Whats the Scientific reason why cats purr? not how do they purr.?

Answer 1

Hi Russ...the scientific reason is psychological as well as physiological--the two are not mutually exclusive of one another. Cat's purr whenever they feel content, extremely frightened and some will purr when they are dying as well.

Scientific reasons for why cat's purr:
http://www.animalvoice.com/catpurrP.htm

Other sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purr

EDIT: forgot to hit the submit button...Some scientists believe when cats purr the frequency of their purring will help heal damaged bones and body organs as well as help heal humans.

All the cats had purr frequencies between 20 Hz and 200 Hz. With the exception of the cheetah, which had frequencies 2 Hz from the rest, all the species had frequencies, notably 25 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 125 Hz, and 150 Hz, that correspond exactly with the best frequencies determined by the most recent research for bone growth, fracture healing, pain relief, relief of breathlessness, and inflammation. All of the cats' purrs, including the cheetah, had frequencies 4 Hz from the entire repertoire of low frequencies known to be therapeutic for all of the ailments.

That fact that the cats in this study produced frequencies that have been proven to improve healing time, strength and mobility could explain the purr's natural selection. After a day or night of hunting, purring could be likened to an internal vibrational therapeutic system, a sort of "kitty massage" that would keep muscles and ligaments in prime condition and less prone to injury. Additionally, the purr could strengthen bone, and prevent osteodiseases. Following injury, the purr vibrations would help heal the wound or bone associated with the injury, reduce swelling, and provide a measure of pain relief during the healing process.
Source: http://www.bksv.com/2798.asp

Answer 2

Lots of good answers here!

I can only add two small tidbits.

Some say that purring is an automatic or involuntary action, but it's not. It's a volitional action, and in that sense it's a vocalization like any other.

However, while cats may purr intentionally to attract attention or to express affection and contentment, or a kitten and a momcat will purr to help kittie find mommy, it seems likely that they also do it unconsciously or semi-consiously, just like people will often hum without thinking about it and sometimes not even realize they're doing it.

Purring usually signifies happiness and contentment, but it can also signify pain, fear or illness. One animal behaviorist has written that cats seem to purr whenever they have any sort of intense or profound feelings.

Answer 3

I read an article a little while ago and it said they don't really know why. It said since the kitties are born with their eyes closed and the mother purrs and they thought it had something to do with the kitties knowing that the mom was near and finding milk. And as far as purring when they are being petted they don't know if its because they are happy.

Answer 4

Cats purr to heal and strenghten bones and organs. Cats purr at between 27 and 44 hertz, exposure to similar sound frequencies is known to improve bone density in humans. Purring is believed to have a similar effect to ultra-sound treatment on humans.

Answer 5

Cats purr when they feel safe, happy and content. Kittens purr with their mothers because of this, and as they grow and begin to love and trust their owners and other cats in the household, they'll purr with them too.

I do have one cat who purrs when she's biting me... but I guess its because she's happy and enjoys gnawing lol.

Answer 6

Vibrations of the muscles of the larynx and diaphragmit is a learned responce to feelings,happy ,content ,pain.Oddly feral cats dont purr

Answer 7

the mothers use it to guide the babies as their eyes aren't open yet. also, when they grow up, it's used to express contentment, and when they are in extreme pain, they purr. their purring frequency is now proved to be the frequency of sound machines used in hospitals(!) they purr for their friends, you or other cats, in extreme pain, too, either pain from your heart or body.

Answer 8

I know they purr when they are happy~!!!!!!!

Answer 9

that's a good question. can't wait to see the answers.

Answer 10

It means they're happy.