Why do cats purr?

Answer 1

Hi there...The 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.

How cats purr:
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 pump, pushing air in and out of the vibrating cords, thus creating a musical hum. Some veterinarians 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.

The other theory is that the sound comes more from vibrating blood vessels than in the voicebox itself. The larger the vocal chords the softer the purr whereas the smaller the louder.


The Scientific Reason WHY cats purr:

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.

Answer 2

Cats purr when they are quite content and feeling a great deal of pleasure. They will also purr when in great pain. A mother cat, delivering a litter of kittens, will purr rather loudly in between the birthing pushes. It is a signal of extremes.

There have been many scientific studies done in an effort to determine exactly what the mechanism is that creates the purr. To date, the best anyone has been able to to is hypothesize.

Answer 3

They purr when they are happy, content, feeling loving, or sick and injured. It's a comforting sound to them, so it's not uncommon for a cat to purr to themselves when they are sick or injured. Cats also purr to communicate with their humans, since our basic communication is spoken.

Answer 4

A purr is a sign of contentment and general happiness. They curl up, make happy purrs, then settle down beside their master and food source. Life ...is good, and they tell you by purring.

Answer 5

Here's a link that explains the science of how the cats purr if you are interested. It further explains that a cat will purr even when they are not happy. SOmetimes they do it as a source of comfort and healing as well as contentment.

http://cats.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=cats&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciam.com%2Faskexpert_question.cfm%3FarticleID%3D0005CB0D-82FC-1E31-82FC809EC5880000

Answer 6

Purr when their world is AOK,life is great, feel good and at peace with everything,are content. My cat purrs when she's on my lap and I talk lovingly to her.

Answer 7

Cats purr when they are open to socialization.

Answer 8

I have 2 cats.They Pour when i feed them or when i am petting them.They Purr to show that they are content and happy

Answer 9

They purr when they wann ashow affection it sreates a sort of a gargling noise in their throats.

Answer 10

It is a sign of contentment.