Source
r/infp•
GuffnatGaming

Any INFPs here that don't get the concept of animals as pets?

First off... I really like animals.

Recently I have seen so many memes about INFPs relating to or bonding with pets (mostly cats and dogs).

Maybe it is just because of my ideals; I believe that every living thing should be wild and free. I don't get the concept of a domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure. When I see a dog on a leash, a caged bird or a cat that is confined to the four walls of a flat I feel bad for them.

So back to my question: Are there any other INFPs who feel the same way? I often argue with friends who keep a small Zoo at their home, but they can't seem to get my point (or maybe I just forgot how to have a conversation... again) :D

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Posted Feb 12, 2019, 11:24 AM UTC

513
INFP-Sober-MusicMan•

I see where you’re coming from, but the reality is that there are animals that need homes. I don’t like rush hour traffic or agree with it but I drive in it. There are many animals in shelters that need to be adopted. And it’s not only illegal to let your dog run off, the dog may starve or get hit by a car.

I love animals and have 3. Last night a raccoon showed up outside my door and I fed her. I don’t think owning pets makes me a bad person or any less INFP. I get animals and usually have a deep connection with them.

11
elle1205•

I really like animals, too. :)

The idea that animals should be wild and free is beautiful, and I completely agree. The reality, however, is that the dogs/cats/birds you speak of, have been bred for domestication. I’m not saying it’s right, but these animals are here — and they need loving homes. We can’t just free them all — the majority would be killed.

I don’t have pets because my husband doesn’t like animals. If it were completely up to me, though, I would take in as many as I could reasonably care for. I’d show them love and try to give them the best life possible.

Having pets doesn’t mean that you support the exploitation of animals. Certainly, we as humans are benefiting from their companionship, but does the animal not benefit, too? Until we empty all the shelters and put an end to breeding practices — what is the alternative?

8
GuffnatGamingOPINFP: The Dreamer•

I get your point. In my 'ideal' world breeding should have never happened in the first place. But it's true that we should take care of those in need.

3
elle1205•

Oh, absolutely. That would be my ideal world, too. I’m hopeful we can eventually put an end to it, though.

3
Aege117•

I feel bad for birds in cages but not for dogs and cats. I feel like dogs and cats enjoy a symbiotic relationship with us, we help one another have a better life... Sometimes

6
Lopsydi•

I mean I don't relate to the 'introvert loves pets' memes simply because I don't like animals at all.

I do find it weird when dog owners for example gush about their dog's unconditional love towards them like the dog even had a choice to begin with but meh. It's selfish but so is most things humans do.

3
Iron-Thistle•

Yesssssss!!!!!!

Dogs were bred to love humans. That's a manufactured state. They really have no choice.

0
444pm_me_hugs•

Dogs are loyal by nature it's one their traits they are pack animals.

3
Iron-Thistle•

True! They're still bread for those traits and to make them more human friendly.

2
[deleted]•

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3
ChesterRickman•

Dogs have been selectively bred by humans for ~100k years. They are in their natural habitat as our pets.

1
Hislilcherry•

I think a love for pets is more prevalent if you grew up with pets. Also a cultural thing. Some cultures see animals as festy and aggressive like the wild ones in their native country.

But I get what you mean. Although my INFP BF loves animals as pets, he also has tension with mass farming and would go vegan if burgers weren't so damn tasty.

1
LOLDER1337•

But cats leave when they want

1
GoodNightSippyCupinfp 4w5•

Dogs and cats lived with us for much of human civilization, they evolved to survive and thrive in our society, they would die in the wild. It's also mutually beneficial for us to be companions, they get a great home and don't have to worry about starving and we get pest control such as Rat terriers, cats, which helped stop plagues, as well as help with our hunting such as bloodhounds and tracking dogs and warnings from outside dangers.

1
HeyitsArlo•

Really don't like pets. It's 50/50 morals vs. comfortably with living in my head. I like that other people have pets as long as they are good to them. I like petting other peoples' pets. I just don't want my own pets. I like animals too much to subject them to that.

1
[deleted]•

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0