I wonder if all animals on earth became significantly cuter in response to the existance of humans or not? I mean it makes sense if we are eating the ugly ones more.
It definitely seems from artistis depictions (which are likely wildly inaccurate) to be the case... but who knows.
@peterdrake I was actually more curious about non-domesticated animals that we hunt.. like for example deer. Cuter deer means it is harder to pull the trigger. Which would also explain why cuteness would be more important for younger members of a species.
@freemo House cats in the wild or feral pick a top predator (like a bear), pick an optimal time (not hungry), and rub and purr and make friends with the top predator - just like with humans. As with humans, the cat maintains independence from the predator, but will return regularly to maintain the relationship, and take refuge with them when threatened.
@freemo Domestication does make them cuter:
https://theconversation.com/why-so-many-domesticated-mammals-have-floppy-ears-29141