The social bond formed between animals and human is the greatest of all. Animals express affection in many ways, including head-butting, licking, rubbing, and grooming. But of all the ways animals show affection, perhaps their need to touch is perhaps the sweetest. According to Dr. Sam Gosling, academic institutions studying animal behavior have found that animals (including people) experience a “contact (or touch) addiction” when their immune systems cannot tell the difference between their two favorite activities–touching and being touched.
Reasons Why Animals Love Petting:
It Gives Feelings of When They Are a Child
Humans have always had a relationship with animals, but not until recently have animals developed strong bonds with humans. Petting is a natural way for humans to show affection to animals and may even be a way to comfort animals in times of distress. When we get our dogs, cats, and other pets, it reminds them of when they were children. As our dogs love our hugs and snuggles, so do our cats. And when we touch our furry pets, they feel our affection and love. This connection and love for dogs, cats, and other pets is essential for their emotional well-being.
Because of the Bonds
Animals have an instinct to bond with humans. And pets represent that since they are created to be companions. Companionship for a pet is a key part of their mental health, as well. The first instinct of a puppy is to follow its mother around, for security, food, warmth, and love, and hence, when they grow, dogs depend on humans to feed them, care for their injuries, and protect them from threats. Petting animals is one of our favorite ways to relax. But why do our furry friends respond so positively to having their bodies rubbed, scratched, and curled up against? The answer could lie in how animals evolved. The gentle, instinctive act of grooming each other has evolved into more complex forms of social bonding.
Give The Same Feeling When Grooming
Animals are social creatures and need connection with other living creatures. Petting is a type of grooming in which the animal rubs its fur against itself, the pet, or the object petted. Petting animals releases feel-good chemicals in their brains, too. So, the next time you see a dog or a cat rubbing against one another, it is most likely because they feel peaceful, safe, and content with each other.
It Gives Pleasurable Feelings
Petting cats, dogs, horses, hamsters, and guinea pigs might seem bizarre to some people, but animals like to be petted. It helps them relax, and it is also pleasurable to them. It is soothing, just like holding and stroking a baby. That is good for them because, in the wild, animals have to compete for food and limited space. Pets love not only our presence but also our touch. Hence, when we pet a cat, for example, they come close and purr. It is pleasurable and shows great affection. Petting an animal releases hormones, including oxytocin. Oxytocin makes us feel satisfied and happy. Animals also release oxytocin when they purr.
To Leave a Scent Mark
If you have ever petted a pet, you have probably noticed that they enjoy it. They start licking and pawing at the spot you pet them, sometimes digging their claws into you. This behavior, known as “tactile marking,” can be intimidating to humans, but to animals, it is perfectly normal and one way they communicate. This is helpful for us to understand because animals often leave scent marks on their territory to let other animals know their environment is theirs. When an unfamiliar animal (such as a human) enters their space, they will leave scent marks as a warning. They will do this by scratching or licking on or around an object, lifting their rear leg, and squatting, sometimes resulting in a small puddle of urine.
Most people believe animals like to be petted because it is fun for them, but a recent study shows something deeper going on. According to the study, animals enjoy petting because it makes them feel safe, and petting is an effective way to establish bonds with other animals and humans. Researchers found that when animals are not allowed to get as much attention as they might like, they show signs of stress by displaying signs of loneliness, depression, and even aggression.