Why do cats purr, not roar?

Question

Why do cats purr, not roar?
Why do lions roar, not purr?

Answer 1

Basically, there are two different types of cats-- ones that can purr and ones that can roar. These groups are divided based on the structure of a series of connected bones at the base of the tongue, called the hyiod apparatus. In one group of cats, one of the hyoid bones fail to develop and they have only a threadlike ligament, so that tongue and larynx are loosely attached to the base of the skull. This group includes the big cats: the tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard, and ounce (snow leopard), which are classified in the genus Panthera or Leo; the clouded leopard also is sometimes placed in this genus. These cats are unable to purr. Their voice is a roar and the pupils of their eyes are round. In the second group, the hyoid develops normally. All such cats purr, but do not roar. The pupil is usually vertical but may be round in a few species. This genus, Felis includes the mountain lion and numerous kinds of smaller cats including the domestic cat. The Canada lynx and bobcat are often placed in a separate genus, Lynx. The cheetah, or hunting leopard, has a normal hyoid but has nonretractile claws and differs from all other cats in other ways; it is placed alone in the genus Acinonyx.

Answer 2

I believe that meowing and roaring are vocalizations. Isn't purring a different mechanism? Cats. by the way, can purr so loud when they want to be threatening. I remember the first time I gave my cat a shrimp. He took the shrimp then took a stance that communicated that he was ready to fight. His purring became so loud it echoed off the walls and i didn't know what the noise was. I actually looked out the window to see if someone was using some kind of machinery outside.

Answer 3

Do Lions Purr like house cats?
Lions do occasionally purr, but they are different from house cats in that purring is not common or important in their social life. Also, lions make a sound only as they exhale instead of continuously the way house cats do.

Answer 4

Because they're not 100% like the wild animals, to which they are related. Plus roaring is what lions do when angry or even instead of meowing. Purring, is how cats show they're happy. I wish we could purr, too, when happy.

Answer 5

lions do purr...it's much louder.

and cats do kinda roar, but their vocal chords are differently shaped so it comes out in a much higher pitch and not as loud.

Answer 6

it the size of the throat that makes the difference.