It’s usually taken for granted that purring is a sound associated with animal satisfaction, but the truth is that cats can also purr in pain and for other reasons. Thus, the meaning of purring is not obvious without context. As for the physical mechanism that allows a cat to purr, we only have theories so far.
What is really clear is that the purring of cats gives us great pleasure. So much so that purring has been credited with therapeutic effects and various health benefits. We will tell you why cats purr, according to the most common hypotheses, and many other curious details about this particular sound.
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Main theories
To understand why cats purr, we must first talk about how this curious sound is produced.
The difficulty in explaining the physical mechanism of purring is that there is nothing in a cat’s anatomy that resembles a “purring organ”, if you can call it that.
It’s not entirely clear how cats purr. There isn’t a single part of a cat’s body that is clearly meant to purr.
The most common assumptions about where and how cats purr are two:
• Cats can purr using their laryngeal muscles. With very rapid movements of these muscles (20-30 times per second), the feline expands and contracts the glottis, which, combined with the inhaling and exhaling of air, creates a constant vibration. This is the most widely accepted hypothesis.
• The second theory indicates that purring originates in erior vena cava, at the level of the diaphragm. At this point, the muscles compress the bloodstream, causing continuous vibrations that are transmitted through the bronchi.
A domestic cat’s purr has a frequency of 25 to 40 Hz and is highly variable. The sound varies according to the breed, age and weight of the cat, so it can be said that no two purrs are identical. The cat always purrs with its mouth closed and the sound can be heard up to 3 meters away.
Cats can purr from a few days old and quickly learn to modulate the sound depending on what they want to convey or their mood.
Do tigers and lions purr?
Lion family.
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Purring is characteristic of felines, but not just of cats: lynxes, cougars, cheetahs and ocelots also purr.
In the case of big cats like tigers and lions, there is little evidence, and researchers disagree: some say they emit short purrs from time to time, while others argue that in general, cats capable of roaring cannot purr.
In any case, the main difference between cats and the rest of the feline family is that our furry friends can purr on both inhale and exhale, while others can only purr on expiration.
By the way, although purring is very often associated with cats, it is not unique to them. There are other animals that purr: raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, etc.
Why Cats Purr: 6 Most Common Reasons
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As we mentioned at the beginning, we usually take it for granted that cats purr with pleasure to show that they are happy. And while cats often purr when they feel satisfied, the truth is that they also purr when they’re going through a tough time (due to injury or stress) and when they want something.
Thus, purring is thought to be a form of communication with one instinctive part and with the other, a voluntary part. Its meaning is complex and depends on the context.
Sure, cats purr with pleasure, but we think they do it for many other reasons: pain, anxiety, discomfort.
There are no definitive answers to the question of why a cat purrs. However, 6 of the most common reasons why they purr are usually suggested:
• The cat is relaxed and happy. The first reason is perhaps the most obvious and the first that usually comes to mind: cats purr when they feel comfortable and relaxed. If your cat purrs when lying in the sun or when you pet it, that’s a good sign, and you can interpret it as a mixture of “I feel good” and “keep it up, please. Please “.
• She is hungry (or wants something). Domestic cats also very often purr when they are hungry and think it is time to eat. Usually this purr is combined with an insistent meow, resulting in a sound reminiscent of a baby’s cry. A cat may also purr, in this case very vigorously, to get attention or when it wants something else.
Cats eat.
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• She is stressed and trying to relax. Cats usually purr when stressed, even if they are alone. It is believed to be a way of regulating their own anxiety, such as when children suck their thumbs.
• Appeasement. Sometimes cats purr to each other after a fight and even purr at their owner after being reprimanded. This may be a way for the cat to relax, to show that it is not a threat and does not want conflict.
• Discomfort. Cats purr in a low, monotonous tone when they are uncomfortable in a situation. For example, we may look a cat in the eye or hold it in a way it doesn’t like. This purring is easily distinguished from that which is a product of pleasure, it is much louder and with an irregular rhythm.
• Taking care of yourself. Finally, cats usually purr when they are in pain. As we said, it can be a way to calm down, but some studies claim that the low frequencies of this type of purr have certain therapeutic effects: they can soothe pain and promote healing in the animal.
Purring cat: 4 benefits for human health
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Animals extend our lives…literally.
Caring for, petting and spending time with your dog or cat reduces stress, reduces the production of negative hormones in the body, helps you sleep and even lowers your risk of heart attack.
Animals in general provide obvious benefits both physically and emotionally. The cat’s purr is even used in therapy to combat anxiety and depression.
And the purring of cats, in particular, brings significant benefits both physically and emotionally. When we hear our cat’s purr, we always feel good, hypnotized and at peace with ourselves. And it’s not our imagination.
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• Reduces anxiety. The basis of the benefits that the purring of cats gives us is a very effective relaxing agent. So much so that cats and their purrs are used in many therapies to combat stress and anxiety.
• Reduces muscle tension. Reducing anxiety involves reducing muscle tension, which can cause issues such as headaches, back pain, neck pain, and many other complications. A cat’s purr can be just as effective as a good muscle relaxer.
• Reduces the risk of depression (and helps fight it if you feel it). That being said, living with a cat, caring for it, and often “listening” to its purr can be very helpful if you are depressed or have risk factors.
• It strengthens your bones. By far the most impressive benefit of purring cats. Did you know that the frequency with which cats purr is similar to the frequency of waves from machines used to regenerate bones? Based on this, studies suggest that purring cats can help improve bone health and joint mobility.
See also: Why cats prefer women.
