Dr. Universe: Why do people like cute animals more than ugly ones

Everybody loves kittens and puppies. To learn more about why, the fictional feline Dr. Universe talked with Giuseppe Giannotti, an assistant professor in the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Giannotti said that people are drawn to traits in animals that are similar to what is considered cute in humans.

"The cutest things in humans are babies - you know, big heads, giant eyes, soft cheeks - and we project this to everything around us," he said.

The idea is called baby schema. Seeing a baby makes people pay attention. It switches on their instinct to take care of something. That's one way nature makes sure that babies get what they need - even though they're often loud and stinky and need help all the time.

Find more answers to interesting questions submitted by kids of all ages on the Dr. Universe website.