Taming animals is nothing new for humans. Since the beginning of human civilization, we have included animals in our lives, accepting them as friends, companions, and co-travelers. Excavations of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley, Egypt, Mesopotamia, or the Maya reveal evidence that clearly shows a long-standing relationship of coexistence between humans and animals. In Hindu mythology, we all know the story of King Yudhishthira and his dog. Both Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ are said to have herded sheep in their childhoods. Similarly, in ancient Judaism, cats were domesticated. If we look closely, almost all religions in the world have stories of animals being kept as pets.
However, times, contexts, and environments have changed drastically. There was a time when animals roamed freely in forests; even when domesticated, human civilizations were largely village based or centered around small towns. Today, the scenario has completely changed. Pets are now confined to small city apartments. Their lives have been transformed, they now sleep on our sofas, play with rubber balls, walk with collars around their necks, and live according to our commands.
But is merely feeding them, taking them for walks, and providing medical care truly enough? Do we consider that these animals also have sexual, mental, and social needs and rights? In this article, we will delve deeply into this often ignored aspect, the sexual needs of domestic animals.
Modern cities and the changes in the lives of pets
Nature abides by the principle of co- existence, but we humans seem to have forgotten it. The places where today’s sprawling cities stand were, just a few centuries ago, home to wild animals. As urbanization advanced, wildlife gradually vanished from these regions, and the city ecosystems became dominated solely by humans.
Modern metropolises have evolved into spaces that seem to accommodate only humans. Trees, ponds, rivers, bushes, soil, and animals have all, in a way, been “acquired” or taken over. In most large cities, ponds and traditional water reservoirs have dried up, rivers have turned into sewers, and forests have been replaced by multi-story buildings. In an ideal ecosystem, nature fulfills the needs of all living beings. When we are reminded to keep water for birds during the summer, we fail to recall that this need arises because our urban ponds and public water sources have vanished.
This applies to many other issues as well. Cities have reached a point where almost all living creatures residing in them are now dependent on human mercy for survival.
Alongside this, another troubling trend has emerged—our systems seem to operate on a principle of eliminating what is commonly available and then selling it in fragments. Clean water, pure air, lush forests, wildlife, birds, fish, and the beauty of nature—once accessible to all—now come at a steep price.
But this is not coexistence; this is domination over nature. We displace the habitats of animals and try to forcibly integrate them into our lifestyles. In doing so, we often overlook the fact that they, too, have desires, needs, and natural rights.
Natural Needs of Animals
In order to domesticate any animal, a certain level of humanization has always been involved—but now, the situation has gone far beyond that threshold. The pressure of human civilization on pets is continuously increasing. Defecating and urinating at set times and in specific ways, eating meals at designated hours, going for walks on a fixed schedule—and even sexual activity—are now confined within strict boundaries. These practices have almost completely altered the natural behavior of animals. Humans increasingly want their pets to resemble themselves. The problem arises when, in doing so, we violate even the most basic natural rights of animals—such as the right to engage in sexual activity.
An animal’s needs go beyond just food, water, and shelter. They have physical, mental, and biological instincts—like running and playing, socializing with peers, engaging in hunting behavior (especially in cats), and seeking sexual satisfaction and reproduction.
Among these, the most ignored need is their sexual need. When an animal is sexually active, it often expresses this through behavior—such as dogs repeatedly humping, cats loudly meowing, or birds chirping in distinct tones. But humans often interpret these signals as “dirty behavior,” “bad manners,” or a “lack of discipline”—and suppress them accordingly.
Case Study: From Kalkaji and Amar Colony, Delhi
A resident of Kalindi Kunj in Delhi shared that he has raised three dogs so far. Initially, he had no awareness of canine sexuality, but over time, he came to understand that dogs also have sexual desires. He said, “When dogs are in sexual heat, they become extremely restless. They start humping and try to get outside the house. But most people see this behavior as bad and end up scolding them.”
There were also instances where his dog, distressed, ran away from home. He added that many people opt for neutering as a solution, but that often leads to lethargy, sadness, and obesity in the dog. He believes that if there were a respectful way to fulfill animals’ sexual needs, this issue wouldn’t arise at all.
Similarly, a man from Delhi’s Amar Colony mentioned that the population of cats in his neighborhood has been increasing rapidly. He explained that this is because cats generally find mates in nearby areas and reproduce naturally wherever they live.
The story of dogs and cats
There is a significant difference between the sexual behavior of cats and dogs. Pet dogs are usually kept tied or confined, and their movement outside is controlled, which suppresses their sexual urges. Moreover, most pet dogs are bought from the market, so they typically remain single.
Cats, on the other hand, tend to be more independent. Most people don’t buy them but adopt them from outside. Additionally, cats are generally not kept tied up, so they have the freedom to go out and find mates on their own. As a result, cats are often able to satisfy their sexual needs naturally, whereas dogs suffer more in this regard.
Neutering and Spaying
To control the population of pets and make them more “manageable,” they are often neutered. While there is a practical side to this—such as preventing unwanted offspring and reducing aggression—there is an equally disturbing downside. Neutering can lead to hormonal imbalances, lethargy, depression, obesity, other health issues, and a general lack of enthusiasm in life.
Just because an animal’s sexual behavior makes us uncomfortable, does that justify removing their reproductive organs? Is this ethically right, or are these forced alterations on animal bodies merely for human convenience?
What is the right way
Yes, Today, when we talk about the sexual needs of pets, the topic is often ignored, even though many developed countries have already found responsible and humane solutions for it. The first step is Responsible Breeding, where pets are provided with the right partner at the right time. This process involves not only the pet owner but also plays a vital role for veterinarians. The process is carried out without coercion, with respect to the animal’s comfort and consent.
The second important method to reduce sexual frustration is through Sexual Play Objects and Exercise. This includes giving pets opportunities to play, run, jump, and expend energy. Such physical activity also helps reduce sexual frustration.
Thirdly, developed countries have implemented Open Interaction Spaces, where animals are given the chance to socialize with other animals and learn behavioral cues in a natural environment. These spaces not only help improve social behavior but also allow pets to express their sexual instincts in a natural way.
Another very sensitive and significant aspect is Sexual Consent and Respect. This means understanding an animal’s body language, not forcing or shaming them for natural sexual behaviors, as doing so can amount to mental trauma. Just as humans consider their sexual desires to be “natural,” we must learn to see animals’ sexual needs as “normal” too.
Finally, this subject shouldn’t remain limited to homes or veterinary clinics. Changes are needed at the levels of society and law. While there are many organizations in our country working for animal welfare, sadly, very few openly address the sexual needs of animals. Nor is there any structured counseling or guidance available on this issue at veterinary facilities.
Therefore, we must recognize at the policy, legal, and social levels that animals’ sexual desires are not a crime, but a natural biological process. Until we adopt a more sensitive approach in this direction, our relationship with our pets will remain incomplete and one-sided.
A new thought is needed
Pets are part of our lives, but they are not toys. They have a body, mind and soul. If we truly love them, we must not only nurture them, but also respect their freedom and rights. Sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of, neither for humans nor for animals. Instead of suppressing the sexual needs of animals, if we understand them respectfully and find ways to fulfill them, then perhaps this earth will become a better place not just for humans, but for all living beings.