Why do cats purr? Learn fascinating facts about cat purring.

1. Why
Do
Cats
Purr?

2. Cat Purrs 101
Why do cats purr? It's a common
question many cat lovers ask. Purrs
are mysterious and enchanting
sounds. Most people associate purrs
with happy, cheerful, relaxed cats. But
did you know that cats can be happy,
hungry, in pain, and even near death
while purring? Science has just begun
to scratch the surface of cat purring.

3. Why Do Cats Purr?
Cats purr for a variety of reasons.
Reassurance, submission, and
pleasure anticipation are the
most likely conditions for purring.
A submissive cat will purr if it is in
the presence of a more dominant
cat. Purrs are usually first noted
in kittens during nursing. It's
common to see both kittens
and mother cats purr during
suckling.

4. Why Won't My Cat Purr?
Don't be alarmed if your cat is not very vocal with its
purring. Each cat is very much an individual when it
comes to purring. Some cats have very minimal to no
purrs at all. Other cats are unabashed “purrers”.
Shy or previously abused cats often take more time to
become comfortable with their new owners. Give them
time to adjust and you just may hear prominent
purring.

5. How Do Cats Purr?
Purrs involve various
muscles in a cat's body.
The larynx or voice box,
and diaphragm play key
roles in the mechanics
of purring. As air enters
through the mouth, it
passes by the voice box
where the vocal cords are housed. Scientists are not
sure of the exact part of the cat brain that initiates
purring.

6. Do All Cats Purr?
Most purrs are soft gentle
sounds. The average cat purr
is 20 decibels. Not all felines
can purr. Domesticated house
cats, bobcats, cheetahs,
pumas, and the lynx are able
to purr.
Yet, lions, tigers, and jaguars
are out of luck when it comes to purring. Small cats
purr while both inhaling and exhaling air. Large felines
usually purr on exhalation.

7. The Power of Purring
Remarkably, humans also benefit from purring. No, we
can't purr, obviously. However, listening to calming, low
frequency cat purrs has been found to maintain bone
mass and even reverse bone loss in humans.
Reductions in blood pressure and pulse have been
found in cat owners as well. Best of all, cat purrs are
associated with faster wound healing for both cats and
humans. With all of these amazing health benefits, isn't
it time you've cuddled your kitty today?

8. Cat Resources
Looking for more information about cats and kittens? Visit...
All About Cute Kittens - The purr-fect guide on how
to raise fit and frisky cute kittens. Kitten care. Kitten
training. Cute kitten pictures & so much more!