While researchers have only tested and found these neurons in mice, they believe these neurons are found in most mammals, including us![2] X Trustworthy Source Nature Respected Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Go to source
Monkeys commonly groom each other to ease tension. When 2 male monkeys become aggressive, a female monkey might start to groom each one to comfort and relax them so that they end their fight. Many scientists believe petting is comforting to animals because it reminds them of when they were young and being groomed by their parents. So when you pet your furry friend, they feel just as secure and calm as they did when they were young. [4] X Research source
Researchers have found that simply staring into your dog’s eyes causes them to release oxytocin. Your brain also releases oxytocin when you look at your dog, so it’s really no wonder that dogs became man’s best friend. [6] X Research source
When a cat headbutts their face into your hand, asking for pets, they are actually rubbing their facial pheromones into you. This is a sweet action that marks you as safe and reassuring to your cat. [8] X Research source As your cat rubs against you, you actually start to smell similar to your cat. Only your cat notices it, but it makes you familiar, which connects and bonds you together.
Even if a wild animal approaches you and doesn’t seem afraid of being pet, they can be startled easily and quickly change their demeanor. When wild animals are constantly touched and exposed to humans, they lose their natural and protective fear of people. They might start approaching humans and become comfortable around roads. [11] X Trustworthy Source US National Park Service Agency responsible for the maintenance and promotion of national parks and monuments Go to source
Petting also improves your relationship with your pet, and can help you feel more supported and less lonely on days that you’re feeling blue.
With your own dog or a dog you’re familiar with, find out where they like to be scratched the most. They could enjoy a belly rub or foot massage. Just be sure to understand when your dog is uncomfortable with being pet in a certain area–they might move away from you or start licking their lips in discomfort. If the dog is enjoying your pets, they’ll likely lean into your hand and come back up to you when you stop.
You’ll know they’re enjoying your pets when they begin to purr and continue to rub against your hand, asking for more pets. Cats also enjoy being stroked from their head all the way along their spine, stopping at their tail. In general, cats don’t love belly rubs. When a cat flops on their back around you, this means they trust you. It can be tempting to rub their soft belly fur, but this area is extremely vulnerable to them and is usually met with bared teeth and claws when you try. [14] X Research source
If your rabbit is enjoying your cuddles, they might lick you, nudge your hand, or gently grind their teeth! Most rabbits don’t like to be pet on their backside, belly, or under their chin.
Usually, a relaxed bird will close their eyes, ruffle up their feathers, and bow their head when they want to be pet. Birds’ backs and wings are sensitive; they associate these touches with their breeding rituals. Stimulating these areas can cause behavioral problems like jealousy and hostility. Humans have endorphins, animals have neurons. These work like endorphins, but are not quite the same.
