What Your Cat's Purrs Mean

A purr is a sound made by all felines (cat like creatures.) It is a part of cat communication. It sounds like a buzzing sound made by the cat's vocal chords, starting with signals from his brain, controlled by the diaphragm, and breathing in and out.

Everyone knows that cats purr, but there are other animals that also purr. Some big cats like tigers, lions, jaguars, cheetahs and leopards purr, but they purr when they exhale.

Other animals that can purr are squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, elephants, ring-tailed lemurs and gorillas while they eat.

Cats often purr when they are being petted or relaxed. Sometimes they purr when they eat. Purring starts as a rumble, then a nasally trill and then a vibration in the throat and chest section. But there are other reasons why cats purr. It is not only because they are happy.

The happy purr is the purr most of us are familiar with. You are snuggling with your cat and petting him. You both feel safe, warm and loved. He is expressing the pleasure and comfort he gets from you. The purring makes you feel good. Can anything be better? His brain sends out signals to his voice box and diaphragm and then he purrs...good vibrations for you both.

Also, not to hurt your feelings, your kitty may feel the same way and purr when he hears you run the electric can opener.

There is also a scared purr. This purr occurs when the cat is feeling nervous or threatened. It is a self calming technique, kind of like whistling in the dark, or saying a little prayer.

Another curious use of the scared purr can be used in a friendly greeting to another cat or animal. The cat is communicating that he is friendly and wants no trouble.

Cats will also purr when they are hurt or even when they are near death. The pain purr also occurs as the mother cat gives birth. Scientists think purring has a relaxing and meditative effect on the cat.

After giving birth when the kittens are all cleaned up and settled, the mother cat will continue to purr to reassure her kitties that every thing is OK. The babies are able to purr when they are two days old. They in return, can tell their Mom that they too are OK.

Benefits from purring extend over to humans. The vibrations from purring tend to calm sick and bedridden patients. Patients relax more with cats than with dogs.

A new study is trying to find the reason cats have so few orthopedic problems. Cats are not prone to the arthritic diseases that dogs and humans suffer. Scientists think the vibrations from purring may keep the skeleton strong and promote healing. Experiments are being conducted where vibrations are being tested on humans for their effect on bone density and health.

So, whatever the reason, when your cat purrs he is giving out vibrations and these vibrations are good for you.

Sources:

Animal Planet

Decoding the Purr.

Personal Experience

Wikipedia