Purring is one of the most characteristic and enigmatic sounds in the feline world. While we often associate it with well-being and relaxation, the answer to why cats purr goes far beyond pleasure. It is a complex behavior with multiple functions and meanings that vary depending on the context and the cat’s emotional state. Understanding purring is a way to better connect with our pets and respond appropriately to their needs.
How do cats purr?
Purring is produced by the rhythmic vibration of the laryngeal muscles, which cause the vocal cords to open and close several times per second while the cat inhales and exhales. This process creates that low, constant sound we find so soothing, and it can be perceived even when the cat is not meowing. It is an involuntary phenomenon, but neurologically controlled, suggesting it is closely linked to the animal’s emotional state.
Although the physiological mechanism is well known, the exact purpose of purring is still under study. Some researchers suggest it could have therapeutic effects for both cats and humans, due to its vibrational frequency. In fact, studies show that cats that purr regularly tend to recover better from injuries and experience fewer stress episodes.
When do cats purr and why do they do it?
1. When they feel calm and safe
One of the most common reasons cats purr is a sense of well-being, calm, and comfort. Cats usually purr when being petted, when resting in a comfortable spot, or while napping near their owners. In these moments, purring is associated with relaxation and trust, reflecting that the environment feels safe.
This type of purring not only has a calming effect on the cat, but also on humans. In fact, studies have shown that listening to purring can reduce stress in people, creating an atmosphere of harmony and strengthening the emotional bond between cat and caregiver.
2. When they feel pain or are ill
Surprisingly, cats may also purr when they are injured or unwell. It is believed that in such cases, purring acts as a form of self-healing, as the vibrations may stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain, and improve breathing.
This type of purring is more common in cats that are still, tense, or showing unusual behavior. Therefore, if your cat purrs excessively without seeming relaxed, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out health problems.
3. When they seek attention or food
Cats also purr when trying to get their human’s attention, especially when hungry. Some cats develop a higher-pitched, more urgent purr combined with meows and rubbing against their owners. This purr is a form of direct communication to ask for something, such as food, petting, or access to a certain place.
Interestingly, this sound has been compared to a baby’s cry and seems designed to trigger an immediate response from humans. In this way, cats have refined this technique as part of their coexistence with people.
Curiosities about cat purring
Purring is not exclusive to domestic cats. Wild felines such as cheetahs, lynxes, and even some big cats also do it, though not all. For example, lions and tigers cannot purr continuously, since their laryngeal structure, especially the hyoid apparatus, is more rigid. This prevents them from sustaining the sound during exhalation, unlike domestic cats. This detail supports the theory that purring is more related to intimate communication between cats —such as between mothers and kittens— rather than territorial or dominance signals like roars.
Another fascinating fact is that kittens begin to purr just a few days after birth, especially while nursing. This early purring serves an essential purpose: it lets mothers know their kittens are well positioned and feeding correctly. In turn, the mother also purrs to reassure them, creating a safe and relaxing environment. This early sound and vibration-based communication strengthens the emotional bond between mother and offspring and is one of the first forms of social interaction in cats.
Research has shown that purring occurs at frequencies ranging from 25 to 150 Hz, a range that coincides with frequencies used in therapies for healing bones, tissues, and muscles in human medicine. Thus, purring may have therapeutic effects, not only for cats themselves (promoting physical recovery and reducing pain), but also for people living with them, helping reduce anxiety and blood pressure.
Lastly, some cats even purr while in deep sleep. In these cases, purring may be linked to neurological processes during the REM phase of sleep, similar to the muscle twitches we often observe in dreaming cats. This type of purring is softer and more rhythmic, suggesting that, for cats, purring is a complex, multifunctional tool deeply rooted in their natural behavior.
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