Most animals love to be petted, scratched and other human caresses. And this doesn’t just apply to pets. The urge to tame stray animals, even if abandoned, can overcome distrust of humans.

Why is simple bodily caress so attractive to animals?

Why would a person want to scratch and caress an animal?

Why do animals touch us?

Why is this man?

The urge to come into contact with an animal is one of the phenomena of human psychology. Pets perform many functions in society. Children learn about love, care and responsibility towards animals. Adults can both compensate for the lack of close bonds and feel like they are strong, responsible defenders against the little furry creature.

But why stroking here?

One of the ways to relax a person is fine motor skills. Slow repetitive finger movements can eliminate unnecessary thoughts and reduce anxiety.

The process becomes complementary as the animals also enjoy it. The man caresses and relaxes. The animal loves to caress and willingly puts itself in people’s shoes.

But why pet petting?

Scientists have identified two mechanisms of this action.

Why this animal: psychology

Zooppsychologists caress about early childhood memories, explaining the attractiveness of animals. In most mammals, mothers lick and bite their babies’ fur.

When a person starts petting a pet, they seem to return to the infant state, feel small and the person takes the place of their mother.

However, this mechanism is not the only one.

Why animals: neurobiology

A few years ago, an international team of scientists, including Qin Liu, Sophia Wrontou, Frank L. Rice, Mark J. Zilka, Xinzhong Dong, and David J. Anderson, found an interesting connection.

Examining the mice, they saw a difference in neural connections when touched.

For most, from accidental shock or touch to a pinch, the mouse’s brain responded the same way. They stimulated the response of most sensory neurons.

But the researchers discovered another type of excitatory neuron called MRGPRB4+.

This is a G-protein-associated Mas-related B4 receptor, displaying a unique response of sensory fibers. It is included only in repeated repeated caresses or licks. The result is the release of neurotransmitters that calm and relax the animal in mild euphoria. The MRGPRB4+ does not respond to other types of touch.

Interestingly, the process is activated only by stroking or scratching the woolly part of the skin.

It is possible for a person to have it too, but the scalp is much smaller so the reaction is much less common.