Cats purr for several reasons, ranging from contentment to communication and even self-healing.
Why Cats Purr
- Cats often purr when they are content and happy , such as when they are in a warm environment, being petted, or eating. This purring typically comes with relaxed body language and facial expressions.
- Cats also purr when they are anxious, stressed, or in pain. Purring can be a self-soothing mechanism, such as when a cat is at the vet or recovering from injury.
- Purring is also a form of communication , including greeting their owners or other cats, and soliciting attention or food. For example, cats have a distinctive "solicitation purr" that sounds more urgent and is meant to get human attention for feeding.
- Additionally, research suggests that purring may have healing properties , as the low-frequency vibrations can help with bone strengthening, pain relief, and wound healing.
How Cats Purr
- A cat purrs by rapidly alternating the opening and closing of the glottis (the space between vocal cords) while breathing, producing vibrations both during inhalation and exhalation.
- This process is voluntary and controlled by the brain, involving muscles in the larynx (voice box).
Summary
Purring is a complex behavior with multiple purposes: it can express contentment, help cats cope with stress or pain, communicate needs, and even assist physical healing. The behavior begins when kittens are very young to communicate with their mothers and continues throughout their lives for various functions.
