7 Reasons Cats Purr
Cats are born to purr. Kittens start purring by the time they are two days old, but why? Purring is a complex behavior that cats use to communicate with their owners and even other cats. We usually think of purring as a signal that our kitties are happy. But there are 7 major reasons cats purr and it is not always because they are happy.
Purring is the most common sound that cats make. We have to look at the bigger picture to figure out what Kitty is trying to communicate. Is she enjoying a cuddle? Eating a tasty meal? Or is she under stress or in pain? Ask yourself, is she acting normally? Is she eating, drinking, grooming, playing as usual? Then everything is likely fine and Kitty is just expressing her happiness to see you. But if anything worrisome shows up then it might be time to call the vet.
Contents
Communication is a Reason Cats Purr
Cats purr for a variety of reasons, including expressing contentment and relaxation, communicating with their owners or other animals, and even to heal themselves. Purring can also be a sign of affection and a way for cats to bond with their humans. So, the next time your furry friend starts to purr when you pet him, know that he is likely feeling happy and content in your presence
Communicating Between Mom and Kittens
Kittens start to purr when they are just a day or two old. Kittens are born blind and deaf, the vibration of their mother’s purrs help the babies find her so they can nurse. Their little baby purrs help her find them and without arousing the attention of any predators.
Communicating with Other Animals
One of the reasons cats purr is to greet other animals. Purring indicates Kitty is friendly and approachable. It is the feline equivalent of a smile of greeting. He purrs to other animals to communicate that he is not threatening or to establish subservience in a hierarchy among a multi-pet household.
Communicating with Humans
Have you ever arrived home and had your kitty run up to you purring and rubbing around your ankles? He’s glad to see you. Purring is one way Kitty communicates his love to you.
They also have a special purr that they use to tell us they want something. This “solicitation” purr is different from their regular purr. It is higher pitched and combined with a mew. It is nearly the same frequency as a human baby crying. We find it less appealing and try to fix it by giving them what they want.
Bonding and Affection
Cats purr to express their affection and bond with others. During nursing, a mother cat and her kittens will purr together as a sign of their loving connection. The sound and feeling of their mother cat purring soothes kittens and helps them relax. Purring can build a bond between feline housemates as well.
Purring can also be used as an expression of love and contentment when cats are snuggling in with their favorite humans. So the next time Kitty starts to purr while you’re petting her, know that it’s her way of saying ‘I love you!
Contentment is the Most Common Reason Cats Purr
This is what we think of when we think about cats purring. The cuddly kitty purring in contentment on the sofa. Purrs signal your cat’s satisfaction with their situation. A contented adult cat will purr when they are relaxed and happy around their people. The longer your cat stays relaxed and happy the more they are likely to purr.
Kittens and some adult cats will purr when they play together or with their toys. You might also hear Kitty purring when he’s hunting a bug around a window. Some cats will purr intensely while they eat a tasty meal or their favorite treat. The excitement has them purring in happiness as they enjoy themselves.
Related Post: Benefits of Having a Cat
Cats Purr to Self Soothe in Stressful Situations
One of the reasons cats purr is to soothe themselves when they feel anxious or nervous. If Kitty is purring at the vet’s office or while getting her nails trimmed it is more likely self-soothing than an expression of great love for her vet or her groomer.
The specific frequency of a cat’s purr helps to decrease stress. An anxious purr may have a slightly higher pitch than a contentment purr. Purring releases “feel good” endorphins. It has been shown to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and ease labored breathing in cats.
Cats that are part of a family group or colony may attempt to soothe another one of their group that is in distress by staying near to them and purring at them. This seems to include their human family. I’m sure most of us have experienced our furbabies coming to us when we are depressed or anxious and crying. I know mine will do it. Treeno will wrap himself around my head and purr his loud, intense purr. I always think of it as his version of a hug.
Purring is Healing When Kitty is in Pain
Purring has healing powers. Nature seems to have given cats the power to heal themselves. The specific frequency of a cat’s purr, 25-150 hertz, is a natural healing mechanism. The vibrations Kitty produces within his own body helps heal injuries, reduces swelling, repairs tendons, rebuilds bones, and acts as a form of pain relief. Cats purr when giving birth. Some cats even purr when they’re dying because of the purr’s soothing aspects.
Summary
Cats purr for many reasons. They purr to express their contentment, to ask for things they want, to communicate with others, including us. Their purrs can soothe and heal themselves during times of stress or pain. The context of their purring, their body language, and other behavior will help you interpret for what reason your kitty is purring.
