An 'ism' I suspect. Word that describes reaction to the apperance of young animals/people?

Question

I saw a documentary a few years ago about the 'cute' appearance of the young of all animals/people, e.g. wide eyes, soft etc. I am trying to find the word to describe the reaction to this.

Answer 1

I've seen that same documentary, or one just like it.  The high forehead, underdeveloped nose and oversized eyes are referred to simply as the cuteness factor.  Mammals and birds have it; reptiles, insects and fish don't.  Their young are pretty much carbon copies of adults.

Answer 2

I believe you mean neoteny, which is the retention of juvenile features in adult forms of any species. It is said that neoteny is one of the factors involved in our love for some animals we keep as pets.