Why Do Cats Purr?

Cats have long captivated the hearts of humans. Back to the ancient Egyptians, we have seen the gentle rumble of their purr resonate with an ever-eluding sense of calm and mystery.

So, why do cats purr? Such a seemingly simple question actually opens the door to a fascinating world of feline communication.

In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this distinctive behaviour, examining the various reasons behind it. From the comforting self-soothing mechanism, often reminiscent of their kittenhood, to understanding why cats knead and purr, and even why some cats may not purr at all, we have everything you need to know.

How Do Cats Purr?

Let’s start with the mechanics. Understanding how cats purr involves delving into our beloved companions' unique anatomy and physiology.

Purring starts deep within the cat's brain. Without getting overly technical, cells in the brain send messages to the laryngeal muscles in the cat's throat, causing them to twitch at a rapid rate. This leads to repetitive closing and opening of the vocal cords, during both inhalation and exhalation, creating what we all know as that distinctive purring sound.

What's so impressive and fascinating about how cats can purr is their consistency and range. Unlike other vocalisations, purring involves continuous sound production for the entire inhalation and exhalation cycle, explaining why it can seem like an unending and soothing rhythm.

Why Do Cats Purr? We Explore the Reasons

A strong purr is not just behaviour seen in domestic cats; it is observed in wild cats, too, albeit with some differences. Although we don’t know for sure why cats purr, it’s believed to have evolutionary advantages, such as communication, amusement and self-healing mechanisms.

Today, our cats have mastered the art of purring, deploying it for various reasons.

Why Do Felines Purr When They Are Happy?

Happiness is a primary trigger for a cat's purr. Picture your cat lounging contentedly in a sunbeam, eyes half-closed, and their tail almost completely still – if they're purring in this scenario, it's a clear indication they’re in a state of bliss. Purring in a relaxed environment sends out waves of calmness, making it a delightful soundtrack to any happy home.

Why Do House Cats Purr for Food?

If you've ever wondered why house cats purr during mealtime, it's because they are expressing their anticipation and desire for some well-earned nourishment. When purring for food, cats often combine their regular purr with a distinct "mew" or cry. Such a combination is meant to grab your attention and let you know – without mistake – that it's mealtime.

Why Do Cats Purr as Kittens?

Kittens possess a remarkable ability to purr from a very young age, even just a few days old, serving a vital purpose in their early development. Purring is a way for kittens to communicate with their mothers, letting them know they are safe and nearby. Moreover, the act of purring helps strengthen the bond between kittens and their mothers, functioning as a soothing lullaby in their formative days.

Why Do Felines Purr for Relief and Healing?

All felines have an uncanny knack for purring, even when hurt or in pain. While this might seem counterintuitive, it may serve as a form of self-soothing, similar to how a human child might suck their thumb when distressed.

It has been hypothesised that cats purr at frequencies (20 to 150 hertz) that align with therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, muscle growth, and wound healing.

Why Does a Cat Purr Loudly?

Cats are known for their vocalisations, but some felines take it up a notch and create a symphony of sound when it comes to purring. While they might just be trying out their best singing voice, there could be some other reasons, including:

A Burst of Joy: When a cat is in a state of pure bliss, their loud purring clearly indicates their deep satisfaction and comfort. It can happen when they are nestled in your lap or basking in the sunshine, and their enthusiastic purr is a joyful expression of happiness.
A Need for Attention: Cats, despite their independent nature, have a penchant for seeking attention. Loud purring is one way they vocalise their desire for interaction, affection, or playtime from their human companions. When a cat wants your attention, they may increase the volume of their purr to ensure they have your full focus.
The Healing Power of Purring: When a cat is unwell or stressed, they may engage in louder purring to soothe discomfort and potentially accelerate the healing process using the vibrations produced by their purring.
Personality and Individuality: Cats possess unique personalities and temperaments, just like humans. Some cats are naturally more gregarious, social, and outgoing, while others are reserved and independent. This individuality can influence the volume of their purring, with some cats being predisposed to be more vocal and expressing their emotions, including happiness or excitement, with a louder purr.

Why Doesn't My Cat Purr?

Some feline companions seem to be an exception to what we have outlined above. If you find yourself pondering, ‘Why doesn't my cat purr like others?’, rest assured, there can be many explanations for this apparent absence of vocalisation.

1. Personality and Temperament

Some cats are naturally more reserved in their demeanour. They may not express themselves through purring as frequently or as loudly as their more vocal counterparts, but this temperament is perfectly normal and doesn't indicate any underlying issues.

2. Comfort and Contentment

Cats purr as a means of expressing comfort and contentment. If your cat is consistently comfortable in their environment and feels secure, they may feel they have less of a need to purr. It's their way of saying, ‘I'm at ease,’ and in such cases, their actions may speak louder than their (lack of) purrs.

3. Lack of Exposure to Purring

Kittens often learn behaviours after observing and interacting with their mother and siblings. If separated at an early age, they may not have the opportunity to learn the art of purring in their formative weeks, resulting in some cats never developing the habit.

4. Health and Medical Issues

A sudden cessation of purring in a cat who previously purred may warrant some attention. Changes in purring behaviour sometimes indicate underlying health or medical issues. If your cat has abruptly stopped purring and you notice other changes in their behaviour, such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, or signs of discomfort, consult a veterinarian to ensure optimal cat care.

Why Does My Cat Purr So Much?

If you have a cat that seems to be a perpetual purring machine, you might be curious as to why. While the frequency of purring can vary among individual cats, some felines are naturally more vocal and expressive through purring than others.

Here are a few reasons why your cat might engage in frequent purring:

Affection and Happiness: Cats frequently purr when content and affectionate, indicating their happiness and security in your presence. They may purr during petting, cuddling, or simply enjoying your company.
Seeking Attention: Despite their independence, cats can be social creatures. Purring is a way for them to seek your attention, whether it's to initiate playtime, request pets, or engage in various activities with you.
Comfort: Purring signifies emotional and physical comfort. Cats often purr when they are at rest, particularly in warm and cosy spots. The act of purring itself is soothing, serving as a self-soothing behaviour.
Bonding: Kittens use purring to bond with their mother, finding it a comforting and reassuring sound. This early association with purring often carries into adulthood, and they may continue to purr to bond with their human caregivers.

FAQs

Why Do Cats Purr When You Pat Them or Stroke Them?
Cats have an intricate language of their own, and their purring behaviour often links to their interactions with humans. When you pat or stroke your cat, for example, it can evoke feelings of comfort and pleasure, leaving the ‘purr’ as an expression of contentment and happiness. It’s their way of saying, ‘I'm enjoying this,’ and a clear indication they appreciate the attention and affection you're giving them.
Is Cat Purring Good?
Cat purring is generally considered a positive and healthy behaviour. It signifies contentment, happiness, and comfort in your cat.

Why Does My Cat Bite Me While Purring?
While purring is typically associated with contentment and relaxation, there are instances where your cat might exhibit a rather unexpected behaviour: biting while purring. In many cases, this behaviour may be a form of playful interaction, as your cat may become overstimulated during patting or play and gently bite as a way to express their excitement. It's important to pay attention to your cat's body language during these moments and respect their boundaries. If the biting becomes aggressive or frequent, consult a professional for guidance.