what does it mean when they purr?
2006-10-03 23:07:24 · 12 answers · asked by mole 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
The cat's purr is a unique sound not only because it is limited to felines but also because it is a means of communication that is not truly a vocalization. Cats can purr when they are happy and also when they are injured, frightened, giving birth or even near death. Even cats being held for veterinary procedures such as x-rays or blood samples have been known to purr frequently. Sometimes the purr can be a sign of submission, indicating cooperation and avoidance of conflict with "a larger more powerful cat," for example, the vet, the groomer, etc).
Purring is caused by vibrations in the throat and has been observed in the behavior of wild cats, such as the cheetah, the puma and the smaller ocelot and serval. Big wild cats, such as lions and tigers, cannot purr because their throats are equipped for roaring. Therefore, it would seem that a cat could either purr or roar, but not both. (Don't tell the MGM lion!)
One can only speculate as to what function a purring state serves, as the animal utilizes so much energy in order to achieve it. Purring is a primeval force that has been passed down through many generations of cats, like some ancient, magical ritual. Some researchers believe that purring has to be deeply rooted in the animal's evolutionary sense of survival, and that this is supported by the fact that cats purr when injured. Perhaps it serves a healing purpose? It may also be connected to pain relief. Most agree that the purr cannot be solely a means of communication as cats purr when in the company of no one except their own feline selves.
2006-10-03 23:18:38 · answer #1 · answered by simplehoneylove 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cats purr for a variety of reasons, it comforts them so it means they're not always happy when they do it even though it's most common. A female cat will often purr in labour or when a cat is in other pain as purring has a healing affect.
2006-10-04 06:14:56 · answer #2 · answered by shirazzza 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have heard it said that they purr for many reasons, when they are anxious, when they have pain, when they are happy and when they are asking to be fed. Also female cats purr when they are in labor.
2006-10-04 06:42:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most. They are very content and happy. They will also purr when in pain.
2006-10-04 06:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by christancat2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually it means they are relaxed and happy, but it can also mean that they have been hurt, as purring also helps them to heal themselves.
If the tail is not flicking with anxiety or anger, the purring should mean the cat is happy.
2006-10-04 07:03:49 · answer #5 · answered by helene m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means they are happy! But it could also mean they are in pain! (hard to understand but very true!)
Here's more about cat's body language and how to understand them!
http://www.iams.com/en_BI/jhtmls/nutrition/sw_NutritionQuestions_qanswer.jhtml?li=en_BI&sc=C&bc=I&pti=PN&qi=2437
2006-10-04 06:27:10 · answer #6 · answered by Cherries 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually it means that they are happy and content.When they feel cozy.
2006-10-04 06:09:01 · answer #7 · answered by ducky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i get so scared when they purr...
2006-10-04 06:08:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means they're happy. And they love you! :)
2006-10-04 06:33:06 · answer #9 · answered by chipper_adi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
love
2006-10-04 06:30:28 · answer #10 · answered by Spongebob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋