Let's Not Anthropomorphize Our "Fur Babies" - by Kaylee McClure

By what terminology should a pet-owner use to refer to their animal companions? While the action of naming creatures and utilizing titles such as “man’s best friend” is not new, a recent trend in pet nicknames provides an alternative perspective on the bonds between animals and humans. Over the years, titles such as “fur-baby,” “fur child,” and “fur parent” have risen in popularity amongst the increasing pet-owner community members. Although these names are used as an expression of love and care, this humanization of animals can present obstacles to animal welfare. Since being introduced to this concept in college-level Animal Science courses, I’ve been fascinated by what my instructors referred to as the “over-anthropomorphizing” of companion animals and pets. Gaining an understanding of animal behavior versus human behavior can be a key component for promoting animal welfare.

Briefly, anthropomorphism about animals refers to the perception and projection of human emotion onto creatures that are not of human origin. The National Library of Medicine article titled “Anthropomorphism and Its Adverse Effects on the Distress and Welfare of Companion Animals,” cites the startling connection between over-anthropomorphizing and “thermoregulation interference, dehydration, malnutrition, obesity, behavioral issues, and the spread of zoonotic disease” (Mota-Rojas et al)... the topic of animal obesity and anthropomorphism is prevalent in both viral and “comedic” media, with viewers coining descriptive nicknames such as “chonker” and. While the image of a cherubic, chubby cat throwing itself into a food bowl may seem amusing and “relatable,” the overfeeding and obesity of animals has become a veterinary epidemic. In an article titled “U.S. pet obesity rate continues to rise” CBS News reports that “According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, roughly 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. The group's research shows that that rate continues to rise” (Kraft). Like obesity in humans, obesity in companion animals increases both the severity and risk of contracting and succumbing to ailments. After observing animals afflicted with asthma, fatigue, oily coats, flaking skin, and arthritis along with early debts caused by excess weight, it’s critical to speak out against this overlooked category of animal cruelty.

Beyond physical appearance, anthropomorphizing pets directly impacts the perception of “personality” versus behavior. Pets worm their way into the hearts of their human companions, providing a powerful bond of loyalty, warmth, and understanding. Although associating positive emotional “Traits” poses little risk, assigning negative personality “flaws” can permanently haunt the life of a pet. As a cat-care volunteer, I’ve unfortunately encountered many cats deemed “mean,” “unadoptable.,” or “sassy” by prior owners, labels that indefinitely chain them to a shelter until someone hopefully sees through their “mask.” To illustrate, my shelter once took in a cat named “Crabcake.” Crabcake was a senior cat, relinquished by her family for “behavioral issues.” Although she was named for appearing behind a crab shack rather than her “personality,” her “attitude” and name intimidated others for her entire stay. Crabcake hissed, growled, and slapped those who attempted to pet her, and she was tense around the other cats. Her “reputation” was further cemented in her biography, stating “I only have myself to blame for being here” as if Crabcake herself was speaking and made that decision. What many volunteers forgot to read was that Crabcake was relinquished for “acting out” after her twenty-year-old cat companion died. Crabcake wasn’t being “mean,” she was expressing her fear. Not only was her lifelong companion torn away from her, but she was whisked away to a bustling, unfamiliar environment. For over a year, Crabcake sat in the shelter, treated well but misunderstood. While she was recently adopted to an understanding home, Crabcake never should have been blamed and labeled as a “bully” for her species-appropriate way of handling both grief and fear.

Undoubtedly, applying human thoughts, behavior, and emotions to companion animals encourages behavior and actions that pose risk to both the physical and mental well-being of pets. Although, most pet owners anthropomorphize their pets as a harmless show of endearment and gratitude, associating personality traits with animals can eventually read as negative. However, avoiding excess humanization does not imply minimizing or invalidating love and loyalty. It’s critical to note that one can still love and appreciate their pets while acknowledging that the human brain processes differently than that of an animal. Further, the term “animal” doesn’t imply something is unfeeling of care or lacking in intelligence. Humans and pets are all unique forms of animals and welfare for all lies in the fact that each unique group of animals thinks, acts, and feels in special, unique ways.

Works Cited

Kraft, Amy. “U.S. Pet Obesity Rate Continues to Rise.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 12 Jan. 2016, www.cbsnews.com/news/dog-cat-obesity-rate-continues-to-rise/#:~:text=The%20obesity%20epidemic%20is%20hitting%20our%20pets%2C%20too.,research%20shows%20that%20that%20rate%20continues%20to%20rise.

Mota-Rojas, Daniel, et al. “Anthropomorphism and Its Adverse Effects on the Distress and Welfare of Companion Animals.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 15 Nov. 2021, www2.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3263.