Do snakes feel? Most people would not agree. Snakes have a stigma attached to them for being mindless, cold-blooded animals. They are certainly cold-blooded, but ask anyone who has been around snakes for a good length of time and they will probably tell you otherwise.
I have had snakes for over ten years. As well as being close to them growing up. Experience with snakes will tell you otherwise.
They are as aware of the world around them as any other animal. Most people won’t think twice about whether their cat or dog has feelings for them. The answer is most likely yes.
And oddly enough, snakes can be the same way. They learn to recognize their owner or anyone else who handles them frequently. And they react differently to strangers than to their owners.
I have even heard stories of people raising poisonous snakes. And at some point or another they were able to handle them without some kind of safety device. Snakes were comfortable being handled by them.
I currently have three snakes. One of which, I’ve had since I was young, about 10 years ago. It will be the first snake anyone meets that will dispel the myth that snakes don’t feel.
He loves being outside and crawling with me. I will take him outside on nice warm days, and he follows me wherever I go. Yes, it actually looks for me and comes to me. Like a dog.
People are surprised when I kiss him and move him easily. He is not afraid of me and knows who I am.
I help it come undone when it doesn’t come out in one piece (it doesn’t happen very often) and it even seems to enjoy it.
But on the other hand, he’s very nervous around new people. People you don’t recognize. And it’s not that it bites. He hasn’t even yelled at me in his entire life. But you can tell that he is uncomfortable and tries to escape.
Now, I’m not saying that my snake is exactly like a dog when it comes to feelings. He is a completely different creature and comes with a different personality and mindset. But in my experience, yes, he loves me like a snake.
Not all snakes will be like this. Snakes are like humans, in that they all have different personalities. Some will always be in a bad mood. They may calm down a bit, but they will always have that advantage.
Some are very docile and don’t care about anything. And everything else. Their personalities are as diverse as those of any other animal, including humans.
So even if you get a snake, don’t expect it to become the friendliest reptile in the world. You have to learn their ticks and their personality. And they have to learn that you are not a threat, but a partner and a caretaker.
Handle your snake well and take good care of it, and yes, they will show their appreciation. It is not as obvious as a dog or a cat. They don’t purr or lick you.
But in their snake way, yes, snakes can love you.