Why Do Cats Purr?

There is nothing better than sitting with your favorite feline friend curled up on your lap and hearing her purr. You instantly feel happy yourself as you listen to that sweet lullaby that she is making. But why do cats purr? Does it really mean that they are happy?

When a cat purrs she is content. But what else does it mean.

Researchers have often wondered about a cat's purr. Here is a little bit that they discovered about it:

• A cat's purr begins in the brain.
• A rhythmic oscillator sends messages to the muscles in the cat's larynx. This message causes the muscles to twitch between 25 to 150 times per second. These vibrations cause the vocal cords to separate when the cat inhales and exhales during the exhaling process. All of this is the process that makes the sound that we know as the purr.
• This is a low pitch sound. This is why we can feel the vibrations as well as hear them.

Domestic Cat's Are Not the Only Animals Who Purr

Yes, domestic cats are the animals who the most are known for purring. However, wild cats such as mountain lions and bobcats can purr. There are a few other animals that can purr, too. Hyenas, guinea pigs and raccoons can all purr.

Wild Cats Who Can Purr Can't Roar

Yes, mountain cats and bob cats can purr. However, they cannot roar. On the other hand, lions and tigers are known for the furious roar, yet they do not have the ability to purr. Researchers say that this is because the structures of their voice boxes are different.

Why Do Cats Purr

We know that roaring is a power that can protect a cat. The action of roaring can scare off a predator. But why can a cat purr?

Yes, cats purr to show signs of contentment. However, they can also purr when they are scared or threatened. Some researchers simply say that to a cat a purr may be like a smile. It is something that occurs as an appeasing type gesture or something that happens when a cat is nervous.

Yes, it seems that researchers still aren't quite sure why cats have the ability to purr. But most cat owners will agree that this purring ability is one more factor that makes cat's more lovable and precious to them.

Sources:

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