Why are animals cuter when they are sleeping?

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Moderator Note

Moved from General Philosophy to The Lounge.

Probably because our intent is unknown, our posture is relaxed and our vulnerability is high.

I suspect it is genetically hard wired into us to see babies as cute, and babies sleep a lot. This same architecture likely expresses itself toward animals. They are similar enough to babies, especially when sleeping, that we see them as cuter. The effect is magnified when we have a connection with them, often noticeable in our oxytocin levels.

 

Also, be careful on the premise. Not all animals are cute when they sleep. After all, you don't often hear, "Aww... look at that cute sleeping bat."