Why Do Cats Purr?

Meow...Meow...Purr...Purr. Hello boys and girls, these are the sounds a cat makes.

Anyways, in this edition we'll discuss the latter and find out exactly what inflicts the need for a cat to make that rumbling noise.

Before we get to why cats purr, what exactly is a purr and what is the cat doing when it is purring?

Starting with the nerves in the cat's voice box, a purr is created when air is pushed in and out of the diaphragm. Since purring starts with the nerves in the central nervous system, researchers believe that the cat initiates the act.

Now why exactly does a cat purr? It's when he/she is feeling good and wants the world to know. But that's not the only reason. Contrary to what many believe, a cat will purr in pain as well. The act of purring releases endorphins in the cat and relieves pain along with helping the cat feel good.

Cats have been known to purr during both the process of giving birth and dying to reduce stress and pain, and during those nice kitty rubs that the feline friend cannot get enough of.

Besides the benefits that purring does for the cat, some say that cat owners have better health and less stress due to the combination of the companionship and the purring.

So there you go. To summarize, cats purr when happy and sad. They do it because it releases endorphins within their body and feels oh so good. So put aside the fact that your little friend hangs around you for food and give that fellow a little massage. It'll make their day.