If excited puppy tail-wagging and furry kitten yawns make you swoon, you're not alone. As humans, we've long had a fascination with our furry companions and their adorable ways. But, why? Why are cats so cute and why are dogs so cute? What's behind our attraction to our pets? Let's dig into why are cats so cute and the reasons why we find our dogs simply irresistible.

What Research Says About Pet Cuteness

Some days, it feels like our pets can do no wrong. When your puppy stares at you with those big eyes after chewing up your shoe, it's hard to stay upset for long. Ditto for kittens. That scratch on the couch seems like nothing when it's followed by a playful purr and a plump belly presented for tickles.

According to The Dog People, many of the physical attributes of your pet trigger feelings of admiration and a realization of their cuteness. It's those oversized heads relative to body size, big eyes, round ears, floppy tails and ears and rounded body shapes that make us grin from ear to ear.

Breeds that exhibit several of these features are known to be extra cute. Think of a kitten: The big doe eyes on a round head that overshadows a slender growing body make us smile. And, who can pass by a dog with floppy ears and a wagging tail as they peer at you lovingly?

Although physical features catch our attention, it's the emotions bubbling up inside us that really seal the deal when it comes to feeling all gushy over our pets, according to a New York Times report. We link those cute body shapes with the same impression of youth, vulnerability and defenselessness that arise when we see a baby. As a pet parent, you satisfy the needs of your pet (your baby), creating a bond that amplifies your love and the cuteness perception of your pet.