By Miriana Maio
Non-human animals (henceforth, animals) and humans have commonalities. The more animals are phylogenetically close to humans, the higher the similarity between species. Even among groups of the same species, there are commonalities and incredible differences.
For example, cats and dogs are both animals but are entirely different. In several talks, Roberto Marchesini says that cats are loners, whereas dogs are social animals. Keeping in mind these differences, humans should behave accordingly. If we have a cat, we must know that they do not love being stressed out. Your cat will come to you when you are doing something. They love watching you working or doing chores! Conversely, dogs love playing, running, and walking with you. Dogs want a role in your life!
Animals are neither toys nor children. Some people treat their pets as if they were their children. Marchesini repeatedly stressed that feeding your animal with a spoon or carrying your cub in a bag is wrong. Even though humans behave in good faith, they unwittingly cause them harm and stress. Feeding animals with a spoon means high stomach acids. They may risk an ulcer. Carrying your cub in a bag is equally dangerous as dogs must walk on a daily basis. Consequently, animals display substitutional behaviours showing frustration caused by inappropriate human behaviour.
Humans should recognise animal subjectivity and stop humanising their pets. Animals and humans, indeed, share similarities; however, it is also true that there are many differences between them.
Ask yourself if you truly want to make the commitment to caring for a pet. I would heartily recommend knowing how to behave appropriately before adopting a dog or a cat for their physical and emotional well-being.
Suggested readings:
Macelloni, M. (2023). La filosofia del cane. Orme per un futuro post-umanista. Milano: Mimes
Edizioni.
Marchesini, R. (2016). Etologia filosofica. Alla ricerca della soggettività animale. Milano: Mimesis Marchesini, R. (2017). L’identità del cane. Storia di un dialogo tra specie. Napoli: Apeiron. Marchesini, R. (2017). L’identità del gatto. La forza della convivialità. Napoli: Apeiron.
References:
Marchesini, R. (settembre, 2017). Presentazione dei libri Identità del Cane e Identità del Gatto.
Marchesini, R. (febbraio, 2021). Bella Scienza! Animali straordinari. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucR23KI_aUc
Marchesini, R. (settembre, 2022). L’amore per gli animali. Come la relazione con le altre specie ci ha cambiato. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfXNfV_0BtU
