family/pack, or even kill them, otherwise they are just weakening the group, which can be a threat on their survival. While humans will specifically pick out the sick or abandoned animal and take care of it. I think that goes along with caring for a pet, we just feel the need to take care of another life. Plus, pets are GREAT companions, and they can always make you laugh, And they are there to comfort you when you cry.
Sometimes you hear of another species who will take care of other animals. Like a dog who will take in an abandoned litter of kittens as her own. I think these animals are exceptions, and have the inherent need to mother. But I don't really know, this is just my opinion.
2007-07-29 08:16:02 · answer #2 · answered by Stark 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That is not necessarily true, that humans are the only species to have a desire for a pet.
Owls occasionally bring back a certain type of snake for the nest. This snake will kill are infestations such as mites and other insects in the nest.
I think it's becuase we need companionship, and most animals are constently happy that we don't mind that they don't speak, we can just talk with them and they'll understand.
2007-07-29 10:25:47 · answer #3 · answered by Phoenix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have pets for company, for protection, for uncomplicated love, to feel needed, to care for someone different from ourselves.
I think it's mostly circumstance that creates the need for a pet, not just humanity. There are numerous instances of animals of one species caring for other animals, showing love and affection and responsibility for other species.
If you need a celebrity example, Koko, the language-capable gorilla, while herself in benign captivity (though not a pet), has had at least a couple of kittens as pets and has cared for them with tenderness and love.
2007-07-29 08:14:37 · answer #4 · answered by Palmerpath 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have long been a fan of parrots - ever since I was a kid. I'm in my 60's now and have been able to enjoy the companionship of my feathered kid 'Randi' - a Hahn's macaw.
What an ideal pet - especially for seniors. They are smart, colorful, they speak our language, they're GREAT company, low maintenance and they WANT to please.
Randi will be with me for the rest of my life (barring the un-expected) and what she needs is what I've got and am glad to share - my time, my affection, and exposing her to an interesting life.
We go for walks together, take naps, go for bike rides, shopping trips (where permitted) she eats at table with me (they have a dry mouth so don't slobber on food), she's toilet trained, has no communicable common diseases and has attracted many friendly conversations with nice people I meet.
Why do people have pets? they are so easy to share affection and love with with NO risk of rejection - hows that for an answer?
2007-07-29 08:21:12 · answer #5 · answered by cuttermik 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think we get that disire because animals are not only cute, but they are very conforting at times. I dont think anyone NEEDS to have a pet, but there sure cute. And sometimes they seem like the only ones who get you. Do chimpanzee's have computers? No. Do chimpanzee's even live in an inviornment where kittens are close to them? No. I dont think anyone can answer this question because the answer is indescribable.
2007-07-29 08:19:09 · answer #6 · answered by [FluorescentNeptune©] 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well i think humans have the desire for pets cus, no matter how many times you mess up, they don't judge you. and when you had what seems to be the crummiest day ever they always give you that look that lets you know that every things gana be alright.taking care of a pet gives you that warm feeling inside that lets you know even when no1 seems to care you no they'll always care and hate to c u sad...and there loyal...they don't go telling your secrets to some1! hah. and they listen...if you have a problem and don't have any1 2 talk 2 bout it u no that you can always talk 2 them...i dono theres just something bout pets that i love!
2007-07-29 08:18:08 · answer #7 · answered by blakergrl96f 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well its much easier to get a pet than a person so they keep us company and they are loyal. So what about chimpanzees I've always wanted one.
2007-07-29 08:08:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My dog has a pet cat, and iread about a chimp with a pet cat too- There are cows that keep pet birds to eat the insects off their backs and sharks that keep pet fish to eat the leeches-lots of animals have their own pets-we are not the only ones
2007-07-29 08:16:00 · answer #9 · answered by Dotis 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
every once in a while you read about animals who have "adopted" each other, and cannot bear to be seperated. so, we aren't the only ones to keep pets.
I think we keep pets for unconditional love, and constant companionship. some pets are more rewarding than others, but I think everyone likes to feel that they have someone to take care of.
2007-07-29 08:12:54 · answer #10 · answered by freespirit 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋