Why doesn't my cat purr?

Question

She was a stray who may have been abused. Now that she's used to me, she is quite affectionate, but she doesn't like to be held and never purrs. I always thought purring was a sign of contentment.

Answer 1

My cat never used to purr, but after being gone for a few days, he purred up a storm when I got back. Now I can' t get him to shut up!!! He used to ignore me, now he is always wanting attention.

Answer 2

There are cats who will never purr. I've been told this is because they were not taught to purr when they were tiny kittens --perhaps their mother didn't purr, or they were separated from their mother too early. I have owned 20 very unique cats in my life, and three of these never purred. They were all loving, contented, happy cats, and they showed their emotions in other ways! Learn how your cat expresses affection and happiness, and accept this in place of purring. If you love the sound of purring, as I do, consider getting an additional cat, a youngster that purrs, especially if your cat is under 6 months of age. A young cat loves a playmate! (But often an older, established cat hates a rival.)

Answer 3

Hi
My girl cat age 7 - 8, stopped purring when her buddy , our girl toy poodle aged 14, passed away 3 years ago and then suddenly started purring again and then only purrs when she wants to. She vocals when she knows we are around, when she wants food (lets us know by swatting us on the leg, lol) and waits for us when we come home, she is waiting for us at the door. Give her time, she will purr when she is ready, or maybe she had an experience that has left her scared and doesnt want to, in fear that she might get hurt again. Reassure her, that she is in a safe place and have one on one playtime with her. She may need you to be her protector and once that is in her, she may start to purr again. I have one male orange tabby cat who is a purrer and is very lovable. Not all cats will purr I noticed and remember be patience. Maybe you can purr softly to her not to close tho (in case you verbal the wrong meaning) and see what develops.


What Purring Means
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Purring is not a part of every cat's repertoire of social communication, but it is one of the most common. Not a great deal is known about the mechanics of purring, but purring is generally associated with contentment and happiness in cats.
Interestingly, though, purring is sometimes heard in cats that are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization.
Vocal cats use vowel sounds to indicate their desires. The subtle differences in sound communicate commands as well as requests and complaints.
In the wild, vowel sounds are restricted to kittens, but the process of domestication has extended this method of communication well into adulthood.
Adult cats also create high-intensity sounds by changing the shape of their mouth. Hisses and grumbling are the most common examples, used primarily between cats as a means of communicating aggressive or defensive intentions. Cats in heat and feral strays also use this form of communication.

Answer 4

Depending on her age, it would be hard to tell. Just give her time. You might get a small wheel with a ball that she can't get. This toy lays flat on the floor and the cat will bat at the ball to capture it.It will keep her amused. I used to put catnip inside of the wheel and she absolutely loved it. I don't think all cats purr but I might be wrong. If she is affectionate, you should be glad. Some cats completely ignore you and only purr when they want something.

Answer 5

She may be purring, just so quietly you can't hear it. Our male is a quiet little thing. Sometimes you can only hear him purring if you put your head right up to his side. Our female, on the other hand....she's another story! I think you could hear her from a mile away.

And remember that she may not feel totally secure yet. I'm sure that one day, you'll be able to hear her purr.

Answer 6

Don't base your cats feelings on whether or not it purrs. It may purr, but so silent and deep. I had a cat like that once. I would like to mention one thing, I remember that my dear sweet cat died over 20 years ago and he was in allot of pain and purred the day he died, in allot of pain. " Dam, that hurt to think about it".

Answer 7

We've got two pure-bred Siberians, brothers. One is affectionate and purrs loudly while the other is aloof and almost never purrs. He sincerely dislikes being held and will avoid people who pick him up.

All cats are different. Have you tried getting a nice cat brush?

Answer 8

I dont know why, but my male doesnt purr either. Very strange to me. I just think they are like ppl, they are all different. Purring means theyre happy and content, but just cuz they dont doesnt mean anything.

Answer 9

whilst your cat climbs into your lap, tucks in his paws shrink than himself, and starts to purr, all is stable in his international. that's between the subject concerns we adore approximately our cats; that feeling of contentment they share with us. whilst cats exchange into mushy purring bundles of heat reassuring fur, we adventure calmer and extra non violent ourselves. we will not continuously hear the purring – a cushty vibrating rumble – yet we are able to adventure it. yet why do cats purr? And what produces this function sound? in accordance to veterinarian Bruce Fogle, author of The Cat's concepts, the unique function of purring grew to alter into to enable a kitten to speak inclusive of his mom that subject concerns are proper. A kitten is able to purr by the 2d day of existence, and in spite of the reality that he will now no longer be able to meow and nurse on an same time, he can purr and nurse. And the mother cat in lots of circumstances purrs lower back, possibly to reassure the kitty.

Answer 10

She is obviously not comfortable. Didn't you ever think of that? Cats only purr when they are comfy.