Why Do Animals Like Being Petted?

Many types of animals love being petted. While pets like birds may enjoy having their feathers stroked, mammals are the ones that most seem to enjoy being on the receiving end of pats, pets, and snuggles. There is a scientific answer for why pets enjoy being stroked, but there is probably more than one reason why your dog, cat, hamster, or other pet enjoys pets.

For a scientific reason your pets love pats, look at MRGPRB4+, a group of neurons. These neurons are activated when stroked and are most responsive at temperatures that are equivalent to human skin. When activated, the animal feels a pleasurable response.

If this is the scientific answer for why animals enjoy being petted, what are some of the more instinctual reasons?

Similar To Grooming

One reason that dogs, cats, and other pets enjoy being petted is that it provides a similar sensation as being groomed. Anyone who has spent any time around a cat knows that they are serious about their grooming. Taking the time to scratch behind the ears, under the chin, or other areas your pet may have trouble grooming on their own is sure to be a hit.

Additionally, the pleasurable feeling that animals get from being touched is one of the main reasons they seem to enjoy it so much. The sensation is also associated with their fur or hair follicles. Petting furry animals seem to enjoy being stroked much more than pets without fur. It is also said that all mammals enjoy touch. However, beyond the “feel good”, science doesn’t have too much of an explanation as to why mammals need touch.

Reminder of Youth

When a mammal is born, it depends on its mother to care for it for the first few weeks. While the amount of time the animal is dependant on its mother varies, the early days are spent being licked and groomed frequently.

Mothers spend time grooming their young to stimulate their appetite, help them eliminate waste, and to create a bond with the young. While it isn’t likely that your pet is specifically remembering its mother when you pet it, it probably does have an association with the sensation that is pleasurable and calming.

Allows Animal To Mark With Scent

If you have a cat, you may notice they enjoy rubbing their face against you and bumping you with their head. The activity can be so persistent that you know it has to have a purpose, right?

Cats have multiple scent glands in their cheeks, forehead, and chin. Rubbing these areas over you leaves their scent behind. You won’t notice the smell, but your cat is letting everyone else know that you belong to him.

Petting Wild Animals

While it may seem like wild mammals should enjoy being petted just as much as domestic ones, that isn’t the case. Wild animals are not accustomed to human touch, so would not feel the same pleasure that domesticated pets do. Their fear and anxiety would prevent them from relaxing to enjoy the touch.

Even if you come across a wild animal that doesn’t seem to be frightened, do not attempt to pet it. Animals that have grown accustomed to living around humans may not be noticeably shy, but they are still wild animals. Encouraging them to tolerate humans approaching them and petting them puts both the animal and other humans in danger.

Why Humans Like To Pet Animals

Now that you know why animals enjoy being petted, you may wonder why humans enjoy petting animals. Humans, in general, enjoy touching and being touched. Touching and petting an animal creates a feeling of closeness and relaxation. Feeling your dog press his nose into your hand for more pets or hearing your cat’s purr of satisfaction further boosts enjoyment.

How To Know If Your Pet is Enjoying the Attention

You don’t want to force your attention on your pet, so how do you know if your pet is enjoying the petting session? Fortunately, both dogs and cats have distinctive ways to let you know how they feel, as long as you know what to look for.

Cats who enjoy your pets will move toward you, hold their tail upright, and may wave it slowly from side to side. Flipping the tail rapidly back and forth shows that your cat is feeling impatient with what is going on. A relaxed expression and purring indicate pleasure, and you know your cat is exceptionally pleased when they gently bump you with their head or begin kneading with their front paws.

How to know if your dog is enjoying your attention? A loosely wagging tail, ears relaxed and held to the side or pressed back slightly, and relaxed posture are indications your dog is feeling comfortable and happy. He may also lean against you, nudge your hand with his head, or even paw at your hand if he is really enjoying the attention.

What if you have a rodent? They can enjoy pets as well, but it is important to keep their size in mind when petting. What is gentle for a dog or cat is too rough for a rodent. Also remember, rodents are much smaller and more dependent on you for care than other pets.

Be gentle when handling rodents, and be patient. It may take some time for your rat, hamster, or other rodents to become comfortable with you handling them. Once you gain their trust, they will reward you for your pets by licking you, rubbing against your hand, and even cuddling into you.

If your pet doesn’t seem to enjoy pets, there are a few things you can do to help him learn to like the attention. Giving a few pets at mealtime encourage him to associate something enjoyable with petting. Also, think of how you are petting him. Are you being too rough or petting him in a way that is annoying?

Most pets enjoy scratches on top of the head, under the chin and alongside the neck, and along the back. Avoid the feet and legs. While some pets enjoy having their stomachs rubbed, others do not care for it. Some pets are more sensitive than others, and while some pets will allow you to pet them for as long as you like, others get their fill after just a few minutes. Learning what your pet likes is part of the bonding process.

Next Up…

• Pet Rodents – Rodents can be amazingly loving pets, find out which one is right for you!
• Exotic Pets – Interested in exotic pets? Should you get a reptile or a bird? Click here to learn more!
• Prehistoric Pets – The history of humans’ bonding with animals may date back as far as 10,000 years, find out what pets our ancestors loved!

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