A narcissist may form a superficial bond with their pet. The animal, just by being itself, offers unconditional love, but the narcissist exploits this. Their relationship with the pet lacks genuine care, affection, and concern. The narcissist may pretend to adore the pet, showering it with attention, but this is only because the pet offers them validation. The pet listens to their commands, follows their rules, and conforms in a way that serves the narcissist’s needs.
The moment the pet deviates from this idealized behavior—say, it pees in the wrong place, chews something it shouldn’t, or causes any inconvenience—the narcissist punishes it. This punishment can be harsh, ranging from yelling and physical abuse to withholding food, water, or affection. I’ve heard of many cases where narcissists feed their pets rotten food or lock them in cages for long periods.
The narcissist wants all the benefits of having a pet but none of the responsibilities or difficulties that come with it. If the pet no longer serves their ego, they may discard it, either by rehoming it or even putting it down.
2. When the Pet Belongs to You
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