why do cats purr? obviously they purr because they're happy but is there a point and do wild cats purr?

Answer 1

Cats purr to calm themselves and to calm their human. They purr because they are content or feel like they are threatened and want to send the message they aren't. All felines purr. I have been around lions; jaguars; mountain lions; tigers and every sort of house cat you can imagine. When the big cats are being given anesthesia they will purr to calm themselves, too. When threatened, they purr with the eyes partially open, when content the eyes close often. Watch and see. Nana

Answer 2

The specific reason why cats purr is still somewhat of a mystery but that isnt to say that there have been much speculation. Cats may purr because they are content, comfortable, happy, relaxed etc. There is no point to the purring because it doesnt benefit anything except to signify a change of some sort, whether that be its mood or physical being. Yes, wild cats do purr as well.

Answer 3

I don't think anyone knows how or why cats purr exactly, but in my experience they do it when they're happy (e.g. when they're being snuggled) or when they're frightened (e.g. at the vet) or when they're in alot of pain or are sick. And I have one weird little girl who only purrs when she's found a toy she loves, or when I'm trying to sleep and she wants attention.

I've always heard that big cats *can't* purr, though...something about a particular species of cat is either able to purr or roar, but they aren't able to do both.

There are lots of theories as to why cats purr, but (again in my experience) it seems that kittens are quicker to purr, and that adult cats usually purr when they're engaging in behavior that makes them feel like a kitten (i.e. being snuggled by "mom" or when they feel vulnerable) so I'm going to go with the theory that it serves some function in kittenhood. Maybe it has an effect on the mother's maternal instincts, the way that a baby's cry will sometimes cause a nursing woman to "leak"?

Answer 4

Purring is just part of being a cat. They purr the most when they are happy, content, in a familiar environment, saying hello. They purr when they are stressed out (aka the vet's office .... good luck finding the heart rate with a stethoscope!) Moma cats purr, giving their kittens a feeling of safety.

Answer 5

It isn't actually known why cats purr but it is believed that it may be used as a sort of mantra. Even when in pain or frightened, content cats will purr. Wild cats also purr & so do *some* big cats. Cheetahs have also been known to purr; however, cheetahs are not big cats (cheetahs belong to a third group because they can't retract their claws).

Answer 6

Cats purr and pommel like they do as a kitten when they are having their milk. It means they are content and happy. There are times when they purr when they are distressed, probably as they need help and attention.
Wild cats purr too but on a different level and they are in another
environment so its only between the families, when grooming etc

Answer 7

Wild cats do purr; when feeding, or when nursing kittens. It is a pleasure thing, but quite a strange phenomenon, because a dying cat will purr, as will one in extreme agony. People think that giving birth doesnt hurt cats, because they purr during it, but the purr means they are in agony, just as we are when we give birth.

Answer 8

Excerpt from a website about cats....

Why do cats purr? Excellent question. That question has been asked by experts and lay persons alike for quite some time.

Not all species of cat purr, but all domestic kittens are born with purring ability.

Like their colors and shapes, not all cat purrs are the same, even within the same species. Although the core purr sounds all fall within a certain frequency range, even across species, the volume, type, and harmonic (additional, complimentary) sounds vary. They can range from a low rumbling sound, all the way up to a high pitched trill, depending upon the physical attributes of the cat and its mood.

Cats typically purr when they are content, and so we normally associate the act of purring with a happy cat. For example, some cats will begin purring if you just direct a glance their way for long enough. Others take a little bit of scratching or talking to, and then there it is.

It should be noted, however, that cats also purr when they are distressed, or in pain. Female cats will purr while giving birth, presumably to act as a beacon for the blind and deaf kittens that she is bringing into the world. Perhaps it is to comfort herself as well.

And that may be one part of the answer to the question, why do cats purr? It is soothing, and makes the cat, and others around her, feel good.

Over the last few years, some fairly extensive research has been compiled on the purring question as scientists ask why do cats purr? The results have been interesting.

Using data collected about the various purring cat species, and comparing that to studies done on the healing qualities of sound vibration, a connection has been made. Further comparing cats to dogs (who obviously do not purr), with respect to complications from surgery, healing time, and other health items, researchers may have found the answer to why cats purr.

It would appear that purring may be some sort of built-in survival mechanism. Purring may be a way to improve muscle tone without exercise, reduce pain, and repair fractures!

It seems that sound vibrations, in the same frequency range (including harmonic vibrations) as a cat purr, can actually act as a healing aid, reduce pain, and promote tissue growth.

That's right - everything from increased bone density, to improved muscle tone, to tendon repair, to therapeutic pain relief is aided by low frequency vibrations. Vibrations in the range of the cat purr.

So, why do cats purr? Well, on the surface it may be to express emotion, but literally the underlying reason may be that it is essential for your cat's health!

So go make your cat purr!


Excerpt from a website about How cats purr....

The experts really have no idea how a cat purrs, but it is pretty unique. Small cats, such as our domestic breeds, have the ability to purr both on breathing in and on breathing out. This is not something that the great cats can do. Cats can purr even if their mouths are closed, or full, such as when nursing. Try it yourself. Try making a purr as you breathe out. OK? Now try and do the same thing as you breathe in. Now you have a problem! Now try and do it breathing out, but with your mouth closed. No luck, eh?

It is wondered if cats have a set of false vocal cords. These are supposedly found within the larynx. Others say that the vocal cords have nothing to do with purring. They feel that when a cat is in a situation to induce this phenomenon, there is turbulent blood flow through the great veins of the chest cavity, which are them amplified by the diaphragm, which passes up the windpipe and into the sinus cavities of the skull. What do I say? I say that I don’t care how they do it. It just makes me feel good when they do.

Answer 9

Cats purr to show they are happy or content. As for the larger cats none of them purr except the leopard. I read that in a cat book on large cats being compared to domestic cats.

Answer 10

Most wild cats purr, but one that doesn't is a snow leopard. Cats purr when happy, injured, or angry..so there are just different times, it just shows how they're feelin like you would if you smile. Some people believe that the purring frquencies they omit can be healing to the bones..*shruggs* Who knows? And it's also calming for them.

Answer 11

Cats can also purr because they are scared or in pain, it's not just because they are happy. It's just a reaction to their environment and yes, wild cats purr as well.