{"id":1275,"date":"2017-01-16T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2017-01-16T06:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1275"},"modified":"2017-01-16T22:22:08","modified_gmt":"2017-01-16T22:22:08","slug":"why-do-cats-purr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/why-do-cats-purr\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Purr?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Why Does Your Cat Purr?<\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-blog-cats-pur-1-1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1284\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-blog-cats-pur-1-1.jpg?resize=331%2C236&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"331\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-blog-cats-pur-1-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-blog-cats-pur-1-1.jpg?w=480&amp;ssl=1 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Most of us assume that cats purr because they\u2019re happy or contented. After all, when your cat contentedly curls up in your lap for some well-deserved scratches and rubs, she&#8217;s obviously one happy kitty.<\/p>\n<p>However, cats also purr when they\u2019re frightened or feel threatened, such as during a visit to the vet, or when they are stressed.\u00a0 They also purr as a method of communication.<\/p>\n<p>But not all cats can purr. Domestic cats, some wild cats and their relatives \u2014 civets, genets and mongooses \u2014 purr, and even hyenas, raccoons and guinea pigs can purr. However, cats that purr can\u2019t roar, and cats that roar can\u2019t purr because the structures surrounding roaring cats\u2019 larynxes aren\u2019t stiff enough to allow purring.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZFvULxbN3NM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h5><strong>How Do They Do It?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>A cat\u2019s purr begins in its brain. A repetitive neural oscillator (rhythmic or repetitive neural activity in the\u00a0central nervous system) sends messages to the laryngeal muscles (their larynx and diaphragm), causing them to twitch at a rate of 25 to 150 vibrations per second. This causes the vocal cords to separate when the cat inhales and exhales, producing a purr. Because the muscles work both during inhalation and exhalation, this gives the impression that they can purr continuously. \u00a0The air actually passes through the valve that opens and closes very rapidly which creates the purr sound.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>When Do They Do It?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Cats purr in a variety of situations and in response to different stimuli. This is analogous to people and their laughter. What causes one cat to purr or one human to laugh may be completely different than what causes the same\u00a0behavior\u00a0in another.<\/p>\n<p>Things that can stimulate feline purring include:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-2.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1282 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-2.jpg?resize=110%2C164&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"110\" height=\"164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-2.jpg?resize=201%2C300&amp;ssl=1 201w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-2.jpg?w=536&amp;ssl=1 536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 110px) 100vw, 110px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>*<strong> Contentment:<\/strong>\u00a0Sitting in a favorite human\u2019s lap, lying in the sun, nuzzling up to a favored feline friend are all\u00a0examples of situations that can induce purring. These are circumstances that seemingly represent true feline\u00a0contentment. \u00a0Tiny kittens will purr and knead their moms while nursing, which is a sign of contentment. In older kittens and cats, contentment purring might occur while they are eating, being pet or lying in a warm, cozy spot. They\u2019re purring with a feeling of security of safety.<\/p>\n<p><strong>* Communication\/Wanting Attention:<\/strong>\u00a0Purring can accompany feline requests for something they want, and might be heard at mealtime or when a kitty wants some lap time. This purring is often associated with some vocalization and animated behavior such as weaving in and out of their human\u2019s legs.\u00a0 You may find that your cat is certain to wake you up in the morning by jumping on the bed, kneading and purring. This purring is mostly likely just a way of getting your attention to alert you to the fact that it\u2019s time to be fed.\u00a0 Not surprisingly, cats seem to purr with greater urgency when hungry.<\/p>\n<p><strong>* Fear or Stress:<\/strong>\u00a0Believe it or not, some cats purr when distressed or fearful. Such purring is commonly observed in a veterinary hospital setting, and can be quite audible.\u00a0 Purring may have a calming effect on your cat, which is why they may do it when they\u2019re afraid. Visiting the vet or being in a strange environment might cause a cat to begin purring because she is stressed or anxious. In that case, purring would be akin to\u00a0how humans soothe themselves by crying, laughing, distracting themselves, or even organizing their desk.<\/p>\n<p>* <strong>Kitten-mother connection:<\/strong>\u00a0Kittens begin purring when they are only a few days old. It is most noticeable when they are in close connection with their mama. In fact,\u00a0kittens\u00a0are capable of purring while nursing, and mama kitty typically purrs in response. Perhaps this purring behavior represents a means of bonding between a mother cat and her offspring.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-5.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1299\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-5.jpg?resize=208%2C164&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"208\" height=\"164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-5.jpg?resize=300%2C236&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-5.jpg?w=624&amp;ssl=1 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 208px) 100vw, 208px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>* <strong>For territorial reasons<\/strong>: When one cat is entering another\u2019s territory, she may purr to signal to the other cat as a friendly gesture that she\u2019s not interested in aggression.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><em><strong>This last reason is remarkable!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>*<strong> For pain and pain management:<\/strong> \u00a0Most surprisingly, purring frequencies have been shown to stimulate bone regeneration. \u00a0Domestic cats purr at a frequency of about 26 vibrations per second, in a range that\u00a0also promotes tissue regeneration. That may sound crazy but think about this: High-impact exercise promotes bone health for the same reason, because bones respond to pressure by making themselves stronger. In addition to domestic cats, ocelots, cheetahs, and pumas all have the vibration frequency that is therapeutic for bone growth, pain relief and wound healing.<\/p>\n<p>As a mother cat goes into labor, they emit huge purrs, thought to actually release a pain management endorphin. There is some research to suggest that the frequency of the purr has tissue healing properties, so it\u2019s possible that cats purr to self heal, or self soothe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Purring Is Good \u2013 For Many Reasons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s naive to think that cats can only purr for one reason\u2014it\u2019s like thinking that people can only laugh for one reason. Humans can laugh out of joy, a desire to be polite, when surprised, in discomfort or in derision\u2014and only context will\u00a0tell an onlooker which is going on.<\/p>\n<p>Purring isn\u2019t just good for cats, but it\u2019s also healthy for cat owners. Studies show that cats do a better job of relieving stress and lowering blood pressure than other pets. In fact, a 10-year study at the University of Minnesota Stroke Center found that cat owners were 40 percent less likely to have heart attacks than non-cat owners, and purring might play a role in that.<\/p>\n<p>Purring is an auditory stimulus that we attribute to calmness and peacefulness.\u00a0 That stimulus gives us positive reinforcement and it contributes to the whole relaxation effect when we interact with our cats.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-4.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1298\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-4.jpg?resize=236%2C236&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"236\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-4.jpg?w=236&amp;ssl=1 236w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-4.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cats-purr-4.jpg?resize=144%2C144&amp;ssl=1 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h5><strong>When Purring May Be A Clue To A Problem<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Your cat is trying to convey some sort of emotion when she purrs.\u00a0 Cats don\u2019t just purr to communicate they are content. It\u2019s never safe to assume that if a cat is purring that it is happy and content. As a cat owner, you should always be vigilant.<\/p>\n<p>To determine the cause of your cat\u2019s purring, pay attention to her environment to determine how she\u2019s feeling. Purring during play, during meals, while being petted and during normal routines are usually pretty safely considered the good, positive reasons for her purring.<\/p>\n<p>If your cat is outside her normal environment and purring, she is obviously trying to comfort and soothe herself with something familiar by purring.<\/p>\n<p>*Additionally, and very importantly, if your cat isn\u2019t eating or is listless and uninterested in normal behavior or routine but is purring, that may mean that she is not feeling well and there is most likely something wrong.\u00a0 This may require a trip to the vet.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>The Healing Powers of Purring<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Various veterinary studies indicate that cats rarely suffer bone or joint-related diseases, including hip dysplasia, arthritis and ligament problems. Even bone cancers, such as myeloma or osteosarcoma, are almost unheard of in cats. Bone and joint problems may not be the only illnesses helped by a cat\u2019s purring ability. For example, respiratory problems associated with heart disease are almost non-existent in cats.<\/p>\n<p>It has been proposed that purring is nature\u2019s way of endowing felines with an evolutionary healing advantage.<\/p>\n<p>Most of us know that a cat\u2019s purring is relaxing and stress reducing, but science has shown that it can also be physically beneficial. It\u2019s not just the sound of purring that\u2019s important, but the vibration\u00a0it produces.<\/p>\n<p>Scientists have known for many years that vibrations at specific levels or frequencies cause healing changes in the body. These vibrations can induce bone growth and regeneration, so that bone fractures heal faster and weakened bones begin to strengthen and rebuild. Higher frequency ranges increase production of the body\u2019s natural anti-inflammatory compounds, thereby reducing joint pain and swelling. Evidence suggests that these frequency ranges can repair muscles, tendons and ligaments, which has led to their use in physical therapy clinics, sports medicine, and gyms around the world.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cat-purr-3.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1287\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cat-purr-3.jpg?resize=300%2C169&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cat-purr-3.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cat-purr-3.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-cat-purr-3.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Does Your Cat Purr? Most of us assume that cats purr because they\u2019re happy or contented. After all, when your cat contentedly curls up in your lap for some well-deserved scratches and rubs, she&#8217;s obviously one happy kitty. However, cats also purr when they\u2019re frightened or feel threatened, such as during a visit to &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/why-do-cats-purr\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[363,361,120,360,362,364,118,359],"class_list":["post-1275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cat-care","tag-benefits-of-cat-purring-to-humans","tag-car-purring-vibrations","tag-cat-care","tag-cat-purring","tag-cat-purring-is-healing","tag-cat-purring-is-self-healing","tag-pet-care","tag-why-do-cats-purr","item-wrap"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1275","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1275"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1275\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1302,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1275\/revisions\/1302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1275"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1275"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}