We’re all cat lovers. That’s why we’re here. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we find cats so incredible loveable?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seemed the perfect time to explore our fascination with our self-domesticated feline friends.
Some of that innate love could be instinct, based on cats’ unique facial features. Konrad Lorenz, who also discovered the concept of imprinting, believed that humans are drawn to baby-like features, such as large eyes. Because cats have relatively large eyes in proportion to their faces, even when grown, we feel an instinctual protectiveness over them.
The answer could also lie in how cats domesticated themselves. Unlike dogs, who were bred from wild wolves to be hunting tools and family companions, cats likely followed humans because that’s where the prey was. Throughout history, wherever humans went, vermin followed, providing an ample food source. Fast forward thousands of years and cats have figured out that humans will provide shelter, safety, and food, without all the effort.
That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to play with your cat. He has strong hunting instincts that need exercising. Even if he seems content to sleep all day, he really needs a chance to show off his skill at pouncing, chasing, and scratching. Even just a few minutes a day with a wand toy, like our Wiggly Wand can keep kitty feeling frisky and engaged.
There’s also evidence cats see us as part of their “litter,” using vocative noises like mews and chittering to attract our attention—a behavior that’s only used between mother cats and their kittens in the wild. Knowing your cat sees you as an equal is certainly reason to dole out the love.
Another piece of the puzzle may lie in a cat's unique purrs, which they use to calm themselves when they’re stressed or to express contentment. Evidence even shows that a cat’s purr can heal both cats and humans alike. And there’s nothing like a contented purring cat in your lap.
It’s also likely that some of us find cats to be a challenge, and that’s why we find them so appealing. Unlike dogs, cats usually only show affection on their terms. So when they do finally show how much they love and depend on us, it seems that much more rewarding.
If you’re a meme lover, you might adore cats because they are “made of liquid” or because “if I fits, I sits” seems to be their mantra. Cats can fit in nearly any container. In tight spaces, whiskers help them determine if the space is big enough for their body. But also, cats love a simple cardboard box or a play tunnel like our own Hide and Sneak.
In all honesty, though, it’s probably the toe beans. Have you seen the tiny cute pads on the bottoms of their feet? How can you not love a creature with such adorable toes?
My 3 furry Kitts are warm and affectionate and even cuddle up to and with me. I couldn’t ever imagine my life without them. We have several cat condo’s in our home to fit each room. They when you have them put together that they belong to them. Goodness I let my furry prowlers own everything else like a dresser with one top drawer out they jump in the tiny space top row and lay in them for napping. I can’t say enough about their love for me and I them. Its never a chore to change their water or their food dishes, its never a chore , for me anyway to clean their potties keeping up with them and making sure their taken care of like going to the vet although its almost always a challenge to get the to go see the vet but we make it there and back no problem. I love them and we can hardly bare being separated from each other. They’re indoor cats and I’m proud to be their mama and proud of them in many authentic unique ways they tell me how their feeling or if the door needs to be opened for a little fresh air, they lead me to the treat door so they can get goodies. I love when they talk to me. I am so happy when I get home with bags of groceries and they get in each bag looking for snacks and we get excited about our happy home and being there together. We wouldn’t want it any different. My cats are very precious to me.
As a baby, our family cat would crawl into my buggy to cuddle, often pushing me into the sunlight to my mother’s dismay. Having had a cat as member of family for most of my life I cannot imagine living without one. My two cats born one week apart will be 18 this November, the longest living cats I have had. They soothe my soul and allow me to experience quiet and peace at times the world seems frantic and troubled.
I love my kitties so much! I have 2 rescue babies that I adore. My husband and children love them as well. Anytime I see a cat outside I want to rescue them.
I am madly lover of cats, from childhood,,,, when I see any cat anywhere, even in dustbin also I just want to go and catch her,,,, I was adopted so many cats in my childhood,but now my husband not allowed me for this….
We have had our cat Smokey robi since he was about 1month old he will be 2 October 5th we just adore him so much he is my world my everything I will keep him for the rest of my life
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