User:Drmies/sandbox1

Aaibaarheidsfactor (literally, "caressability factor" The term has also been translated as "strokeability," which, in turn, compares to the English expression "puppy dog appeal" ) is a term invented by the Dutch author Rudy Kousbroek. The term indicates to which extent an animal (and, by extension, other material objects) is pleasurable to the touch. Especially cats have high caressability factors, as do dogs and other mammals; fish and frogs have low caressability factors. The term has found widespread use, and is now applied to inanimate objects such as iPods and cars.

Origin
Rudy Kousbroek coined the term in a 1969 book of the same name, inspired, he says, by his daughter, Hepzibah, who illustrated the book. Kousbroek, who often wrote on scientific topics, used the term as a "semi-scientific" means of classifying the animal kingdom; it is fitting that a Dutch author would invent such terminology given the interest in cats in the work of major Dutch authors, such as Willem Frederik Hermans, Jan Wolkers, and Remco Campert.

Creatures with high caressability factors

 * Badger
 * Baby seals
 * Bats
 * Children with Down syndrome
 * Cows
 * Barry Madlener, Dutch politician