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Acacia
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
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How do animals respond to physical contact
Mostly big cats in the wild #career
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Leo Reyes
Software Engineer
64
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Seattle, Washington
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Leo’s Answer
Different animals react differently to physical contact. In general terms, mammals seem to need some sort of physical contact or they die of stress. When they are relaxed, physical contact releases hormones (like oxytocin) that help mammals "feel good". Again, this is just in general terms, and even the same type of contact can cause different reactions depending on the circumstances.
However, I find it a little alarming that you mentioned "big cats in the wild". Please, do not try to approach a big wild cat. These are highly-intelligent animals and, unless you're a trained professional, you may not understand how they are looking at you (i.e. you don't know if they are evaluating whether you could be a good meal or not). Also, this forum (I think) is mostly for career advise, so I'd try to find a zoologist for this sort of question instead.
Do not approach a big wild cat
Find a zoologist for a better answer
However, I find it a little alarming that you mentioned "big cats in the wild". Please, do not try to approach a big wild cat. These are highly-intelligent animals and, unless you're a trained professional, you may not understand how they are looking at you (i.e. you don't know if they are evaluating whether you could be a good meal or not). Also, this forum (I think) is mostly for career advise, so I'd try to find a zoologist for this sort of question instead.
Leo recommends the following next steps:
Anthony Chan
Program Manager
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Mountain View, California
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Anthony’s Answer
I am a domestic cat owner for 13 years for my first cat and another one for 3 years so far. Both are rescued animals for adoption.
I would say cats are very cautious animals and unpredictable at times. As for big wild cats, I would strongly recommend not to approach them because of potential danger. I would suggest visiting a local pet store or adoption agency to experience animals responding to physical contact. Hope this helps.
I would say cats are very cautious animals and unpredictable at times. As for big wild cats, I would strongly recommend not to approach them because of potential danger. I would suggest visiting a local pet store or adoption agency to experience animals responding to physical contact. Hope this helps.