Mammals have a highly developed emotional sphere, for them the manifestation of parental affection is not just a norm, but a guarantee of a happy life. Our cats, dogs and other animals are not much different from humans in this.
All animals love affection, especially when they are small. Wild animals, growing up, show themselves much less tender to each other than to their young. Adult cubs gradually weaned from parental affection.
Not without the help of parents, of course. For example, a wild forest cat begins to actively accustom kittens to adult life from 2 months, and at 3-4 months they begin to learn the difficulties of adult life on their own. Mother no longer takes care of them.
It’s different with pets. They retain young life traits in their behavior until old age. In particular, this is expressed in close emotional and physical contact with the owners, whom they consider – yes, their parents.
Our cats and dogs mature in their bodies, but not in their souls.
Physical contact and other ways of showing love, i.e. hugs, caresses, are very important for cubs and puppies. Then huge mastiffs, huskies fall into the hands of the owners. It’s so nice to be a baby!
