Why Are Cats So Cute To Humans?: Why Cats Are Cute

why are cats so cute to humans?


Cat lovers often think they’re just biased towards the animal species. But have you ever thought about this: why are cats so cute?

No, it’s not just the fact that you own cats or like cats in general; there’s more!

Cats are cute to humans for particular reasons.

Their specific features, body language, behavior, and certain other psychological factors influence how cute we find a specific animal.

So what are those factors? Let’s find out!

Why Are Cats So Cute To Us?

Apart from their colored fur and magical eyes, cats also have naturally soft hair that is very soothing and comforting to touch. Plus, some of the breeds’ body shapes are generally quite round as well which makes them look even more adorable to us.

Some specific breeds of cats have extraordinarily adorable features like big round eyes, round ears, and cute facial features, which automatically sets them in the criteria for being cute.

But even the breeds that don’t have these features end up getting a lot of love and affection. How and why?

The exact answer to this particular question is quite a mystery considering that not all cats have the basic features regarded as “cute.”

In general, round ears, large eyes, rounded body shape, more massive head, and floppy limbs define a cute animal. Do all cats have all of these characteristics?

No. Then why are all cats so cute to humans? Here’s your answer:

They behave cutely!

Yes, you read that right. Cats are fully aware of their behavior, and they tend to ACT cute. They make adorable, soft, comforting noises that are generally high-pitched.

cats are cute. why are cats so cute to humans. do cats know they are cute?
why are cats so cute to humans?

Scientifically, these noises have a particular impact on the human brain- in layman language, they make you go “aww!”

Ever wondered why the rumbly, soft purrs from your cat make you love them more? That’s the reason!

Also, there are several other behavioral reasons behind your liking for cats as well?

For example, the fact that your cat doesn’t ask you for attention all the time makes you love it even more, especially if you’re a busy person and like to have your me-time.

Since they only come to you at specific times, it makes it special, and you automatically think it’s cute.

Similarly, since cats are so selective with the people they are nice to, you feel a sense of victory when your cat comes to you for love and affection.

This subconscious effect is another primary reason why most of us think cats are cute.

What Effect Do They Have On The Human Brain?

Did you know that certain “cute” features have a particular psychological impact on your human brain?

The part of your mind that makes all the decisions is called the orbitofrontal cortex, and your “nucleus accumbens” is the pleasure center of your brain.

An animal that’s acting cute stimulates both of these parts in your mind.

When you see your cat sleeping, making cute sounds, or just being adorable in general, it has a direct impact on your psychology and your brain centers.

Activating the cortex convinces you to protect the creature because it is cute.

Similarly, stimulation of the nucleus makes you like and love the animal, so you take better care of it.

why cats are good pets. cats are cute. cute cats.
cats are cute for sure…

Do Cats Know That They Are Cute?

While you may think that cats are just adorable animals, you’d be surprised by how clever and smart they are. Cats know they’re cute.

Moreover, they also know that you like it when they act cute and adorable.

Hence, when they want to get an early meal, more treats, better care, or just petting in general, they’ll boost up the cuteness levels very smartly!

Do Cats Try to be So Cute?

Cats have the tendency to increase or decrease their cuteness levels depending on their mood and needs.

As mentioned earlier, if your cat wants something, it will try to act cuter to lure you in.

They will start creating cute noises, make soothing sounds, look at you with an adorable expressionless face, and maybe even enlarge their eyes to make direct eye contact with you.

Some other ways that cats try to be cute with you include wrapping their tail around your leg, swishing it back-and-forth lightly, and trying to sit in your lap to cuddle.

The more domestic a cat is, the better their skills to understand the situation and take “appropriate” measures.

If they feel like you’re not giving them enough attention or they want a good petting session or extra meals, they’ll deliberately act more adorable to get what they want.

Is There an Evolutionary Advantage?

If you think these animals were always this cute, you are surprisingly wrong.

Cats have evolved to be more adorable and more lovable over time.

Since they’re becoming more and more domestic, they’re adopting new behaviors to get more affection and attention from their owners. Cute cues and adorableness is a part of this evolutionary change.

This way, cats can become more lovable pets, and you want to take care of them and protect them at all costs. This way, it gives them the advantage of getting both love, care, provision, and security.

Think about it, these animals are adapting and evolving to grab more attention, make their owners fall in love with them, and get food, shelter, warmth, and protection.

It’s both mesmerizing and scary at the same time!

why are cat paws so cute? cute cat paws. paw on a cat.
why are cat paws so cute?

Why Are Cat Paws So Cute?

Have you ever looked at your cat’s paws when it’s sleeping or resting in your lap and thought they’re cute? You’re not the only one!

Cat paws have delicate pads underneath that provide sensory input.

These are called toe beans, and they have way too many nerve receptors in them.

Because of its sensitivity, your cat will probably never let you touch its paws unless it really trusts you. However, when you do feel them, the softness immediately makes you fall in love.

Furthermore, apart from the hunting and balance benefits they provide, these paws’ color makes a significant contribution to the kitten’s cuteness.

Since these pads are in the same color as the fur, they look absolutely adorable! It is also one of the reasons why cat paws look so cute and attractive.

Another reason why a lot of cat owners find cat paws so cute is the tiny, dramatic hair that surrounds the toe beans.

This hair is soft and very satisfying, just enough to calm you down and make you feel relaxed.

Also read: The best cat carrier for every occasion.

Why Are Cat Meows So Cute?

Did you know that cats can deliberately change the way they meow?

Have you ever noticed your cat making soft, high-pitched meows when you’re not giving them something they want?

Does it work? Of course, it does! Cats try to be cuter and use softer tones in their meowing when they want something, and they know it works on you!

cute sleeping cat. why are sleeping cats so cute. sleeping cats are cute.
why are sleeping cats so cute?

Why Are Cats So Cute When They Sleep?

More often than not, cat owners fall in love with their pets, even more, when they’re sleeping. And no, it’s not just because you love your cat; it’s much deeper than that!

The logic is much like that of why a sleeping baby looks adorable.

Cats make a very expressionless face when they’re sleeping, much like a human does. It automatically makes you smile and feel all warm inside.

Plus, since they move around and play so much, you’re bound to feel affectionate when they’re finally sleeping and resting quietly.

Also read: Why do cats sleep on you?

Why Are Cats Cuter To Some People?

Even though being “cute” has specific set criteria, it is still subjective.

A particular kitten doesn’t always need to have all those features for you to like them. Sometimes, the most exceptional cats can get the most attention and affection of some humans.

Another reason for this is that we have also evolved as much as cats have. It means that we have been accustomed to thinking that all cats are cute.

Thus, a cat lover will simply think all kittens are adorable, regardless of their individual features.

Moreover, some personal tastes and preferences decide what you think of a cat.

If you are personally not fond of big, round eyes, such a cat will not seem as adorable to you as the one with more slanted or almond eyes.

Similarly, some people just don’t have a liking for furry, round animals, and prefer slimmer pets.

man holding a cute kitten. cute kittens. adorable cat photos.

In Conclusion,

It is not definitive that all cats are cute.

How adorable you find an animal, a kitten in specific depends on your personal taste and preference more than its attributes. However, there are particular sets of characteristics that people find to be cute in general.

Regardless, cats know that they’re attractive to humans and take complete advantage of this knowledge!

They’ve grown accustomed over the years, and it probably won’t be wrong to say that they are aware of how to manipulate you into giving them extra treats!

So, the next time you’re holding the treat jar and your cat starts looking at you with googly eyes; it’s doing it on purpose!

Now that you know all about why cats are so cute to humans, you may also enjoy reading our article about if cats are actually loyal to us or not, down below.

Also read: Are cats loyal or not?

Share:

Author: Cathour

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *