Ask Lemmy

Nurture is built into our dna. Our species exists because of our ability to socialize with others even outside of our species. Many animals have become domesticated as a result.

much soft, very purr, so cuddle

Its not just humans. There are many cases of different animals taking care of the young of another species.

I've always assumed that it calls back to the part of our brain that was triggered in mommy and daddy apes soothing their young.

It’s mutually beneficial and releases oxytocin the love hormone

Tbf I'll pet any soft surface, regardless if it's attached to an animal

For me it's bonding with the animal. They like it, I like it, and we're just chill together.

As others have said, it's the oxytocin. You can measure blood serum levels of it in both the human and the dog (that's the study I remember, probably other mammals would get the same effect) and see it rise when petting occurs. Oxytocin is the 'love and be loved' chemical, and that's a good feeling that your brain will desire to get more of. Classic operational conditioning (as opposed to the classic classic conditioning).

Now, as to why oxytocin is released when the petting is going on? Probably it's just 'leftover' stimuli chains that created the familial bonds when you are held as a baby. It's not deleterious, so it wasn't selected against in evolution, and in many ways it is beneficial, so it's likely that it was a trait that was selected for.

I know it releases that same chemical in the brain that is released between a mother and baby when breastfeeding. I forget the chemical name... I keep having "oxycotin" pop up in my head, but that's a painkiller. 🤔

I would also consider the evolutionary advantage of having pets. Dogs help hunt and herd and cats help with farm pests that could spread disease. It just makes sense that societies that accepted that help and encouraged the symbiotic relationship would fare better than those that didn't.

Also I hope the news is right: racoons are next on the list. We need to pet the racoons. It's a matter of national security.

I'm sure alien species with more intelligence, strength and ability than us might do the same with us if they landed on our planet.

Well personally, my feelings on this subject matter can be condensed down to a few words:

"I love kitties."

it's Mutual aid by Kropotkin all the way down

🐸Feels good, man🐸

I think it's oxytocin people get from touch?

We can't pet most of other adult... So animal do fine.

For me, I think it's because I know the animal enjoys it. I love my dog, and can do something for him that he enjoys.

Symbiotic relationship. Good kitty kill mice that would eat our grain.

Because it's unashamedly love