Why Are Cats So Cute? 6 Scientific Reasons We Love Them
If you’re a cat lover, then you’re probably already convinced that cats are just the cutest. But did you know that there’s science behind that emotion? We’ve collected six scientific reasons that we humans find cats so cute.
From their appearance to their ability to communicate with us, cats are just irresistible!
The 6 Scientific Reasons Why Cats Are So Cute
1. Their Appearance Subliminally Appeals to Us
Unlike many other domesticated animals, like dogs and horses, cats weren’t domesticated with the intent of serving any particular purpose. So, why did we choose to live alongside them?
Researchers have found that cats have certain physical features that cause us to want to nurture and look after them.1 It’s no surprise that these features correspond closely with those of human babies.
Cute Cat Features:
Science has shown that these baby-like traits, known as “baby-schema,” have a huge impact on how cute we find something.2 If our subconscious decides that a cat’s features are cute, then we’re hardwired to want to look after and care for them.
Evidence has been found of cat and human remains in the same area from at least 9,500 years ago.3 It’s hypothesized that those ancient humans raised kittens in their homes simply because they knew as well as we do that kittens so cute!
2. We Want to Keep Them Safe
When we see a cute animal or human baby, our brains recognize their cute features and start to respond.
The part of your brain that’s responsible for decision-making, the orbitofrontal cortex, sends a message telling you to protect and care for the cute cat.
At the same time, the area of the brain known as the nucleus accumbens, or “pleasure center,” releases a hit of dopamine, a hormone that makes us feel good.
So, as we care for our cats, our bodies respond with dopamine, making us feel happier than before.
3. We’re Hardwired to Respond to Their Meows and Purrs
It’s not only the appearance of cats that makes us think that they’re cute but also how they communicate vocally with us!
Many cats make an adorable chirping noise when they’re asking for something. This noise is a blend between a purr and a meow, known as a “solicitation” purr. Cats specifically use this noise when they’re requesting food, attention, or something else that only their owner might be able to figure out!
A cat’s solicitation purr includes a specific high-frequency sound at around 220-520 Hertz (Hz). This frequency closely matches the sound of a human baby crying, which sits at 300-600 Hz. Our brains are hardwired to respond to a baby’s cry. So, when you hear a cat make a noise in a similar frequency range, it can be difficult to refuse them!
Researchers have found that even non-cat owners can tell the difference between a standard cat purr and one when they’re asking (or rather, demanding) something.
We wouldn’t put it past our cats to know exactly what they’re doing here!
4. Their Purrs Have Healing Properties
No, really! The average range of a cat’s purr is within 20-150 Hz. Scientists already know that sounds within this range can be used in therapeutic medicine to help heal bones and soft tissue.
So, if you find the sound and vibrations of your cat purring on your lap not only cute but intensely soothing, this is the reason!
Cat owners have been found to be 40% less likely to suffer from illnesses, including high blood pressure and heart attacks, than non-cat owners.
5. They Blink to Communicate With Us
If you’ve noticed your cat staring at you, blinking slowly through half-closed eyes, chances are that they’re happy, relaxed, and content.
Scientists have discovered that owners who demonstrate this slow-blink stimulus to their cats can communicate with their cats. Cats are more likely to blink slowly back at you, as well as approach you after you’ve copied their slow-blinking
Trust us, your cat coming up to you and asking for a snuggle after you’ve communicated with them like this is a surefire way for you to find them cuter than ever.
6. They Know When We’re Feeling Sad
Cats might like to pretend that they’re aloof, but they’re usually pretty tuned into their owner’s emotional state. Researchers have found that cats whose owners are depressed will engage in more allorubbing, which is when they butt their head on you and rub their bodies against yours. This is a body language signal used by cats to indicate affection. It’s your cat’s way of trying to make you feel better, and what can be cuter than that?
Conclusion
As cat lovers, we know that our cats are cute. But have you ever wondered why are cats so cute? We hope with these reasons backed by scientific research, you've discovered what it is about cats that make them so cute, or why we as humans think they are, at least.
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Featured Image Credit: Anastasiia Chystokoliana, Shutterstock
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Emma is a freelance writer, specializing in writing about pets, outdoor pursuits, and the environment. Originally from the UK, she has lived in Costa Rica and New Zealand before moving to a smallholding in Spain with her husband, their 4-year-old daughter, and their dogs, cats, horses, and poultry. When she's not writing, Emma can be found taking her dogs for walks in the rolling fields around their home...and usually, at least some of the cats come along, too! Emma is passionate about rescuing animals and providing them with a new life after being abandoned or abused. As well as their own four rescue dogs, she also fosters dogs for re-homing, providing them with love and training while searching for their forever homes.
