2006-10-04 01:44:44 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Sociology
The Physiology of Purring
There seems to be two schools of thought here.
The most popular one is quoted here:
One study determined that purring involves activation of nerves within the voice box. These nerve signals cause vibration of the vocal cords while the diaphragm serves as a piston pump, pushing air in and out of the vibrating cords, thus creating a musical hum. Veterinarian Neils C. Pederson, author of Feline Husbandry, believes that purring is initiated from within the central nervous system and is a voluntary act. In other words, cats purr only when they want to.²
The other theory is that the sound comes more from vibrating blood vessels than in the voicebox itself. ³
The Happy Purr of a Cat
All domestic cats are born with the purring ability. A queen will purr while giving birth. It is unknown whether this is because of happy anticipation, or whether it is a relaxing "mantra." Kittens instinctively purr when nursing, and the momcat purrs right back at them. Your adult cat will purr at the drop of a hat whenever you're near, and especially when you are holding or petting him.
Cat purrs will range from a deep rumble to a raspy, broken sound, to a high-pitched trill, depending on the physiology and/or the mood of a cat. A cat will often "wind-down" when going to sleep, with a long purring sigh that drops melodically from a high to a low pitch. Does your cat's purr sometimes sound like an idling diesel engine? That's because at the lower range of 26 Hertz, the velocities are nearly the same.
The Healing Power of the Purr
Cats are often used as "therapy animals" in convalescent hospitals, or in retirement residences. It is an accepted fact that cat owners have lower blood pressure, especially in older people. The human-feline bond is never quite so close as when a person is holding and petting a purring, vibrating bundle of fur on her lap, and all is well with the world. You may even find yourself purring in response.
2006-10-04 02:06:21 · answer #1 · answered by Liz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true that cats seem to purr because they are content but a cat that is in pain purrs also so maybe it is like a comforting thing to them rather than a display of happiness
2006-10-04 01:54:57 · answer #2 · answered by widow_purple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Domesticated cats purr more than wild cats.
Domestic cats purr more often for their human carers that for other cats or when in stress.
I recorded my Himalayan's purring and looked for any features in pitch that might attract humans to their purring.
The evidence is fascinating, and strongly indicates that cats purring is a natural selection by human beings.
The pitch of a typical cat's purring is in the same range as alpha brain waves.
Alpha brain waves are known to reflect and to promote calm and meditative state of consciousness in humans !
So, cats who did this accidentally, or deliberately thousands of years ago, immediately made a bond with humans.
They practically trade purring for the affection, shelter, food, and protection we give them.
The purring is sublime to us. The effect is calming, healing, and meditative !
2006-10-04 02:12:27 · answer #3 · answered by tekno_alan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Purring is part of every cat's repertoire of social communication, apparently created by the movement of air in spasms through contractions of the diaphragm. Interestingly, purring is sometimes heard in cats who are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization. But, more typically, it is a sign of contentment, first heard in kittens as they suckle milk from their mother.
In adults, purring is heard in domesticated cats when they are petted, and in feral cats during sexual or other social contexts. Like submissive posturing among dogs, purring may be a signal of appeasement to other cats or to people, a way to communicate that the purring cat need not be threatened.
As with many behaviors in dogs and cats, the original presumed purpose of the behavior may not be directly relevant in a pet home. But we do believe that, when our healthy pet cats purr, they are happy and at peace.
2006-10-04 01:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they are very happy. Mine purr all the time.
2006-10-04 01:46:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the resonance of a small motor that is in the cat - that is turned on when it is happy. Maybe it's because a cat can't laugh, so it does the next best thing...
purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
2006-10-04 01:52:50 · answer #6 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I purr due to contentment !
2006-10-04 04:40:15 · answer #7 · answered by Kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its still not understood why the purr.
2006-10-04 01:50:11 · answer #8 · answered by bodtheimpaler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they purr to help us sleep.......just kidding
2006-10-04 01:56:10 · answer #9 · answered by JosieE7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are happy, cats purring is the cutest thing ever I think!
2006-10-04 01:52:48 · answer #10 · answered by Annie M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋