Poll: Your feelings on the statement "I like animals more than people"?

I completely agree with that statement, and say it myself fairly often.

me too..
Animals have something that people have lost as we've evolved through the years, and as we've become the most intelligent species on the planet. Most people are prone to corruption, hypocrisy, jealousy, hatred, they bully or judge and offend others, and the list goes on and on...
Animals on the other hand are simply oblivious to all of that! So, how can you not love them more than people in general?

"Animals don't cause stress?"

Anyone who believes that hasn't read our "Cat Health" section!

However, at the shelter, we DO say, "The longer you work with animals at the shelter, the less you like people."

Of course, even that's not true, because we have to have people to come in and adopt the animals. Otherwise, they'd all be put to sleep immediately upon arrival.

I say this and completely mean it.
I am on disability for PTSD because of traumatic things that were done to me by PEOPLE. So, for me, this is my honest and true opinion.
If my animals weren't here to show me there is some kindness in this world, I think I would have left it long ago. Actually, I know I would have.
I've always had a hard time forming relationships with people. Given the choice, I think I'd live just fine with my animals and only seeing people when I need to buy groceries and things like that.
People are capable of evil. Animals are not.
Is it healthy? Probably not to some people. But since I have cut myself off from humanity and spend most of my time with animals now I have been a much happier person (excluding my internet time on animal forums)

I definitely prefer my animals to some people, so I can agree with it to a degree. They fill voids in my life that people never could, they're ALAWYS there to greet me when I walk through the door, they nursed me back on my feet after my heart surgery, and they've been a constant source of love and companionship that I will always cherish and appreciate. On that same note though, I adore my family and friends and hope that people don't take the love of their animals to an extreme and shut out their human loved ones because that's just not healthy to do that in my honest opinon. I think good animals and good people can contribute to a person's well-being and a positive outlook on life.

I answered the poll by voting for the "other" option. Let me explain...

I, myself, have many times stated that I like animals more than people. And, in those instances, I have wholeheartedly meant it. Usually, when I have uttered that statement, it has been because I was either hurt by someone I trusted or found an individual or group's behavior repulsive. But, as a general rule, I don't think it is healthy to like animals more than people. Equally as so? Absolutely. But, if I were to believe that I could only like animals and not people, I think I would be setting myself up for a world of pain -- while animals are an integral part of my life, I can't live without people...even though I understand that people will hurt me. It's human nature.

And, because of the pain people inflict, animals are that much more important to me. I can rely on their unconditional love. I can know that they will never take advantage of my heart or emotions. I can trust them and my relationship with them in a way that I cannot with individuals in my life. So, while I can completely understand the statement "I like animals more than people." and even agree with it on the most basic of levels, I also know that I need to not isolate myself from the people around me. It is then that I would allow animals to take away something very important to me -- trust in the world around me. My animals mean the world to me. They are my heart, soul, friends, and family. But, they are such along with the humans in my life. To have it any other way would change things dramatically.

So, the question asked is convoluted and philosophical. And, I'm sure my answer is the same. I like and trust animals more than people because I don't have to question my standing with them. But, I need people in my life and, in some instances, I've found that people are just as likable and trustworthy as animals...

I do say often, I prefer my pets over people. But,... I think what I really mean is that my pets don't ever, ever judge me, I feel so totally comfortable being with them (more than I can say about some people in my life), they totally give their love and trust to me no matter what, they are totally reliable and trustworthy and I know what to expect from them each and everyday, they are very honest. I am lucky to have some people in my life that do fit this bill also. I try to surround myself with these kinds of people. But all in all, I do prefer my animals over people, they just make me so happy

I voted people cause stress, animals don't. I like animals better than the majority of humans!

+1

I couldn't agree with you more, with the only difference being that I try to give people a chance before judging - which unfortunately, is getting more difficult to do. I too suffer from PTSD due to things that were done to me by other people. So I can certainly relate to what you're feeling.

I always have a giggle when I hear someone else admit to this.

I have a sign on my wall which says "The more I meet people, the more I like my cat". My sister gave it to me.

This is really funny, because Sunday I was thinking of this quote. I have some dear friends, who sometimes just don't think before they say things. This happened on Sunday. A couple of friends did and said things that left me thinking, "If they had just taken a deep breath, and given some thought to what they were going to say, they probably wouldn't have said it."

It bothered me for awhile, and all I could think was how I just wanted to come home to Larry, and be a recluse with my cat.

I laugh because I understand where they're coming from.

I am that person! I can't help it, that's really how I feel! I never thought I was insulting anyone when I said it, which I have, many times, until now....... If anything I thought I was the one sounding like a freak

I've also said it quite often. I get shocked looks especially from devoted Catholics. They tell me animals have no souls, so for me to care about them is bordering on idolatry which condemns me to eternity in hell.

For example, I always remember the name of the kitty or doggy I meet in the neighborhood before their human companion! Nothing against the human ofcourse

Kailie said it best.

Oh. My. Gosh. So I guess we shouldn't enjoy pretty flowers, either? How ridiculous!

Tink80--thanks for sharing that. I agree 110% I can't add anything to that. I openly admit that I love cats over people. Everyone who knows me knows that I'd stop to help a suffering cat BEFORE I'd stop to help a person. I don't even apologize for it

Animals don't make "deals" with us because they love us UNconditionally. Only people put restrictions on their love.

I guess that must mean that all of us "evil" cat lovers here are headed for the wrong direction then.

IMHO, people who treat animals with love are headed in the opposite direction.

I voted that I can agree with that statement but hope they are not extreme about it. Case in point: I would hope if someone had to make a choice over getting my cats out or my sister or myself out of a burning house they would try and help us before them. (i think my Mom and Dad would agree) I would help a human being over an animal if i had to make that tough choice (hopefully never faced with it)

I get concerned when people sound like they have given up hope in other human beings. Its sad. We have so much to offer each other. I think it can only keep the cycle of hurt and pain going. If you are not part of the solution you are part of the probelm. People are not going to stop being cruel, we must never stop loving or they will win!

Mine makes deals.

She says if I don't clean out the litterbox, she will destroy my house.
She says if I don't guard my food, she will eat everything and anything possible (which can have bad implications for above example).
She says if I leave the doors wide open on a nice day, she will go ahead and stroll on out there and perhaps get lost and/or injured.

Also to some extent how you treat an animal or people close to you, you get back. Many times when you show love, you get love back. It works best given freely, no strings attached. You give your love because that is what is inside, not because you hope to get anything or feel pressured.

I certianly can't speak for God, but I woudn't call them devoted Catholics. Many Catholics I know love their animals very much.

I laugh because I get where they're coming from - people can be horrible, and animals often bear the brunt of it, which is heartbreaking. But I also feel sorry for people who truly mean it. I love my animals, but I don't love them more than people. My daughter is my world, and the absolute joy and love I get from her is more overpowering than anything I have experienced. I also have an amazing family who I love dearly, and I do feel "sorry" for people who don't have those same meaningful relationships from other people.