Why do we love cats so much?


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.

backside of a woman with a cat on her shoulder looking directly at cameraSome 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.

cat looking wide-eyed directly at camera

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.

grey tabby kitten playing with oh-ring paper wand toy

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.

british shorthair cat looking straight up at camera with mouth opening as if meowing

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.

orange tabby cat asleep on a man's lap

oh-ring paper cat toys

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.

hand petting cat under chin

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.

kitten inside a Hide and Sneak cat toy tunnel look out of entry hole

Hide and Sneak paper cat toy tunnel

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?

close up of a cats toe pads


17 comments


  • Normalicia

    I can’t have so many cats, I only have 7 so far and I don’t think I could handle more than that…too much Love 😻 and besides my husband doesn’t really like them he just tolerates them…but I do like them so much and I do rescue kitties if I happen to find any,,I do have 3 rescues that I kept just couldn’t let them go, how can you not love them when they are so lovable,, some like the attention, some don’t, but I just can’t help myself 😻❤️


  • Charlene A. Sobieski

    I love all of my 13 in-house rescue cats, as well as the 3 I feed outside on the patio for all of the reasons you have mentioned and for oh, so many more. They each have their own way of pulling at my heartstrings; and showing me how much they love me. No way could I give any of them away, no matter what. =^..^=


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