A cats purr is one of the most recognizable sounds in the animal kingdom. But the mechanisms and reasons behind purring are far more complex than most people realize.
How Cats Purr
Cats produce purring sounds through rapid vibrations of their laryngeal muscles, controlled by a neural oscillator in the brain. The frequency is 25-150 Hertz, and cats can purr continuously while inhaling and exhaling.
Happy Purring
The most common reason cats purr is contentment. When a cat is relaxed, being petted, or nursing kittens, the purr signals comfort and safety.
Healing Purr
Research has shown that the frequency range of a cats purr (25-50 Hz) is therapeutic for bone density and tissue healing. Some scientists believe cats purr as a self-soothing mechanism during illness or injury.
Solicitation Purr
Cats have learned to embed a higher-frequency cry within their purr that mimics a human babys cry. This solicitation purr is harder for humans to ignore and is used to demand food or attention.
Stress Purring
Cats also purr when stressed, at the vet, or even when dying. In these contexts, purring appears to be a self-calming behavior, similar to a human humming or talking to themselves under pressure.
The Human Benefit
Studies show that the sound and vibration of a cats purr lowers human blood pressure and reduces stress. The healing goes both ways.
Every purr is a conversation. Your cat is telling you something. Sometimes it is I love you. Sometimes it is I need help. Pay attention, and you will learn to tell the difference.
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