Do reptiles have feelings?

Bradyloach · 03-23-12, 02:55 PM

So what do you guys think? My friends are all trying to tell me that I should have got a dog instead of a sav. But I truly believe that all reptiles can show affection. Maybe not the same way as dogs but I really think that a reptile can have feelings and be attached to its owner. This is what I think. Anyone else?

exwizard · 03-23-12, 03:05 PM

Reptiles do know who takes care of them but I dont think they operate on the same emotional level we do. Its more instinctual with them. Dont get me wrong, I have seem some level of bonding with my snakes. Theyve tried to get away from other people when they handle them but whenever they see me they try to reach toward me.

Snakefood · 03-23-12, 03:07 PM

hmm....this feels like deja'vu

reptiles only have the primal brain, they do not possess the part of the brain that "emotional feeling" is located. So, if they do "feel" for thier owners, then it would not be in the way that you and I (or a dog, who does possess that portion of the brain) would feel for someone/thing.

exwizard · 03-23-12, 03:09 PM

I understand that and agree. It is more instinctual with them.

Bradyloach · 03-23-12, 03:11 PM

But besides that, I really think that an affection by reptiles could be just depending on the owner for safety. Like I guess it's not really affection as it is trust? Like my sav let's me pet her, but not anyone else? Hmm

Strutter769 · 03-23-12, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

reptiles only have the primal brain, they do not possess the part of the brain that "emotional feeling" is located. So, if they do "feel" for thier owners, then it would not be in the way that you and I (or a dog, who does possess that portion of the brain) would feel for someone/thing.

Very well "said," in a really understandable way.

exwizard · 03-23-12, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradyloach

But besides that, I really think that an affection by reptiles could be just depending on the owner for safety. Like I guess it's not really affection as it is trust? Like my sav let's me pet her, but not anyone else? Hmm

Yep. Its trust and a feeling of safety.

Bradyloach · 03-23-12, 03:18 PM

Hmm an example: a baby croc, feeling safe around his mother and going to her for safety? That is just trust and safety right?

exwizard · 03-23-12, 03:20 PM

yeah its like that

Snakefood · 03-23-12, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradyloach

Hmm an example: a baby croc, feeling safe around his mother and going to her for safety? That is just trust and safety right?

I would say yes to that.

Trollbie · 03-23-12, 03:26 PM

It's tough since scientifically reptiles (or snakes at least) don't have the part of brain where emotion happens. This is what I learned in anatomy classes and whatnot. So a lot of people will argue till the death that reptiles do not have feelings. That when it looks likr they like you it's because they don't feel threatened by you, are you used to you, or find you as a source of warmth and security.

But there those times when a reptile will take preference to only one person even though it gets handled by others just as much, and that's when I start to question lol

I believe that there is something. A lot of animals I think show their gratefulness when you rescue them from a bad situation. I also think if you respect the animal, they know it.

Until someone has experienced being a reptile, or until reptiles can talk, I won't just accept that reptiles are physiologically incapable of these things, but I'm not gonna all crazy about that they can feel emotions either.

I get just as much satisfaction from Penelope slithering through my hair and sleeves as I do from cuddling a puppy. It's different, but it's still rewarding. I honestly think reptiles are better than cats though. There are cool cats out there, but I think most of them, if not all, are selfish and don't care about anyone. My housemates cat only asks for attention and gets all cuddly when he wants to be fed lol. Not saying that he doesn't like being petted otherwise, but I'm sure he couldn't careless about any of us haha

I say if you want a pet specifically to cuddle it and feel loved, then yea, get a dog. Reptiles aren't for everyone. Personally though, out of all the animals I've been around or owned, my parrot was the most affectionate. My fish do the happy swim when I come near the tank. If it's anyone else, they'll just come to the glass because they are curious. Yeah I'm the one feeding them, but at the same time it's cool knowing that they even recognize me.

It's all about how you look at it. If you accept that a reptile won't cuddle you and give you welcome home kisses, you'll find other things about it that are just as rewarding

alessia55 · 03-23-12, 03:29 PM

I think that the reason my snakes prefer being with me than my friends is because they recognize my scent with security/safety/trust, but I don't think they "love" me or or "like" me or are showing affection. However, I interpret that as affection. Because, as humans, we like to project "rational" behavior onto animals, or give them human characteristics. I think it's OK to say "Kaybe loves me!" so long as I know that what that really means is "Kaybe is familiar with me and knows I'm not a threat."

Trollbie · 03-23-12, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

I think that the reason my snakes prefer being with me than my friends is because they recognize my scent with security/safety/trust, but I don't think they "love" me or or "like" me or are showing affection. However, I interpret that as affection. Because, as humans, we like to project "rational" behavior onto animals, or give them human characteristics. I think it's OK to say "Kaybe loves me!" so long as I know that what that really means is "Kaybe is familiar with me and knows I'm not a threat."

This.

Also, I've seen many animals prefer other people than those who handle them most. But every single time that happened, the owner was not a good owner at all and did not properly care for the animal.

Lankyrob · 03-23-12, 03:46 PM

I think lizards are more capable of showing an affection to humans than snakes are.

infernalis · 03-23-12, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

hmm....this feels like deja'vu

reptiles only have the primal brain, they do not possess the part of the brain that "emotional feeling" is located. So, if they do "feel" for thier owners, then it would not be in the way that you and I (or a dog, who does possess that portion of the brain) would feel for someone/thing.

Not all reptiles, sorry..

There are lizards that pair bond for life, and Lizards that form family units for life.