- Cats purr when happy or distressed. - Flickr User tambako
Domestic cats are known for their purr; the low rumbling noise can always be felt, even when it can’t be heard. Humans usually interpret cat purring to mean the pet is happy, but why do cats purr also when giving birth, dying, or enduring an injury? Many studies have been done, and there are a few accepted theories as to why and how cats purr.
How Cats Purr
The purr of a domestic cat is familiar, but Cheetahs, Wild Cats, Pumas and Bobcats purr, too. Lions, Leopards, Tigers and Jaguars do not purr.
How do cats purr? Most scientists agree that the purr is produced using both the larynx (voice box) and the diaphragm. Interestingly, the purr is produced during both exhales and inhales. Meowing only occurs during an exhale. The purr’s frequency is between 25 and 150 Hertz. The frequency may be the key to understanding why cats purr.
Why Cats Purr
Kittens begin purring when they are only a few days old. Animal behaviorists assume that the kittens are trying to signal to their mother that they’re present, and that they’re okay. Often, the mother cat will purr in return, reassuring the kittens, as well. When a cat purrs while a human is petting it, it may be communicating this same feeling of contentment and reassurance.
While humans enjoy the purring of a relaxed, contented cat, it’s interesting to note that cats also purr while in pain, while in distress (such as during a vet visit), and before death. There are varying opinions on this phenomenon. Some scientists believe that the cat may be using the purr to calm itself down. The purr may help to induce a feeling of relaxation. Other animal researches believe that the distressed cat uses the purr as communication to potential predators or other cats. The purr communicates that the cat is not a threat, and is in a submissive state.
Cat purring may also be linked to bone density and healing. Some studies have shown that sound frequencies in the same range of a cat purr can improve bone density and increase healing. Cats tend to have healthier bones than their domesticated counterpart, the dog. While a cat is in a relaxed state, its purring may be its body’s low-energy way to heal and build strength in its bones. This hypothesis may also explain why cats purr when injured or dying.
In summary, why do cats purr? While a cat may purr when it is happy, purring does not necessarily indicate happiness. If a cat is showing symptoms of sickness or injury, but is purring, it should not be assumed that the cat must therefore be fine. A cat showing any symptoms of ill-health should be checked out by a veterinarian.
Sources
Jennifer Thorimbert - Jennifer grew up in small-town British Columbia, Canada, and moved to Victoria, BC, to attend university. She majored in English ...
