Why and how do cats purr?

Answer 1

How felines purr
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] Combined with the steady inhalation and exhalation of air as the cat breathes, a purring noise is produced with strong harmonics.[2]

Why felines purr
Humans usually interpret the purring of a domestic cat as an expression of some type of friendliness or contentment. This assumption is based on the observation that cats often (though not always) purr when being stroked by humans, combined with the experience that human children tend to enjoy stroking by their parents and interpret it as a gesture of affection. Consequently, most humans enjoy listening to or holding a purring cat.

It is, however, not entirely clear to scientists whether this really is one of the cat's reasons for making the sound; it is well-established that a cat also purrs when it is uneasy, nervous or in great pain, perhaps to comfort itself or to express submission. Other theories suggest that a cat purrs when it wants, needs, or is receiving attention, whether it be affection or medical treatment. Purring may also reduce pain, help a wounded cat to heal, or even help to keep a cat's bones strong.[1] When cats purr while also lightly clawing the ground it may mean they are trying to relieve stress or comfort themselves. An example is when a female cat is nursing kittens; as humans may find with children, cats may also become stressed from the attention of their young and therefore start to purr and lightly claw the ground. This may also be associated with "kneading" behavior, in which the kittens' pawing helps release milk from the nursing mother's teats. Adult cats knead along with purring, possibly as a sign of contentment and relaxation.

Answer 2

It’s not true that cats only purr when happy. My cat purrs at the vet office too when she’s terrified and when there is a bad storm she’s hiding from. There are many reasons why cats purr but nobody knows for sure.

Answer 3

Cats purr for extremes. They purr when they are really contented, happy, etc. They also purr during times of great pain and anxiety. There has been much research done trying to figure out the exact mechanism that creates the sound, but noone has nailed it down quite yet.

Answer 4

Cats usually purr because they can be affectionate and very sweet at most times. That is how they show there good side. Someone also told me that the back of their throat vibrates but i don't really no. It doesn't sound like that is how. I really don't know.

Answer 5

I think its because there content and happy,
I have a Tabby female called Lucy and when I give her a cuddle she always Purr's.

Answer 6

cats purr because they are telling us in their own way that they are content and happy and showing us and telling us as they purr in our arms
thank you

Answer 7

They purr the same way we humm......And they do it because things feel good to them

Answer 8

If There Happy For One Thing.

Answer 9

i think its when they get exited or tickled so they purr . its the same as us laughing

Answer 10

There are lots of different theories as to why and how this happens, but no-one has found a definitive answer.