Why Do Animals Like To Be Petted, And Why Do Humans Like To Pet Them?

Social grooming aside, ions are released in the petting process of mammals and such can give a bit of euphoria or feeling of well-being to those in the near vicinity.

There are also ectothermic effects. Consider the mammal as a hand-warming device. By the same token, a reptile might be a hand-cooler, but that's only an idea grasped from thin air upon this immediate occasion. For folk with low thyroid, hand-warming in a cool room can be euphoric.

To give pleasure or pain to another creature is to exert control. If the petter feels powerless otherwise, getting a cat to purr can be a nice psychological exercise ... In my opinion much healthier than seeking feelings of self-worth by inflicting pain.

Relative to the animals, social interaction aside, the grooming stimulates blood circulation, also each and every hair has an associated muscle at its base ... Petting is massage of the hair muscles.

It is a form of social grooming. Like monkeys do. It could be they like you or like to be petted or scratched. Or they recognize you as the provider of their pack .you being the leader. It is a tactile response on your part. In other words how it feels when you run your hands over their fur or the comfort you get from the warmth of their body. Or that they give the appearance that they are happy to see you no matter what. Even if they are in pain from an illness or injury just like a close family member.

Why do humans like to kiss each other?  The answer is the same.  My guess is that it's partially due to the physical sensation, and partially that it's a social custom understood to carry with it feelings of belonging, acceptance, and security.  In other words, long ago a cat and a human found petting to be pleasant and it became a tradition via evolution.  Cats that liked to be pet were more loved by humans, so they got more food and protection.  Humans that liked to pet cats were better at keeping the cats by their side.  As humans and cats grew closer, it became what everyone did.  Kissing evolved a bit differently since humans can pass traditions down through poetry, photographs, etc.  Therefore, it's not necessary that a person be born with the natural inclination to want to kiss, they learn to consider it an important act with all the associated emotions that come with it.  Some find it pleasurable, some find it important because some find it pleasurable.  It's like dancing, except way more ingrained into our subconscious.

Because dogs are loyal to their master and the one thing they prize above all else is your approval. When you pet them you tell them they did what you desired of them, and that is their goal in life.

It shows them affection. It is comforting to them.

I think it is an exchange of love, positive endorphines are released and it comforts both.

They like attention and they love seeing you love them and probably likes the feeling of it