The term 'able to perceive and feel things' can be summarized by the word 'SENTIENT', which is an 8-letter word. Sentience is the capacity to feel, perceive or experience subjectively. It is used to describe the ability of animals and other creatures to have awareness, consciousness, and subjective perceptual experiences. Sentience is also used to describe the capacity for self-awareness and the ability to experience sensations such as pain and pleasure.