Animals are perceptive and can often sense a person's emotions and energy, but their ability to discern someone as "good" or "bad" is not based on a moral judgment as humans would understand it. Instead, animals typically react to the specific behaviors and body language displayed by individuals, as well as the general atmosphere around them.
There are a few reasons why animals might seem to like a narcissistic individual, including your husband:
Consistent behavior: Animals thrive on routine and consistency. If your husband consistently cares for and feeds the animals, they may associate him with the positive experience of getting their needs met.
Lack of threat: Narcissists can be very charming and charismatic, at least initially. If your husband's behavior is not threatening or aggressive toward the animals, they may feel at ease around him.
Nonverbal cues: Animals are highly attuned to nonverbal communication. If your husband presents a calm demeanor or knows how to handle animals gently, they may respond positively to him.
Positive reinforcement: If your husband offers treats or rewards to animals, they may associate him with positive experiences and be drawn to him.
Empathy mirroring: Some narcissists can be adept at mirroring emotions to gain favor or manipulate situations. Animals might perceive this mirroring as genuine and respond positively.
However, it's essential to remember that animals do not have the same level of complex cognitive reasoning as humans. They do not possess the ability to understand personality disorders like narcissism or make moral judgments about individuals. Their responses are primarily instinctual and based on immediate stimuli and past experiences.
As for "tricking" animals, it's more accurate to say that individuals, including narcissists, can learn to adapt their behavior to gain a positive response from animals. This may involve using treats, adopting a gentle approach, or mimicking positive behavior.
While animals can be excellent judges of character in some situations, it's important not to rely solely on their reactions to assess the nature of a person. If you have concerns about your husband's behavior or are experiencing difficulties in your relationship, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful.