A dog is a readily available, low-cost, low obligation, source of narcissistic supply. And, when dogs no longer serve the narcissist's needs — they're disposable — no messy break-ups. No wonder narcissists prefer dogs.
They tease your pet.
The narcissist offers your pet a treat and then takes it back. The narcissist gets a payoff from seeing people and pets suffer under their control. By teasing your pet, the narcissist is also pushing your pet into snapping at them as a way to tell the narcissist to stop.
A narcissist isn't usually one to take care of others, and there's no way around this with a pet. So if someone is particularly high on the narcissistic spectrum, they may really want to avoid pets, regardless of the adoration they might get.
Being an “animal lover” is part of some narcissists' tool boxes to make them appear empathic, loving, and kind. And helps them reel in unsuspecting victims. Narcissists know they must sometimes act “nice” to receive the attention and adulation they crave.
Narcissists like variety and get bored easily. Healthy people could not imagine easily giving their pet away, a narcissist can. They like trophies- A narcissist may temporarily use an animal, especially a puppy or beautiful purebred dog, to get attention.
Although empathy for animals and humans is certainly related, it is possible for pet owners with narcissistic traits, particularly Narcissistic Neuroticism, to have empathy and love for a pet despite having low empathy for humans.
The development of narcissistic traits is in many cases, a consequence of neglect or excessive appraisal. In some cases, this pathological self-structure arises under childhood conditions of inadequate warmth, approval and excessive idealization, where parents do not see or accept the child as they are.
Although empathy for animals and humans is certainly related, it is possible for pet owners with narcissistic traits, particularly Narcissistic Neuroticism, to have empathy and love for a pet despite having low empathy for humans.
Narcissism and the Animal World
There was a variety of opinions but the most common answer was “the cat.” That is an understandable answer. Cats show very little care about people, or even in other cats. They typically seem unconcerned about whether others are happy with them.
I'm going to say a narcissist is like a Boa Constrictor. The more entangled you become with one, the more life gets squeezed out of you ever so slowly. Then, before you realise your dire predicament, it's too late since you're already getting devoured.
They know. Sadly, they can see this evilness in human nature and there are consequences ….
Narcissists tend to be focused on themselves and their own needs, and they don't typically value commitment or loyalty. In many cases, a narcissist may only be committed to acquired things, such as money, or a certain lifestyle – but not another person.
Narcissists can and do love, but their love tends to be superficial and fleeting. They can develop intense emotional attachments—even appearing to "fall in love"—and yet still maintain a complete lack of empathy for the object of their affection.
Pretty much anything that doesn't give a narcissist what they feel entitled to will make them angry. If you ignore them, disregard their advice, or make decisions without getting their input, they will make their disapproval known to you.
Narcissists often look for victims who struggle with insecurity and low self-esteem. People who think less of themselves and struggle with the “I am not enough” mindset tend to attract toxic partners. People with self-esteem issues tend to think of themselves as imperfect or unlovable.
Grandiose sense of self-importance
Grandiosity is the defining characteristic of narcissism. More than just arrogance or vanity, grandiosity is an unrealistic sense of superiority. Narcissists believe they are unique or “special” and can only be understood by other special people.
While intellectual narcissists are generally smart, they may present as if they are more educated than they really are.
Malignant narcissism is a psychological syndrome comprising an extreme mix of narcissism, antisocial behavior, aggression, and sadism.
They get jealous about everything
They talk a good game, but narcissists actually have very low self-esteem. Low self-worth/confidence/esteem is at the core of a narcissism. This low sense of self naturally makes it extremely easy for them to become jealous – very jealous.
Narcissists value fame, beauty, and success more than relationships. Sure, they date and have friends and often these relationships start out exciting — but fizzle quickly. “People who are narcissistic should have a trail of bad relationships behind them,” Campbell said.
The cause is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to: Environment — parent-child relationships with either too much adoration or too much criticism that don't match the child's actual experiences and achievements. Genetics — inherited characteristics, such as certain personality traits.
However, some studies have also pointed out that narcissistic characteristics may not only arise from childhood environments characterized by neglect/abuse, but also from environments in which a child is sheltered or overly praised [11,14,15].
People with type A personalities attract narcissists, but a relationship between the two is a recipe for disaster.