Cats purr for a variety of reasons, and this unique vocalization serves multiple purposes in feline communication and physiology. Here’s a comprehensive look at why cats purr:
Contentment and Pleasure
The most commonly recognized reason for purring is to express contentment and pleasure[1][2]. Cats often purr when they are:
- Relaxed and comfortable
- Being petted or stroked by their owners
- Lying in a warm, familiar environment
- Eating or just after eating
Communication
Purring serves as a form of communication for cats:
- Kitten-Mother Bonding: Kittens start purring when they are just a few days old to communicate with their mothers[1][2]. This helps them bond and lets the mother know they are okay.
- Greeting: Cats may use short purrs when greeting people or other cats[4].
- Attention-Seeking: Cats may purr to solicit attention, food, or play from their owners[3][4].
Self-Soothing and Healing
Purring isn’t always a sign of contentment. Cats also purr in stressful or painful situations:
- Stress Relief: Cats may purr to calm themselves in anxious situations, such as visits to the veterinarian[2][4].
- Pain Management: Injured or sick cats often purr, possibly as a way to self-soothe or even promote healing[1][2].
- Healing Properties: Research suggests that the frequency of a cat’s purr (between 25 and 150 Hz) may have therapeutic effects, potentially aiding in:
- Bone and wound healing
- Muscle and tendon repair
- Pain relief
- Swelling reduction
- Improved breathing[2][3]
Hunger and Solicitation
Some cats use purring as a way to ask for something:
- Food Solicitation: Cats may combine purring with an urgent cry or mew when they’re hungry, creating a sound that’s more likely to get a response from their owners[1][2].
Physiological Mechanism
The purring sound is produced by:
- Rapid dilation and constriction of the glottis (the area around the vocal cords)
- Vibration of the laryngeal muscles
- Movement of the diaphragm during breathing[1][3]
This process occurs during both inhalation and exhalation, creating the continuous purring sound.
In conclusion, while purring is often associated with contentment, it’s a complex vocalization that can indicate various emotional states and serve multiple purposes. To understand why a cat is purring in a specific instance, it’s essential to consider the context, body language, and overall situation[4][5]. The multifaceted nature of purring reflects the intricate communication system and emotional complexity of our feline companions.
Citations:
[1] https://www.newscientist.com/question/why-do-cats-purr/
[2] https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/why-do-cats-purr
[3] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/why-do-cats-purr/
[4] https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-purr
[5] https://www.24petwatch.com/blog/why-do-cats-purr
[6] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-cats-purr/
[7] https://www.science.org/content/article/how-do-cats-purr-new-finding-challenges-long-held-assumptions
[8] https://www.wired.com/2015/05/why-do-cats-purr/
