Empathy for animals like dogs

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I have always preferred the company of animals (cats, dogs, horses etc.) to people. They are much easier to understand and communicate with. I always say hello to all the dogs and cats I meet here in the city and remember their names much faster than I do humans'. My animals (one dog, two cats) mean the world to me, especially my dog, which has been with me for more than 12 years - at the moment he is my reason for living.

I have loads of empathy for animals UN-like dogs
and UN-like cats. Except maybe hyenas.

I'm a cat person. I wonder, sometimes, though, whether it's really "empathy" in the classic sense. I understand cats; I know what they're trying to "say" with their ears and tails and whiskers. I have two cats and I spend time with them, playing and petting; I feed them good food, make sure they have vet care, give them catnip, keep them indoors and away from danger...

But the funny thing is, when my third cat, a little female, escaped (she has very dextrous paws) last week, I didn't feel much of anything even though I know my neighborhood is dangerous and she could die. I checked the pound; I put up fliers; I asked the neighbors to keep an eye out; I walked around with a flashlight every night... But for some reason, I didn't emotionally feel much of anything. I do hope she's all right; she does have a better chance than my other cats would've had because she is very outgoing and knows how to cajole food out of just about anyone.

It's pretty obvious I love my cats. I do a lot for them, and love shows itself in actions. But, for some reason, I don't feel things emotionally. I think the same goes for my family and friends, actually; I show love by doing, not feeling. It's there--it's just expressed differently.

I get along with cats better than I get along with most people.

Me and my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Danny, are the best of friends. I can understand his language, and the other family members that I live with are often amazed at how I understand what he needs.
When he is feeling bored he lies flat and puts his head on his paws and looks up at people with his eyes. I know that means that he wants to play with a toy or go for a walk.
He sleeps next to me at night and follows me everywhere, even to the bathroom.
My parents are going on holiday for two weeks and they were going to put him in a kennel, and I knew straight away that he would be confused and heartbroken, so I said I would babysit him.
I'm looking forward to two weeks with Danny and the house to ourselves! Peace and quiet

I'm going to be a vet when I get out of college. I will either be hated or adored by my colluagues. That's just how I am with people. People either hate me with a passion or worship the ground I walk on. People have always said I have a gift with animals and I have been able to handle animals everyone else has said were dangerous or not friendly even with the owner. I never had much, if any empathy for people. I never felt I belonged with them. I never wanted to be with them. I hated the idea of being in a family; maybe because my own wasn't that accepting of my quirks in the beginning and I was always being dragged around like a handbag with them when I needed alone time, which was like all the time. I don't think I was born with empathy for animals. I was attracted to and fasinated with cats ever since I could remember but never felt anything emotionally for them. My family were avid dog lovers and avid cat haters. I didn't like dogs at all at first. They were too in your face and too noisy. I think I came to the realisation that I hate a lot in common with animals and subconciously felt I need to belong with living beings who I felt connected too. Meerkats are my true favorite any my main obsession (I had this obsession BEFORE Meerkat Manor was made). People are always telling me I need to take an example from meerkats and be more social with people. Has it ever occured to them that meerkats are only social with other meerkats? They are also very mean to other meerkats. They are not as nice as people make them out to be. Meerkats are my favorite but I am attracted on a spiritual level to wild cats (I think the jaguar is possibly my totem animal or spirit guide). I have never and don't think I ever will feel anything except hatred toards human beings.

When I see a homeless person I hardly feel anything. I suppose they're able to take care of themselves. But abandoned animals rip my heart. I know they're less able to get shelter and food in an urban environment. Sometimes I wish I could afford to house them all.

I much prefer the company of animals to the company of people.
I can also be affectionate with animals.

I have very little empathy for people, but the thought of an animal dying hurts my heart.

I was more upset when our 15 year old Cocker Spaniel died than when my Grandpa died (sorry Grandpa!). I still get upset thinking about him (our dog).