The Many Reasons Why Cats Purr

Scientists once thought cat purring was due to vibrations in their hearts. Given that the rumble of a purr seems to come from a cat's chest, this was a reasonable assumption. We now know that purrs originate from the cat's larynx in the throat.

When a cat breathes in and out, the air vibrates at a frequency of 25 to 150 vibrations per second, creating the sound of a purr. This voluntary behavior involves the cat's glottis and diaphragm working together to produce the familiar purring sound.

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As a general rule, small cats purr while big cats roar. Some larger wild cats, like pumas and mountain lions, purr but cannot roar. It seems to be one or the other for cats.

Although a few big cats which roar make purr-like noises, this is not true purring. None of the Pantherinae family of cats—Tigers, Lions, Jaguars, Leopards, Snow Leopards, or Clouded Leopards—truly purr.

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Newborn kittens aren't just tiny bundles of joy; they're also born blind and deaf. In these early days, a mother cat's purr acts as a beacon in the darkness, guiding her babies to safety and sustenance.

This purring is a mix of comfort and survival, a gentle rumble that says, "Follow my voice, little ones." It's an early bond, a signal that resonates with warmth and the promise of a nurturing touch, ensuring that no kitten feels alone in their new, vast world.

Humans smile, and dogs wag their tails to show happiness. Purring is how cats show they are happy and is one of the most recognizable signs of a happy cat. The low rasping vibration sound of a purr is often heard when a cat is tickled or petted. Owners who have more than one cat might hear them purring to each other, and cats who are bonded to other animals, like dogs, will purr with them, too.

There's a special kind of music to a cat's purr when it's being petted. It's a sound that fills the room with an air of contentment, a clear sign of a cat's pleasure.

As you stroke your cat and find that special spot that elicits the loudest purrs, you're engaging in a profound exchange of trust and affection. This purring is a cat's way of saying, "You're doing everything right," a vocal appreciation for the love and attention it's receiving from its favorite human.

Cats start purring when they're just a few days old. The sound helps their mothers find them, keeping them safe and also for feeding time.

People have thought for decades that purring is a form of communication, but there have been few scientific studies in this area to say for certain. It's likely that purring has a communication purpose. There's little understanding of how and why cats purr to one another in the wild. However, we know that cats purr as they groom each other.

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In the feline world, purring serves as a social overture. When cats encounter each other, a soft purr can be the equivalent of a friendly nod, signaling that they come in peace. It's a sound that maintains social bonds and eases tensions, a way for cats to express a desire for peaceful coexistence.

This purring is a cat's way of navigating its social landscape, saying, "Let's be friends," or "I acknowledge you," creating harmony in a world where communication is more often felt than heard.

Cats sometimes purr if they've been startled or after a stressful event such as being chased. Some cats also purr loudly as they investigate new environments or strange places.

Scientists think that cats who purr to themselves in these situations are self-soothing to try and stay calm. A human equivalent might be a person who hums to themselves when nervous or a child sucking their thumb when afraid.

A cat's purr resonates with a secret power, one that transcends mere communication. Within those gentle vibrations lies a cat's innate ability to heal and soothe its aches and pains.

Scientists suggest these vibrations can stimulate bone growth and repair tissues, making purring a sort of built-in healing mechanism. It's a feline's way of licking its wounds, not with a tongue but with sound. So, when your cat settles down for a purr-filled nap, it might be doing more than just resting—it could be mending itself from the inside out.

Purring evolved as a low-energy way for cats to keep their bones and bodies in good condition while they rest. A cat's purr vibrates between 20 and 150 Hertz, and scientific research has shown that this frequency is medically therapeutic. Although the exact reason for this therapeutic effect isn't fully understood, it's thought to be linked to cell repair and bone growth.

The healing power of purring evolved to help the cats themselves, but humans can share in this healing ability when a purring cat is sitting on them. Purring has been proven to lower blood pressure in their owners and may even reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, too.

Although purring is most often a sign of contentment for cats, it can also express nervousness, fear, and stress. To tell if a cat is feeling negative emotions, you have to observe its body language, too.

Cats may meow to humans, but most of their language is visual and smell-based. If a cat has wide eyes with big pupils or their ears are flattened, then they're unhappy and might be purring to comfort themselves. Thankfully, a purr is more often a sign of happiness.

When a cat is weaving between your feet, looking up at you, and glancing towards their empty food bowl, they're saying, "Feed me!" Some cats also purr loudly when they're asking for food. Loud purring is used by many cats to wake up their human and get breakfast. Many owners will feed the cat before themselves, which shows how effective a purr can be.

Some cat purrs are so quiet that you have to be close to the animal to hear them, while others are surprisingly loud. The loudest purr on record by a domestic cat was measured at 67.8 decibels, the same volume as a vacuum cleaner.

Merlin, who belongs to Tracy Westwood in the UK, achieved the recorded loudest purr on April 2, 2015.

The Tonkinese is a breed that likes to fetch, play outdoors, and enjoy life. They're also known for being loud. This is a cat that likes for people to notice it, so it does what it can to talk above the crowd. It also has a very powerful purr that surprises people new to the breed. While you might think a larger domestic cat will also purr louder, that isn't the case.

In fact, the Maine Coon, one of the largest domestic cat breeds, has a very quiet purr.

Understanding the various reasons cats purr can help you better care for your feline friend. Purring is a multifaceted behavior that can signify happiness, comfort, communication, or even healing. By paying attention to the context and other behaviors, you can interpret your cat's purring more accurately and ensure they are healthy and happy.

Whether your cat is purring from joy, comfort, or as a way to communicate, knowing the reasons behind this soothing sound can deepen the bond you share with your furry companion.