The definition of a highly sensitive animal is one who experiences acute physical, mental, or emotional responses to stimuli. This can include external stimuli, like their environment and the people or animals around them, or internal stimuli, like their own emotional states and physical sensations.
While all animals are naturally more sensitive than humans in many ways, being a highly sensitive animal means experiencing a much greater response – so much so that it can seem overwhelming. Many highly sensitive animals need quiet spaces where they can retreat and “ground” their reactions.
High Sensitivity is a normal trait found in approximately 15-20% of most animal populations. However, when a Highly Sensitive Animal is compared to the rest of the population, they can easily appear “abnormal” and be misdiagnosed as having behavioral problems. A professional who is not trained in working with highly sensitive animals can add to their distress.
