Ponderings on Fur

[Kylyssa]

Have you ever wondered why human beings love to pet things with fur?  I know I have.  I've wondered about it a long time.  People I've discussed it with have suggested that it's just because it feels good.  But why does it feel good?

Here's something that just occurred to me.  Evolutionarily speaking, our ancestors were furry not that long ago.  Their babies were probably soft and furry.  Perhaps enjoying fur is just an evolutionary hold over of a no longer useful nurturing instinct.

I'm going to go pet a cat.

[joeactor]

I dunno... I'm still pretty furry!  

(off to pet my cat),
JoeActor

[SektionTen]

I don't pet my cat. I scratch the back of his head. Am I weird? Tainted?!?  

[MariaEvri]

I remember reading somewhere that cute and cuddly things wake a woman's maternal instincts. So maybe liking cute furry things has something to do with that.

[VanReal]

Human and ape fur is not very soft and inviting though.  My honey is Italian and super hairy and there is nothing nice about rubbing that stuff, hehe.  Other furs, like feline and rabbit are cool and soft, smooth and silky.  While I would not like to rub myself across a fur jacket or throw I can see the appeal, not to mention it used to be a way to maintain warmth, so maybe it spawned from necessity and now, like most other things, is a nice luxury.

[ProRealism]

Ha furry babies, now that's interesting.

I don't think it's likely though. I think that since domesticated pets have other "baby" like qualities such as being small or having large eyes and being dependent upon us for survival may bring out parenting (yes, parenting not just for women)  instincts. Or it could be that we think we're doing something "correctly" by taking care of our pets and receiving approval for our actions.

When you pet your dog or cat they wag their tail or purr which is positive reinforcement for the behavior so you continue to do it and maybe associate those feelings of acceptance/approval with the softness of the fur.

[Whitney]

When you pet your dog or cat they wag their tail or purr which is positive reinforcement for the behavior so you continue to do it and maybe associate those feelings of acceptance/approval with the softness of the fur.

Not just 'associate' they really do love us  

[ProRealism]

Not just 'associate' they really do love us  

Well sure they do, but you can't feel the chemicals in their brain, only the ones in your own as a result from the interaction.