Have you ever been scrolling through Facebook awwing at all the pictures of cats and realised how consumed with cats your life has become? Don’t worry this love for cats isn’t just hitting a select few people, everybody seems to be getting hit by feline fever, but why do we love cats so much? Apparently, it comes down to science and history – and here’s why.

Everybody seems to be going a little cat crazy, with so many of us sharing cute cat videos around the web and there’s even cat pop up cafes, cat yoga where cats will sit on people whilst they are doing their yoga poses, and cat workout videos, don’t believe me? Watch it here.

Apparently, this new wave of cat events encourages cat lovers to try something a bit new. If you don’t usually go to coffee shops and socialise with people hopefully the thought of little cats being there will make you step out of your comfort zone. The same goes for people who are unsure about yoga who may be tempted to try it if there are adorable cats helping you along. The Edmonton Humane Society also hosts a paint night with cats which will mix people’s interest with art with their love for cats. Not a bad idea at all.

University of Alberta psychology professor Connie Varnhagen says that it isn’t hard to convince people to do something they might not usually if there will be something positive there too – in this case, cats. Varnhagen also stated that evolution means we have adapted to adore and be enticed by baby-like things with cute round faces, it’s actually built into our genetic makeup. And what do cats have? Cute round faces.

There is also a suggestion that humans love cats because of the rhythmic action of stroking their fur, it is supposed to focus our brains similar to how meditation does.

A Mexican Research Group also conducted a study called Strange Situation on cats and, although you may not believe this, cats are actually emotionally attached to their owners, this means they can release the same hormones we feel when we are in love, thus making cats actually a little bit addictive. No wonder we can’t get enough of the furry felines.

This arguably isn’t just a modern-day obsession, however. Just take a look at how Egyptians worshipped cats, they were considered to be protectors and declared ‘demigods.’ Many believed cat kept evil away from them and just like any other demigods, cats were mummified.

This is good news for all cat owners too, a ten-year research study suggests that cat owners are actually less likely to die from a heart attack than those without cats, (you all better start cat shopping!) Other studies have shown that cats can lower stress levels and blood pressure.

So why do we love cats so much? Hopefully, this answers it, but we don’t really need a reason to be obsessed with our adorable cats. Also apologies to all those none-cat lovers, science just doesn’t seem to be on your side for this one.