2007-01-01 13:31:41 · 8 answers · asked by jlk235 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
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.
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.
2007-01-01 13:35:23 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats purr for a number of reasons. They purr when they feel happy/content. They purr when they need reassurance. These first two reasons can also be described as offering friendship and needing friendship.
In addition, cats purr under stress. A momma cat often purrs while giving birth. Some purr when they're sick or dying (needing comfort/reassurance). Because momma cat's purr is the first sensory experience kittens have outside the womb, purring is thought to be a regression to kittenhood, especially when accompanied by kneading.
2007-01-04 12:38:04 · answer #2 · answered by shulasmith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If a cat in is shock or trama it will purr. A purr can be a sign of distress in some cases.
In others, it can be happiness.
I've been told a cat will sometimes purr to comfort themselves.
2007-01-01 13:35:19 · answer #3 · answered by Voice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats also purr when they are in pain & as they die. My beloved Bobcat, Mister, was purring very loud as he was dying. I held him & told him it was ok to go to the Rainbow Bridge & wait for me. He died about 30 minutes after I told him that. He had been with me from the time he was 4 weeks old til he was 22 years old. He died 11 years ago & I still miss him very much.
2007-01-01 13:43:25 · answer #4 · answered by luvthesmokies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always wondered this myself because my cat purrs alot. I only hear her purring when she is on my lap and i am petting her
2007-01-01 13:43:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats generally purr when they are happy or to comfort themselves when they get nervous or excited.
2007-01-01 15:07:11 · answer #6 · answered by Kristin E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes they will purr when they are in pain or when they are dieing.
2007-01-01 13:35:53 · answer #7 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats purr when they are content, if he/she is purring you are a good mom/dad :)
2007-01-01 14:53:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋