[biblioknitter]

Does anyone else have the extreme sensitivity to animals that I do?
I love animals more than most people and often find myself in tears over the thought of the cruel things people can do to them. I went to Petsmart at lunch to get my cats some treats and I stopped to look at the cats up for adoption like I usually do. Usually all the cats are sleeping when I go there but today there was a white cat wide awake and very interested in my attention. Her name was Alice and her ears had been mostly amputated. I immediately teared up(as I am doing now typing this) and I really really wanted to adopt her-unfortunately her information said she does not get along with other cats and I have two and that is enough for an apartment. I just feel so bad that I cannot rescue all the cats in the world. I grew up having a family cat who was not affectionate at all so when I adopted my little black cat 5.5 years ago I really found my life's desire come true in her-she loves me unconditionally and gives me the love and attention that no human has. I really never truly loved anything til I adopted her and then when my ex and I were adopted by a male tiger I found my male cat soul mate in him. I often wonder if I will ever love another human as much as I love my cats. I know most people will read this and think I am crazy but I have been hurt by so many people but never by an animal and they only bring me joy that no human ever has.

[SunReach]

I....want a cat!!!
I used to think I would never love people as much as I love books. You're definitely closer to the concept of a human being!

But seriously...I don't think it's something to worry about. Just don't let it take over your life, for example don't actually try to rescue all the cats in the world! Although maybe you could get involved in an organisation? Maybe meeting like-minded people could work as a kind of bridge. Love cats but people too

p.s. Just to clarify I wasn't being sarcastic. Your post was lovely and it did make me to want a cat!

biblioknitter - you are not crazy at all!
I love animals as well and feel like I am very sensitive to them. I talk to my cats all the time and am convinced they understand every word I say. I have rescued countless cats and dogs and would take every last shelter pet home with me if I could.
The unconditional love you get from a pet is unmatched by any love I have received from a human.

[watched_by_aliens]

I have been fortunate to have many animals in my life. Many of them used to sleep in the bed with me.

Most cats at once = 3
Most dogs at once = 3
Most rats at once = 2
Most parrots at once = 1
Most cockateils at once = 1

Most total animals sleeping on my bed at once = 5
(2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 humans)

Except for the rats chewing on my fingernails while I was sleeping and the cockatiel nibbling on my ear, all animals were at least as enjoyable as any humans.

[sugahorse1]

Well, me and my horses is a whole long story on its own. I decided to take on this new one, because I've always loved him. How I was going to afford another horse, was not an initial thought.
I don't spend enough time with my horses - my only excuse being work- but I know I'm a different person once I've been to see them. They do respond to your emotions, often bringing things to the fore that you didn't realise were there; emotions and feelings you were aware of.
I often go through phases of hating humans and just wanting animals. They do understand and love

[butcheredxbutterfly]

I love all animals and abhor any cruelty to any living creature.

I keep 4 rats and 5 mice. For such small animals, their compassion and intelligence is mind boggling. I love them so much and without them, I don't know where I'd be. All of them are rescues.

They, unlike people, never judge me, their love is unconditional, as is mine for them.

So yes, very sensitive towards animals, as is a bipolar friend of mine.

[blueoctober]

Biblio I think it was very responsible of you to take "Alice's" needs into account and realizing that your home wouldn't be an ideal situation.

Like sugarhorse my horse (Fi) is very important to me. Horses are highly sensitive animals and I've had Fi for 13 years. I was diagnosed in 2007; prior to this I couldn't understand why he could be so calm one day and so spooky the next time I came out. I now realize that he was reacting to the mood changes in me and I'm sure this was very confusing for him. He still does this and it helps me be more aware of the subtle shifts in moods, so I can correct it before it becomes a full blown episode. Fi is one of the things in my life that keeps me motivated to manage this illness, go to work, take care of myself etc. because if I'm not well/working I couldn't afford to keep him.

[biblioknitter]

I had to go to petsmart again and Alice was still there. Her ears look a lot better and unlike the other cats she was awake and friendly and looked happy to see me. Again I immediately teared up (Thank goodness for oversized sunglasses) because she is such a special kitty and I really want to hold her and tell her she is loved and special and no one will eve hurt her again. OK now i am tearing up as I write this, wtf?!

[pondbc]

Yes, biblio, I feel exactly like you. I cannot bear cruelty, hunting etc. We love our dogs so much and consider them fur angels. I always gravitate to dogs and always will.

[Omers]

Most any mammal IMO is better than most humans! cats are #1 with horses a close #2. I too am far more sympathetic to animals than humans.

[sugahorse1]

Give me an animal any day before a human!
Having 'withdrawals' from my horses at the moment. It know it's only been 2 days, but still

[biblioknitter]

Went again to Petsmart and I was happy to find out that Alice was adopted this week, while I wish I could have adopted her I am so glad she has found a new family and I hope they will treat her like the angel she is.

[Eloise42]

My birds have kept me from checking into the hospital at least twice. The first time I had a horrible break up but it wasn't like anyone else could hand feed a three week old baby Quaker three times a day. It was an excellent life-line.

My cockatoo Eloise is trying to help me type right now. I can't even tell you how many times in the last five years I've cried just because I tried to picture life without her.