2007-03-12 14:46:39 · 5 answers · asked by Andrew O 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Who started it? My God I don't think ANYONE could EVER answer THAT question?
From the get go it is obvious that "petting", "stroking", "soothing" animals has a calming effect on them.
Maybe it was necessary to "quietly" kill them for their skins/meat/bones. Made it less traumatic on everyone involved. I am talking cavemen here.
As years/centuries passed people began incorporating cats/dogs/goats/sheep/cows, etc. as family pets/friends. It is instinct to pet their heads when they rub them against you. They crave the attention/physical touch as do humans. When people saw the loving responses they got for nicely touching their animals it reaffirmed their love for the animals and the love from the animals.
That's my best guess but I feel it is on tract
2007-03-12 14:57:44 · answer #1 · answered by Spay-n-Neuter-Your-Pets 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pets need affection as much as humans do. Mother animals are affectionate to their young so it is only natural that pets would enjoy it from their human owners.
2007-03-12 22:24:55 · answer #2 · answered by Lin s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, it's mutually enjoyable to both parties. pets enjoy being pet/scratched, and we enjoy touching soft things. it also has a very calming effect as well. have you ever seen where they take dogs or cats to nursing homes or hospitals for the patients to hold and pet? it's very good therapy!
2007-03-12 22:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by redcatt63 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How could you possibly have a sweet little friend sitting in your lap and not pet it. It's good for them and you. And sometimes if you don't pet them, they nudge your hand until you do. Gotta love them.
2007-03-12 21:53:35 · answer #4 · answered by Barbara M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it's just a natural reaction, dogs andcats loved to be pet, we like to touch soft things....the two were made for eachother! even my young son wants to pet his kitten and our dog, we never taught him to.
2007-03-12 21:54:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋