There’s nothing quite like the comforting sound of a cat purring. In fact, you can even find white noise apps that offer tracks of endless cat purrs, along with other calming sounds like ocean waves and crackling fires. But have you ever wondered why cats purr? While we often associate purring with a content and happy cat, the truth is, it can signify a variety of things, and not all of them indicate happiness. Surprisingly, there is still some mystery surrounding the reasons behind a cat’s purr.
So, what exactly happens when a cat purrs? Purring occurs when a cat breathes, and it’s powered by their diaphragm. As the air passes over the laryngeal muscles, or voice box, it creates a rumbling vibration. This is made possible by a bone in a cat’s throat called the hyoid bone, which holds the larynx and tongue in place. Interestingly, cats can even purr while making other vocalizations, such as meowing.
While we know that domestic cats purr, scientists used to believe they were the only members of the Felidae family that could do so. However, further research revealed that other smaller members, such as ocelots, cougars, and cheetahs, also possess the ability to purr. These animals have shorter vocal cords and a hyoid bone that is fixed in place. On the other hand, larger cats like lions, tigers, and jaguars have longer vocal cords and a partially ossified hyoid bone, which allows them to roar. This distinction led biologists to divide cats into two subfamilies: Felinae, who can purr, and Pantherinae, who can roar.
While it is generally true that animals make low-frequency vocalizations in positive social situations, cats purr for a variety of emotional reasons that remain a mystery. Kittens, for example, begin purring when they are only a few days old, likely as a way to communicate with their mother during feeding times. Even adult cats may purr to signal hunger or while eating. Interestingly, it has only been within the past two decades that animal behaviorists have considered that a purring cat may not necessarily be completely satisfied. Cats can purr in various circumstances, such as when they are at the vet, alone, dying, or after being threatened by another animal. A mother cat will even purr while her kittens are nursing. In some cases, a cat’s purr may also contain a hidden meow, which can even be understood by people who are not accustomed to spending time with feline companions.
There is another fascinating aspect to a cat’s purr: the healing powers it may possess. Research has shown that when a cat purrs, they are not only soothing themselves but also using the vibrational frequencies (between 25 and 150 Hz) to heal their bodies. These frequencies are frequently utilized in medical treatments to manage pain and promote the healing of various ailments, including fractures, swelling, and even shortness of breath. So, by letting a kitty sit on your lap and purr, you might be benefiting from their healing energy as well.
It’s interesting to note that some biologists previously believed that purring was simply the sound of blood flowing through the vein that carries deoxygenated blood to the heart. However, as our understanding of feline behavior and physiology continues to evolve, we are gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and multifaceted nature of a cat’s purr.