How and why do cats purr?

Answer 1

The 64,000 dollar question; try [e-mail] . My Stimpy like looking over my shoulder on this site. Luck and Merry Christmas....

Answer 2

"How" is the easy part. Purring results from air passing over the vocal cords. It's a vocalization like any other.

Purring is a volitional action, meaning that they can do it on purpose, but they probably often do it without really thinking about it, much like a human might hum without really thinking about it.

"Why" is more complex. Purring seems to help very kittens who haven't opened their eyes yet keep track of where their momcats are, and to help the momcat keep track of her babies.

Later in life we know that purring signifies contentment and happiness, but theres more to it than that. Cats purr when they're ill or in pain, and they purr at other times that aren't fully understood. One animal behaviorist wrote that cats seem to purr whenever they feel anything profoundly, whethe it's good or bad.

Answer 3

most people think that cats purr to show pleasure or contentment.Purring is a kind of low continous rattling hun,but it is nothing to do with a cats real voice,for the lower vibration frequency is far lower than that of the vocal chords.In fact,a mother cat uses purring to call her kittens to feed.At birth kittens cannot see,hear or smell but they can feel the purring of their mother as a vibratory movement and so come towards it to nurse.Once the kittens are feeding,the mother stops purring.So it would seem that purring begin as a kind of homing devise and your cat may simply be reminding you that he is there so that you will continue to stroke him. on the other hand he is quite likely to give a sudden playful bite even when he is purring.

Answer 4

I'm not sure how cats purr but I assume that it's something with their vocal cords. Cats will purr when they're happy and when they're aggrivated. One minute you'll be petting your cat and the next she/he'll swipe you. =3

Answer 5

They usually purr because they are content. I don't know how they purr, however.

Answer 6

cats purr because they are content and happy and their way of talking to you
thank you

Answer 7

thats how they communicate
and they purr with theyre voices

Answer 8

my socks purrs when he is happy and while he's eating.

Answer 9

Its really sad as to how many people actually have it wrong, click on the link and read the article.

Answer 10

i think i they do it wen theyre happy.... but also ... i think they can lure them 2 you by doing it and then SWIPE! theyve got ya x meow ... i love cats!!!!!!