Someone told me recently that the main difference between people and animals is that people have a soul and are capable of love, where animals do not have a soul and are not capable of love.
I do know that cats and dogs get attached to their owners. Cats purr when they are being petted. This is affection, and isn't affection a form of love?
The whole idea of "souls" is supernatural by definition (forces or phenomena which are not subject to natural laws), so using that to define whether or not they are capable of love is not a solid proof.
What is your opinion? Are animals capable of love?
2007-11-21 12:10:42 · 12 answers · asked by Jean-Francois 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes, most definitely...I've had a lot of animals over the years...I have a cat now that I got when he was abandoned at about 2 weeks of age...He came to the cabin where I lived alone looking for food. He was very scared of me for a long time. It took me weeks to get it to come close to me. I did it by feeding him a little bit at a time and every time I did I moved the food closer and closer to me until one day he was eating between my feet...then I took a spoon and was feeding him off the spoon and gradually shortened the handle until it was right against my hand...finally I put the food on my finger...MISTAKE...Ouch...But now he's my buddy...I started rubbing foreheads with him about two years ago...now when he comes in he goes crazy until we can put our foreheads together...He'll wake me up if I'm in bed wanting to do that...if I don't respond he'll give me a push on the nose with his front paw...He's very affectionate...Yes, they love...
The thing about animals from what I understand is that they, unlike us, don't understand they have a tomorrow...they live for the day, one day at a time...it's a life of existence only...they don't make plans, they don't have expectations other than getting their next meal...But they do learn who is their friend and who isn't, a matter of survival...
2007-11-21 12:58:37 · answer #1 · answered by Domino 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Animals are capable of love. There are many recorded cases of animals loving. My favorite is from a man who was studying some wild elephants. The matriarch had fallen down and was dying. As she passed away the other elephants formed a circle around her, protecting her, and made noises with their trunks while stroking her. The stayed that way for many hours until she had passed away, and for a little while afterwards. They slowly moved away, making loud mournful sounds they entire time. Anyone who says that isn't love is ignorant of emotions.
They love, fear, feel sadness, and every other emotion just like humans. For me, the only difference between an animal and human, although technically humans are considered animals, is that they can't communicate with people very well. If they could I can guarantee there would be no animal testing or leather and fur clothes.
I can look into my dogs eyes and see love. I know she loves me when she snuggles close to me at night, when she hops into my lap while I watch tv, and when she demands that I pet her, shoving her head under my hand.
2007-11-21 20:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by The Broken Doll 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely NO way that animals couldn't love! I have a dog and two cats. My dog. When she looks at me, when she stays in my room until I'm asleep. The way she comes over and makes me laugh and be happy, when I'm crying or upset. The way my evil cat, may atack my dog sometimes, she loves her, and cuddles her all the time. And my other cat. He may not be the cuddliest, closest cat. But he get's in cat fights all the time. Because, he want's other cats to stay away from his family.
You may not say this is proof, but just because I havent tested anything, or done any thig scientific, doesn't mean it's not. Because if thats not proof, I dont know what is.
2007-11-21 21:06:16 · answer #3 · answered by MargoMargsssss 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Animals love, and they love unconditionally. Anyone who says they don't has never had a pet or loved an animals and had it love them back. I do think it depends on the level of the animal. Some are obviously more intelligent and more capable of love (such a dogs) while others are more instinctual and primitive and therefore less capable of love (such as reptiles).
2007-11-21 20:32:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe animals have the same feelings as humans.They get attached to loved ones as we do.My grandpas dog was so attatched to him (loved him) that when he died he wouldn't leave his room or even eat or drink.If thats not love then I don't know what is!I think some people just aren't capable of understanding animals or some aren't interested.
2007-11-21 20:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by superstar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think animals can most definitely love. I was separated from my dog for a time, during which he was starved and abused. When our family got him back, he was so much more appreciative than he had ever been prior to our separation; he was very devoted and protective of us. He would follow us around and never leave us.
I think this is love. I think it's very much like the way we humans act when we love someone, right? We get protective of them and we want to be with them.
2007-11-21 20:20:34 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ gohangirl708 ♥ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i believe animals are capable of love because when i come home some of my pets get really excited and i feel a sense of need from them and love. when they cuddle up with me on the couch and snuggle in. i think they love. when i bought a dog from the arl i had to go one day to check her out then wait one day before i could take her home and when i went to get her she wagged her tail like she remembered me and was happy that i came back
2007-11-21 20:17:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say my pets love. They reserve special attention for me that they give no one else. When we first adopted Judge, he was friendly toward us and I thought he would be great. Then after a while, he really started to bond. He stays much closer to us, and treats strangers like strangers. Jumping up, wagging his tail, giving a sniff or two. But for us, he is all over us for love.
2007-11-21 20:16:34 · answer #8 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Animals can love because love is like any other emotion. If you strike an animal it will start to fear you but if you treat that animal with kindness instead that animal will love you.
2007-11-21 20:22:41 · answer #9 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes animals love! if they didn't love us they wouldn't want to be petted or want to play and they would be mean all the time.
My pets love and I know that because my cats rub against me and my dogs love laying by me when we go to bed.
2007-11-21 20:16:28 · answer #10 · answered by Koter Boters misses Rufus! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋