Why Are Cats So Cute? 10+ Adorable Reasons

 

Fact: Cats are cute.

You know it, we know it, everyone knows it. Even self-declared “dog people” can’t deny the inherent cuteness of our feline friends.

But why are cats so cute? That’s a little more complicated. While fluffy kittens are fairly straightforward, human brains are mysterious organisms – especially in the face of extreme adorableness.

So what’s the deal with all these super cute cats? Science has some theories – and so do we.

Defining Cuteness

First things first: What is “cuteness,” anyway?

Merriam-Webster defines cute as “attractive or pretty, especially in a childish, youthful or delicate way.” While this may seem subjective, researchers have attempted to define the concept of cuteness more scientifically over the years.

Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz first introduced the idea of “baby schema” in 1943. According to this theory, humans instinctively perceive infantile features such as large eyes, chubby cheeks, and tiny mouths as endearing, or “”cute.” This motivates adults to care for babies – even when they’re noisy, smelly, and cranky – and enhances the species’ chances of survival. 

So where do cats fit in? As it turns out, babies and cats have more in common than naps.

Why Are Cats So Cute? What the Science Says