I think this might be a case of cart-before-horse. It seems obvious to me that domesticated animals have these traits because they were selected for by our ancestors, not the other way around.
I feel like the factors that shape our drive towards cuteness and what we find cute are not immaterial to our present attitudes towards pets… but no doubt you’re right to point out that there can be more than one factor at play.
I think this might be a case of cart-before-horse. It seems obvious to me that domesticated animals have these traits because they were selected for by our ancestors, not the other way around.
That’s true for dogs, less so for cats. It’s also immaterial since we’re talking about present attitudes toward pets.
I feel like the factors that shape our drive towards cuteness and what we find cute are not immaterial to our present attitudes towards pets… but no doubt you’re right to point out that there can be more than one factor at play.