My cats purr all the time and i've always thought, why dont they roar?
2006-08-17 04:06:31 · 12 answers · asked by ChemicallyLaneyyy 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
The domestic cat, Felis catus, lacks the necessary specialized
vocal equipment to roar. There are only four species of cat that have it. They are:
Panthera leo - Lion
Panthera tigris - Tiger
Panthera pardus - Leopard
Panthera onca - Jaguar
Because only the above cats can roar, they are classified under their own genera, "Panthera."
Almost all cats can purr, but the roaring cats can only purr while exhaling. And since they use their roaring apparatus to purr, it doesn't sound like purring; it sounds like growling.
2006-08-17 06:20:15 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats produce the purring noise by vibrating their larynx, or voice box, in a particular manner. A timing mechanism in the brain sends neural messages to a muscle in the larynx, rhythmically opening and closing the air passage approximately 25 times per second [1] and has strong harmonics. Combined with the steady inhalation and exhalation of air as the cat breathes, a purring noise is produced.[2]
All cats are able to purr. However, the entire panthera genus is able to purr only while exhaling. Cats that roar lack the purring vocal chords, and use the vocal chords in charge of roaring and growling instead, making a noise similar to growling when they purr. As a result, the two sounds are often confused. The roar in these cats is a very loud growl with respect to the production method. Additionally, because these chords can only be used while exhaling, the purring equivalent sound can only be made while exhaling. Cats not members of the panthera genus, even larger ones such as the cheetah, purr.[3]
2006-08-17 11:21:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
what for? If you're taking such good care of them that they purr all the time why issue a threat?
No seriously the voice box of big cats lions and such is different
The tongue and the larynx are supported by a series of small interconnected bones called the hyoid apparatus. The four cats that roar have thickened vocal cords and a more flexible larynx both of which allow these cats to make a roaring sound. The other cat species have thin vocal cords and a more rigid hyoid apparatus.
this is from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
House cats also don't have big enough lungs to really make enough of a roar.
2006-08-17 11:31:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because, relative to their daily neighbours (people) they are very small. Nature encourages them to make things that will not alarm larger enemies - purring makes people like them, roaring would scare people, and scared people turn agressive. Lions / tigers roar - but then, they are big enough to be able to impress with a roar.
2006-08-17 11:12:20 · answer #4 · answered by AlphaOne_ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Small cats don't have the same type of voicebox as big cats. There are even some big cats that cannot roar.
2006-08-17 11:24:02 · answer #5 · answered by Protagonist 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
so u want a reall cat it roars and u will purr.
2006-08-17 11:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
they don't roar because they are small pet and not wild
thank you
2006-08-17 11:43:31 · answer #7 · answered by cooks delight 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because they are small cats
2006-08-17 11:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by zerosopher 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
simply because they are not tigers, or lions
2006-08-17 11:15:45 · answer #9 · answered by lisa s 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because they are not wild.
2006-08-17 11:23:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋