Cats do purr when they are in pain, using purring as a self-soothing mechanism. The vibrations produced during purring occur at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz, which can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote healing of tissues and bones. This purring in pain situations is often accompanied by other signs such as hiding, changes in posture, decreased appetite, flattened ears, dilated pupils, or aggressive behavior when touched. Essentially, purring can serve both as a way for the cat to mask its distress and as a natural healing mechanism. Therefore, purring is not always a sign of happiness but can indicate discomfort or pain in cats.
