People Who Love Animals More Than People: Psychology Of Empathy

Why some people feel a deeper connection with animals

Americans love their pets deeply, and many consider themselves to be animal lovers. But does getting more upset over animals than humans mean we love them more than people? Is there something wrong with us? Further, why are some animals attracted to certain people? It’s possible that, for some individuals, the empathy and respect they feel for animals is more powerful than the forms of human connection they experience. So, it’s no wonder that, often, animals love people deeply in return. 

Many people find that they are strongly drawn to animals—and that they attract animals as well. Some experts in psychology and animal behavior have hypothesized that highly sensitive people and animals may have a special connection. This link seems to be backed by certain natural phenomena; for example, there is evidence that animals communicate in response to human emotion. 

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at why it sometimes seems like we care more about our pets than our next-door neighbors. 

Empathy and compassion

Defining empathy and compassion

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a complex skill for we humans. This is the reason why it is important to understand the definition of empathy, which is “the ability to sense other people's emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.” Compassion goes beyond empathy. It involves not only understanding someone’s suffering but also the desire and motivation to alleviate it. Compassion often leads to action aimed at helping or supporting others in need. 

Because of the constant media barrage of violence, death, and despair, we are becoming increasingly desensitized to the suffering of other humans. Social media is also believed to be a large contributor to the growing lack of empathy for others. So why is it so easy to generate empathy for suffering animals?

Empathy may play an important role in the relationships between humans and people. Research suggests that people who are high in emotional intelligence also have heightened empathy for animals. Some experts have also posited that highly sensitive people—individuals with strong responses to various forms of stimuli—are drawn to animals and natural environments. In a 2022 study, researchers found that participants who were highly sensitive had a stronger emotional connection to animals. It is thought that this may be partly due to their capacity for experiencing a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. 

Often, animals love those humans who take care of them, giving them the nourishment and support they need. Even if a dog, cat, or other pet isn’t familiar with a certain empathetic individual, they may sense that—based on their own experience—this person can help them meet their needs. Highly sensitive people, in turn, may hope that they can become friends with an animal, wanting to provide them with support, compassion, and care. 

Case study: Questioning “people who love animals more than people” psychology

Feelings of empathy and respect for animals can help explain why some individuals are particularly drawn to animals. But can psychology explain why some people seem more connected with animals than with other human beings? A recent study by criminologist Jack Levin reveals a possible answer. The study’s participants were asked to respond to a fake news story about a victim who was assaulted with a baseball bat, leaving them unconscious with several broken limbs. While the story was the same, it differed in one crucial detail; the identity of the victim changed. It was either a one-year-old baby, an adult human, a six-year-old dog, or a puppy. Respondents showed the same level of empathy for the baby, the puppy, and the adult dog, but significantly less for the adult human being.

This can also relate to the human-animal bond many of us experience, as they require our attention, help, and concern. Many animals love people because they realize, based on their own experience, that they can depend on most humans for care. And in many cases, caring for a pet is one of the first life experiences people have that mirror the process of caring for a human child. The natural affection we feel for animals can be compared to the affection we feel for our children. We impulsively care for them and provide them with calm, supportive environments because they are unable to easily help themselves. Our perception of adult humans is that they can easily speak up for their rights or defend themselves from danger. 

The science of why animals are attracted to certain people

The psychology behind humans’ love for animals is interesting, but can it help explain what makes animals attracted to humans? Recent research suggests that certain chemical signals, facial cues, or other indicators may attract animals or evoke specific responses in them. For example, dogs can sense fear in their owners scent; and cats often prefer the presence of calm, non-threatening people. This can help explain why some animals pick certain people to focus on when they want affection or attention. 

Experts from many different fields of science have explored the connections between animals and humans. Specialists in behavior, social psychology, and related fields have long noted that different species, including humans, form bonds in similar ways. For example, it is in the nature of many species of monkey to exhibit grief and other familiar forms of negative affect following the death of a member of their social group. 

How animals communicate through energy and behavior

Like humans, most animals use various means to convey messages to one another. However, these methods can differ in key ways. For example, many animals communicate through their sense of smell. Dogs may behave differently when they encounter a scent that they do not recognize. Conversely, they may become drawn to certain areas when they realize they’ve picked up their owner’s scent. 

Animals also utilize non-verbal cues; for example, chimpanzees often communicate through head nodding and arm movements. Dogs often use these forms of expression as well, wagging their tails when they’re happy or making themselves small when they’re frightened. Because of this practice, humans’ non-verbal cues may also affect dogs. Research shows that dogs change their behavior based on human facial cues. 

Pets can also pick up on emotional energy, they can detect when humans are:

• On alert 
• At peace
• Afraid
• Angry

People who treat animals with compassion may be more likely to experience positive interactions in return. So, the next time you’re trying to get your dog to sit or stay, consider the many different ways you’re communicating with them. 

Nature, energy, and sensitivity: Why highly sensitive people attract animals

As discussed above, research suggests that highly sensitive people (HSP) are drawn to the natural world. But are animals attracted to these individuals, as well? There is evidence that some animals may be drawn to people whose emotional energy matches their own. For example, in one study, researchers found that some dogs exhibit a sensitivity to stimuli similar to that experienced by highly sensitive people. Further, they found that highly sensitive dogs experienced fewer behavioral challenges in the presence of people whose degree of sensitivity to stimuli was similar to their own.

This research can help explain why some individuals attract animals. Animals can pick up and focus on emotional cues, and they may feel more at peace with people who exude calm, non-threatening energies. Highly sensitive people often exhibit a sense of awe and wonder when they’re with animals. In return, animals may realize that they are in the presence of someone whose emotional energy aligns with their own. 

Common animal interactions and their meanings

Exploring the means by which animals dogs, cats, horses, birds, and other animals communicate and interact with humans can help you understand why you may feel more connected to them than humans. You may have noticed that when you encounter many animals, they seek physical proximity to you. This behavior may signal that the animal wants to:

• Play
• Garner affection (such as attention or petting)
• Receive a treat from you

Many animals also desire closeness because they’re seeking care or evading perceived harm. For example, you may have had stray animals follow you home in the past, looking for shelter and food.

Animals show love in interesting and unique ways. Dogs often lick and cuddle with humans to express love, while cats purr and bring gifts. Further, as dogs have evolved, they’ve learned to make eye contact with humans as a form of positive interaction, a behavior that previously wasn’t in their nature. Animals can also signal that they miss you. For example, they may sleep on your clothes to be close to your familiar scent.

Pet adoration: Influences and ironies

If we analyze our feelings carefully, we often find that most of our adoration of animals centers on dogs and cats. Additionally, we sometimes might feel empathy for large, charismatic wild animals such as elephants, dolphins, or lions. When we read about a lion or an elephant who is hunted and killed in the wild, our response is often one of anger — almost as much anger as hearing stories of abuse and neglect of dogs and cats.

But there is a basic irony about these feelings; the routine slaughter of animals for food (cattle, chickens, pigs, etc.) doesn't tend to faze most of us nearly as much. There are several psychological explanations as to why that might be.

First, we must account for the influence of pop culture. Take a moment to think about how many pet movies you likely watched as a kid. Many of these media portrayals endow dogs and cats with human qualities. They sometimes talk to each other using verbal language as people would, indulge in dreams for the future, and fall in love just like we do. Popular culture has drilled us over generations that our pets are just like humans, and primed many of us to be animal lovers from a young age. 

Our reverence for dogs and cats over other species could also be explained by something called "the collapse of compassion." This is the psychological principle which tells us that the more tragedy we see, the less we care. It's the answer to why you may not feel any compassion for the millions of people living in extreme poverty, while the story of one child living on the street with no medical care is more likely to move you to want to help. 

The benefits of pets

Our reasons for loving animals not based just on empathy, however. The truth is, animals — particularly our pets — offer humans a variety of powerful benefits. 

Social benefits of pets

Studies have determined that pet owners and animal lovers are less likely to be lonely. Pet ownership has been found to be associated with lower levels of social isolation and increased social support. 

Besides your pet's companionship, pets also make it easier for you to connect with congenial humans. People are more likely to approach and talk to someone who is walking a dog or at the dog park. Discussing your pets is also an easy conversation starter. 

Physical benefits of pets

Spending time with a pet has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and release chemicals that trigger relaxation even when there’s a lot on your plate. As mentioned, pets also increase social support, which has been found to improve cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune function. Overall, pet owners are just healthier (both physically and mentally) than those who don't own pets.

Mental and emotional benefits of pets

Many of us all yearn for unconditional love. We want someone who loves us for who we are; who has zero expectations; who is always happy to see us, no matter how grumpy we may be feeling; who can know us and communicate with us without ever needing to speak a word; and with whom we can have no fear of judgment. We crave unconditional love. In human relationships, this precious commodity can be difficult to find, especially among adults. Pets, however, can help to fill this need. 

Additionally, interactions with pets are a proven mood booster and a stress reducer. People with pets tend to have greater self-esteem and overall well-being. 

How to build trust and respect with animals

A connection with the animal kingdom can be a gift; in fact, research suggests that human-animal interactions in nature can contribute to mental well-being. You can ensure animals feel comfortable in your presence by giving them positive reinforcement and fostering a calm environment. You can reinforce positive behaviors by providing them with treats, affection, or other rewards.  

Try to treat animals with the same respect that you give your human friends. It can also help to observe their reactions to you. If they aren’t familiar with you, it may take time for them to trust or rely on you. If they come close to you or play with you, they may be feeling more comfortable with you. The more calm and relaxed you are, the more you may help an animal feel a sense of peace in your presence.  

What to do if you feel more connected to animals than people

In your own experience, you may have noticed that you have a stronger connection with animals than people. Remember that it is OK to prefer the company of animals. You may prefer the ways in which animals communicate or enjoy the sense of hope and wonder they can promote. Or you may feel uncomfortable fostering social connection with humans, instead preferring to interact with animals. Further, experts in psychology and behavior have found that people who are high in empathy and emotional awareness have animals attracted to them more strongly.

If a mental health concern like social anxiety helps explain your preference for animals, know that mental health support is available. Therapy can help you:

• Explore your feelings
• Address potential causes of distress
• Establish healthy lifestyle habits
• Develop helpful coping strategies
• Strengthen mental resilience

If you’re seeking stronger social connections with humans, a therapist can give you guidance, helping you cultivate meaningful bonds with the people in your life. 

Losing a pet

Those of us who have lost pets may have experienced a painful grieving process. Many people consider their pets to be an important part of their family, and losing a pet can impact us as much as losing a human family member.  If you have recently lost a beloved pet, you might even need to talk to a therapist to help process your feelings. 

In grief counseling, a professional counselor can help you work through your normal feelings of sorrow after loss, such as the loss of a pet. Grief therapists may use different types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients learn how to reframe thoughts so they are more positive. CBT has been shown to produce considerable reductions in prolonged grief disorder.  It also has been shown to help reduce relapses in depressive symptoms.

When you are mourning, it may be difficult to make yourself get up and go to a counselor in-person. With online therapy, such as through BetterHelp, you can speak with a counselor from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere you have an internet connection. Studies have found that online cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as in-person, and may have some potential advantages, such as being able to contact your counselor at any preferred time.