2006-12-18 06:27:59 · 12 answers · asked by nilafied 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
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.
2006-12-18 06:31:30 · answer #1 · answered by MasLoozinIt76 6 · 3⤊ 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.
2006-12-18 06:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
cats don't just purr when content, they also purr when very stressed or in severe pain. scientists arent sure exactly what makes them purr...they think its a calming mechanism.
2006-12-18 06:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by EllisFan 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they're happy. notice they purr when ur petting them.... i have a cat that u just say his name and look at him and he'll purr and come runnings towards u...means they r comfortable and happy! :-)
2006-12-18 08:09:50 · answer #4 · answered by MSU 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Often to show they are happy,but my sisters cat purrs when he is mad.....he is odd though.
2006-12-18 06:35:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cat just purrrrrrrrr when they are happy. It is their way of saying that they are comfortable,happy,welcomed and all that stuff. Because they have no other to show that. Next time you see and hear a cat say to hey bud thanks i am happy lol
2006-12-18 07:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by Yo its me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a comfort thing. They do it when they are happy, when they want to comfort others, or when they want to comfort themselves. Many cats that are injured go into the vets office purring, becuase they are trying to calm themselves down.
2006-12-18 06:32:40 · answer #7 · answered by MindyCindyLindy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they're content and happy.
2006-12-18 06:56:58 · answer #8 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because they are happy
2006-12-18 06:36:37 · answer #9 · answered by sissy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because they are happy, and content. MEOW!
2006-12-18 06:34:43 · answer #10 · answered by CaReBeAr 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋