Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Life] >> Relationships



Message

imit8him -> Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 8:34:19 AM)

Hey, this might belong in another forum, but since I consider pets to be part of the family and relationships (though not on same priority as humans of course), I went ahead and posted here.

I'm wondering if pets have personalities and consciousness of who they are? Do cats know they are cats? Do they have unique personalities and memories of themselves in relation to the world and others, or are they more like robots?

-Imit [8D]



preserved -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 9:20:56 AM)

No offense...I do not feel this question belongs here..I really the question you are asking may not be answered. Who cares if a cat knows whether he or she is a cat?



mrtigger -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 10:16:08 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: imit8him

I'm wondering if pets have personalities and consciousness of who they are? Do cats know they are cats? Do they have unique personalities and memories of themselves in relation to the world and others, or are they more like robots?

-Imit [8D]


They certainly have their own unique personalities. That seems quite obvious from interacting with them.

The conciousness question is more debatable. But I think they have some self-awareness but not to the level we do. I think humans are the only creatures that are aware of their own mortality for example.



Kat_D -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 10:42:26 AM)

I am not really a pet person. I do think some dogs are cute when they belong to someone else.

We had two dogs when we were kids and their main interest was their food bowl, and staying close enough to the table to reach the food my baby sister spilled on the floor. That, and staying far enough away from my little brother so he didn't pull their ears. Oh, they also seemed to be extremely interested in licking unsavory areas of their anatomy. They also liked to push rocks around the backyard for no particular reason. Now that I think about it, maybe our dogs just weren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

I really don't care for cats at all and don't believe they know they are cats...they seem to think they are the kings and queens of the universe!



jaimestarcross -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 11:16:59 AM)

I have owned both cats and dogs and find they have their own personalities
that was different than the other dogs/cats. I owned 3 dogs at one time and they had different personalities as did the cats I've had... I have a cat now and she loves my husband and doesn't spend much time with me even though I'm the one who's home all day (my hubby works 10 hrs. each day).

As for animals having a consciousness of who they are that is debatable issue
many people (want to have) - personally I don't think so.

As for memories I do believe animals have memories - I went to visit a friend several years ago that I'd given one of my dogs to and that dog remembered me(or recalled my scent and was very happy I was there and he'd obey my commands just like when he was my dog.)



breanne -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 11:27:54 AM)

I treat my pets like members of the family as well. So I know where you're coming from with that, but I do think this thread belongs elsewhere, I'm sorry to say.

To answer your question, yes it is obvious they have their own unique personalities by just interacting with them. Did you know a dog has at least 100 expressions? And you can tell by a cat's ears and tail what their mood is. It's all about just learning about it and working with the pet. My cat knows not to jump on the counters. It took only a few times of him trying and me telling him "no" and taking him off the counter to learn that jumping up there is wrong. When he's irritated his tail swings back and forth rapidly. When he's alert, his ears are stick straight and pointing forward. But at the same time, he's got a personality, and I know what food he doesn't like, what toys he doesn't like, where he likes to sleep (curled around my head). I don't know of their consciousness of whether their a cat or not. But I definitely know they have a personality, they have a soul and emotions. And I believe animals go to heaven.



1love1God1way -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 12:11:16 PM)

I don't know whether my dog knows that I am a human and she is a dog, or if she just views me as the Alpha Male. . . either way, she knows who is in charge.

Cats belong on a BBQ, IMHO.



sweetheartprayer -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 1:41:28 PM)

First I have to say that Perserved was rude with their comment. Just because you don't care about a blog doesn't mean you have to say it.

Moving forward, I had pets as a kid but I really didn't focus too much on them until I became a "pet mom" when I moved out. My first cat, Hitman, was amazing. I don't think he knew he was a cat, I actually think he thought of himself as a dog because he loved riding in cars and loved playing. He passed away and it HURT just as bad as if a person passed away in my life, they are family!

Then I adopted Pumpkin. She is crazy and has a totally different personality compared to Hitman. Hitman completely took after his name being stealth and everything. Pumpkin, she is such a girly cat. She also fetchs too. Its funny. But I think cats do remember things and do have personalities, its easy to tell with the difference in cats. Anyway, just my two cents.



imit8him -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 9:47:18 PM)

HEY everyone, [sm=wave.gif]

I realized this thread REALLY DOES NOT BELONG here, LOL. Apologies. I'm so used to posting in "Relationships" as one of my main areas, I did it without thinking. [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]

Gotta go to bed early, but will start answering more responses tomorrow/later. I've read everyone's so far and thanks for the thoughts! [sm=thumbsup.gif]

And for the guy who wanted to BBQ cats!...you don't want to know what I want to do with dogs, hehe. [sm=yummy.gif]

Cats are the bestest. Then ducks. ...Then possums. [8D]



sunshine4God -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/19/2008 10:49:22 PM)

My cats definitely have personalities.Simba is a funny,friendly,and hyper little kitty who is just the cutest. Ginger is a moody,sassy,and sensitive kitty who only likes certain people. I'm not sure they know they are cats though because they sure do like people food and etc!



Pauley464 -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 11:37:54 AM)

All I have to say is, just because you don't like cats or believe this is the wrong place for this thread gives you no right nor reason to behave so hatefully.



Kat_D -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 1:20:32 PM)

It never ceases to amaze me how people get their skivvies in a bunch in what is obviously a lighthearted (TRANSLATION: not meant to be taken seriously) thread like this. HERE!! Lighten up, my babies!!!



bluestone -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 2:26:42 PM)

My dog is a family member. She has a wonderful personality and loves me and wants me to be happy.
My best friend is my dog.

She prefers her cats raw. [8D]



42servehymn -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 6:28:22 PM)

I believe pets definitely have personalities. Hubby and I were just discussing the other day that our dogs most prevalent thought (most dogs actually) is "oh boy!" It is so sad to me when you see a dog that has been abused and their natural trusting spirit has been crushed. I have seen some get past it but it does seem like it never goes away completely. We have noticed that the dog that we have now is much smarter than the dog we had for 15 years. I am trying to figure out if we failed our first dog in some way or if that was as smart as she could be. I think dogs are the most earthly example we have of unconditional love.



bassmandrex -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 7:02:56 PM)

they have personality but i dont think there is any consciousness otherwise a dog wouldn't obey his master all the time and it does depend how well they are trained too but all animals go off of instinct but they do learn from their mistakes sometimes most animals are dumb because they keep doing till they pretty much die and a lot of animals have a really short attention span or memory span so they forget quickly. i just know that animals wont be in heaven. and if you question that i have a question, how does an animal know or believe in God or that God created them? and that should answer the consciousness side of the discussion at least from my point of view?



bluestone -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 7:03:15 PM)

I agree, 42. They are wonderful reminders of how we should be with our Lord.

I have had several dogs through the years, some were very smart , others average, and a couple were sweet, but dumb[8D]

It breaks my heart to see abused animals. People who hurt animals and old folks are just evil.



bassmandrex -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 7:09:45 PM)

42servehymn
quote:

I think dogs are the most earthly example we have of unconditional love.


well in India, if i am not mistaken, cows are the most sacred there. Plus it really depends on the person on if they like animals, even though we are supposed to. But i side with you on the dogs because i am a dog lover myself! but i dont have a dog anymore :-(, but the future looks bright :-)



Dancre -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 7:25:42 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: imit8him

Hey, this might belong in another forum, but since I consider pets to be part of the family and relationships (though not on same priority as humans of course), I went ahead and posted here.

I'm wondering if pets have personalities and consciousness of who they are? Do cats know they are cats? Do they have unique personalities and memories of themselves in relation to the world and others, or are they more like robots?

-Imit [8D]


Do they have a personality? Oh, man, yes!!!

Here's the scene. I go to my dad's to visit. DAd sits in his recliner, my step-mom in her recliner, the DOG, Maggie, lies on the loveseat. And where does the wonderful Daughter sit?? mmmmm . . . The HARD, WOODEN KITCHEN CHAIR. [sm=growlwarning.gif] And why does she sit on the HARD, WOODEN KITCHEN CHAIR?? Good question. B/c Maggie the DOG doesn't like it when I sit next to her on the couch and she won't sit on the floor. Huh uh. Nice, huh? Oh, yeah, they have MAJOR personalities. Problems!! sigh. . . . But she thinks she's a human, not a dog. Yes, that's nice. [sm=aside.gif]

kim



delete123 -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 7:46:30 PM)

Yes all animals have their own personalities. My number one pet is cats [:D]
I've owned one for most part of my life. I had one and when I went on vacation actually snubbed me for 4 days because I left him with a babysitter.
My favorite was my Tellybear, he was just awesome. He thought he was human and actually walked on his hind legs which was hysterical. He would try to catch the birds on television and I had owned 2 cockatiels which he would climb on the cage and watch them. It was funny because he was persian so he looked faceless.

Yes they are part of family, understand love and hate. Have great intutition and senses. I know that they miss their loved ones, but do not understand that , that is what they are missing. God created all creations and he provides for them as scripture states. He feed the birds of the field, and dresses the flowers, etc.... (you know the verse.)
I also believe animals will be in heaven as #1 Jesus will come riding with his Army on what? Thank you Horses
and #2 the lion and lamb will be able to play together.

Also just a note for those who dislike cats and think bbq is a great deal. I would like to see how you will explain that to Jesus, who is considered the Lion if Judah
CRH

PS: I forgot to add that Elephants actually mourn the death of another Elephant. In their pack they all participate in feeling the bones of the decease and cry.



Kat_D -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 8:10:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bluestone
People who hurt animals and old folks are just evil.


I don't think old folks are evil! Well, except for my really mean old aunt from the old country that calls me a "stupid boy" all the time...and I'm a girl![sm=aside.gif] But, i usually just ignore her because she's a little out of it!



Dirtyl3um -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 9:54:45 PM)

oooh yea pets DEFINITELY have personalities! we have 4 dogs, and they are all so different. one of our bull dogs is a fecious (sp) son of a gun! if he wants in my room and i dont let him in, the next time i leave the door open, he will, without fail, pee on the corner of my bed [:@] (the same spot every time!) and he knows what he did was wrong, so he tries to hide from me for a few days so i wont reprimand him!

as for knowing they are dogs, i would say yes. they pick fights with each other, but not with us. maybe they dont exactly know that their dogs, they just know they are different than us?



Kat_D -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/20/2008 10:59:56 PM)

quote:

he will, without fail, pee on the corner of my bed (the same spot every time!)

[sm=icon_smile_yikes.gif]
Any dog that peed on my bed would find himself on Craig's List the next morning! [sm=wave.gif]



bassmandrex -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/21/2008 2:26:15 AM)

crh737

i hope you dont think that when the Bible says Lion of Judah or Lamb of God literally means that its the animal of God because you would almost be calling God and animal. obviousely these are just sybollic terms to describe power yet humbleness and there are many other words you can put in there to describe it, those are just the ones i chose from the top of my head.

it doesnt even talk about animal going to heaven because they dont have a soul like we do. Earthly things, material things, cannont enter into heaven because it is unholy! if they did have a soul they would have to follow the Bible themselves, but there is salvation in the Bible for animals. if there was why aren't animals having their own church services and gatherings and what not!

you are right about Jesus on his horse, but i dont think he would take a horse that is from earth bring it to heave so He can ride it, these horses are going to be some crazy horses with like unstoppable power totally different then horses that we know. i say that because why would He want us rding on a horse that needs to be feed and that needs rest?



AngelInWaiting1983 -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/21/2008 10:59:00 AM)

You can't tell me that animals don't have feelings. My dog when someone is upset will crawl into their lap and try to hug you. My friend has a cat who when I used to live with her the cat would rub your tears away. They know emotions and how to deal with them.



Tinkerbell_ -> RE: Do Pets Have Personalities and Consciousness? (3/21/2008 11:17:17 AM)

Terri, is your dog smiling? That is adorable!

I've always had animals growing up and my parents still have giant furballs running around and each one of them was completely different than the other. Why do you think people chose the animals to be their pets? Why don't they just order them off eBay? Because they want to see their temperment, and personality and how they'll interact with them. I'm a very happy, outgoing energetic person. I'm probably not going to be satisfied with a pet who doesn't jump all over me when I return home from work. But I'm also not going to like a pet who NEVER sits still...LOL...we all have to relax sometime. *grin*



Page: [1] 2   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI