Why Do Cats Purr?

The phenomenon of purring has fascinated humans for ages. A lot of research has been conducted to figure out this feline mystique, but no one knows for certain why cats purr, though it is believed to be a voluntary act initiated by the central nervous system. In other words, cats purr on purpose, not just as an instinctive response.

Scientists report that cats produce purring sounds by using the diaphragm to push air back and forth across vibrating nerves in the larynx. Purring occurs in a frequency range between 25 and 150 hertz. At the lower end of the range, that rumbling sound can resemble an idling diesel engine, which has a similar velocity.

All domestic cats and most wild felids are are born with the ability to purr. Cats, from young kittens to senior citizens, purr when they are happy, such as when they are being petted, anticipating dinner, or snuggling on a warm, cozy bed. Mother cats purr when nursing their kittens, and kittens purr when nursing.

But many cats also purr when they are afraid or in pain. That helps explain why females may purr during labor and why some cats purr when they are being examined at a veterinary clinic or when they are recovering form an injury. The purring might serve to reassure or comfort the frightened cat, and some studies suggest that the low-level vibrations of purring physically stimulate feline muscles and bones to keep them healthy and actually hasten the healing process.

Excerpted from The Cat Behavior Answer Book (Storey, 2007), by Arden Moore.

Read more: Behavior & Communication, Cats, Pets, cats, fear, happiness, purring

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elisabeth T.

5:43PM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Great information, thanks so much

send a green star

Mel M.

10:49AM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Thank you!

Kristina C.

10:32AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Cats are mysterious! One day I will adopt one - or two!

Brenda T.

6:45AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

It is such a comforting sound.

Michele W.

6:35AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Thank you

Katherine H.

2:49PM PST on Jan 15, 2012

Thanks!

Neil A.

2:14PM PST on Jan 15, 2012

All my cats purr, as I can also but I purr with them, (My wife does not know how I do it, though she does make contented sounds when we are cuddled up) perhaps I should do it more on my own to keep myself healed, but it is not really the same as a cat, I use my tongue & vibrate it, the cats find it interesting!!.

Rebecca P.

11:19AM PST on Dec 21, 2011

One of the theories not mentioned in this article regarding cats purring when they are frightened is that the cat could be making the pleasing purring sound in order to try to appease & pacify the being that they are scared of. I find that a fascinating idea, but it would make sense, as purring is a very calming, soothing sound.

(I also like this theory as I always imagine the internal dialogue of the cat being something along the lines of: "Please don't hurt me! I'm nice, listen, isn't that nice? You like that sound? If you hurt me you won't hear that sound anymore, that would be bad. Please don't hurt me!")

Past Member .

6:41PM PST on Dec 18, 2011

The purr is the most relaxing of all sounds, thus saith the article I read.

Jose Ramon F.

11:08AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

Purring is wonderful! Time for me to cuddle my cat and listen to him...