Unbeknownst to many, pets - especially cats and dogs have feelings comparable to human beings. They have emotions like we do. They actually feel like we feel. They experience sadness, loneliness, anger, happiness, affection, pain, abandonment, shame, jealousy, embarrassment, panic, discomfort, stress, compassion, depression, respect, love etc, just like you and I.

They express emotions through body language and behavior, which allows them to connect with their owners on an emotional level. Although their emotions may not be as subtle and refined as ours, understanding their emotional signals require careful observance of their physical gestures.

Continue reading to learn the truth on the emotions of cats and dogs.

The Emotion Of Loneliness

Both cats and dogs experience loneliness. They crave companionship, and when left alone too often, they become sad, depressed, and go through separation anxiety, the same as we do. And dogs who are put outside to live in a backyard, dog house or on a chain, go through mental trauma (called PSTD in dogs similar to humans), and slowly lose their mind. Why would anyone want to put an animal through such horrendous abuse?

All they want to do is love you, and they want you to love them back. It makes no sense to get an animal just to torture them. It's your responsibility to take care of them as you would your family or friends. If you can't make them your family, DON'T GET ONE. And if you don't want the one you have, find a good home for him/her, but don't take them to the pound or kill them.

Put an ad in the paper, find a pet loving friend, and scrutinize everyone that comes to see them. And when you find a good home, call them to make sure they are happy with the pet they have received.

Please, please don't leave them to live a horrible life and excruciating death. That would be inhumane.

How would you like it if someone chained you up or put you in a backyard all of your life.

Abandonment

Way too often cats and dogs are abandoned, dumped on the streets or in a garbage can, left on a chain when their owner moved, leaving a pet in a remote area or vacant property, dropping the pet off at an animal shelter, tied to a park bench or a motorway.

This should not be. That is cruelty in one of the highest extents. They are left on their own to fend for themselves, and go hungry, thirsty, get injured, diseased, stressed and confused, and leads to dying a slow painful death.

The long term impact is they lose their trust in humans, and I would too. It exposes dogs and cats to an uncertain fate. Just the thought makes me sick to my stomach.

Abandoning an animal is animal cruelty - a criminal offense and illegal in nearly all 50 states. Penalties for animal cruelty can include: fines, imprisonment, treble civil damages, and community service. In Texas the penalty is punishable by two years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine, which is the penalty for a state jail felony conviction.

If you can't pay the fine or do the time, don't do the crime. And don't abandon an innocent pet for your own selfishness reasons. Find it a home, don't leave them forlorn.

The Compassion Of Cats And Dogs

Did you know that both cats and dogs have a superior sense that knows when your sick, depressed, or sad. They want to make you feel better, comfort you, and lower your stress.

Cats are sensitive and will cuddle up next to you if you are not feeling well to help nurse you through. They have a sixth sense that can detect illness in you. They exhibit increased attention to show their empathy. When I'm sick, (which is almost never), they've always been right by my side.

Dogs may cling to you and lick you excessively and be more protective than usual. They also cuddle with you, or put their head on your lap. They become less demanding at feed time, walks and playtime, and are more gentle with you. Some dogs refuse to leave your side.

Both cats and dogs have tremendous healing powers. So always reward them with praise, petting and treats to let them know you love them and care.

Pets Need Love And Affection

Pets need unconditional love and affection to make them feel secure and emotionally stable. Petting both cats and dogs releases oxytocin in their brain, which supports their mental health, and strengthens the bond to your emotional connection with them.

Love and affection keeps them happy and healthy.

So touch them, pet them, praise them, play with them, give them treats, rub their ears, scratch under their chin, stroke their coat, brush them, groom them, talk to them, spend quality time with them. Although pets may have different preferences, pay attention to their individual needs.

One thing I noticed about my Peaches, when she's play and I laugh at what she is doing, she'll play harder, and run around the house as fast as her little feet can go. It's so funny. It's good for them, and it's good for you.

Are Cats Really Independent?

I have not found that to be true at all. They are just easier to take care of than dogs. Sure you have to clean a litter box once a day and feed them, but that's it. You don't have to take them out all the time, nor take them for walks. They don't jump all over people when greeted, and you don't have to train them either.

I put food down for my kitties and when they've had enough they'll stop eating, and come back later to eat it again. They don't keep eating like a dogs do.

When given the right attention, I have found they are just as affectionate and as loving as dogs (if not more). My 2 kitties follow me around, and when I tell them "come on, it's bedtime", they follow me right into the bedroom along with my doggies.

My Marshmallow kitty always watches me to see if I'm watching her. Her eye are always on her mommy.

And both Marshmallow and Tapioca love to be petted and brushed. When I rub Marshmallow's tummy, she gently wraps those cute lil arms around my arm, to let me know how much she loves it. Tapioca, on the other hand, doesn't like her tummy to be petted. I think it tickles her.

I have never had an independent kitty cat, not once they come into my home,anyway.

Many people don't like cats, but if they would take the time to know them, they'll want one. As I have seen many times before when they meet my precious lil fur kitties. Men especially.

Conclusion

Pets are one of God's greatest creations. He gave them to us to take care of, to love and to love us back. He gave them to the lonely, the stressed, the forlorn, the unlikable, so they would have something to love them while upon this cruel world. They are a blessing to you from Him. Cherish that blessing and you will certainly be blessed in return.