Listen, I understand why youβd feel that way as a modern human, but why are you glad we, as a potently social species, donβt engage in such simple bonding rituals?
I don't snuggle strange animals, or even my friend's pets, unless they ask for it. I treat humans the same way. My cats get snuggles; so does my wife. I give my family about the same amount of hugs as I do their pets. My sister's dog asks for head skritches; if my sister asked for them, I'd probably give them to her.
But, no: I don't go around molesting other people's pets unsolicited. Nor people.