I've read several studies myself and I've asked my Vet about this.
According to both of those sources WHY or HOW a cat purrs is a mystery.
Cats will purr when they are happy, but a sick or dying cat will also purr as a way to comfort itself.
So there isn't just one answer, there are two...probably the two you've been given before.
They purr when they are happy and content and they also purr when they are sick a dying.
2007-03-15 02:37:03
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answer #1
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answered by gracieandlizzie 5
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Most experienced "cat wranglers" now know that cats don't purr only when they are content and happy. They also purr during tense or traumatic moments. When suddenly and violently injured, even at moments near death, a cat will often purr.
I've often likened this to saying, "Please don't hurt me any more. I'll be good," but recent studies have put a more scientific spin on this seeming anomaly.
It seems that the measurable Hertz of a cat's purr lies between 25 and 150. Coincidentally (or not) it has been found that sound frequency in this range can stimilate bone growth and healing. ¹
That cats have remarkable endurance, and are quite stoic to trauma is well known to veterinary professionals; it is not unlikely that this instinct to purr under duress is directly related.
Purring under stress has more colorfully been described as the cat's mantra, e.g., a self-soothing, self-healing, relaxing, vibrating sound (sort of like the Ommmm one might hum while in the lotus position. Notice the vibration in your lips, nose and throat? I bet most of us, if we had our "druthers," would much rather be able to purr!
2007-03-15 11:29:58
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answer #2
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answered by RaeOLyte 3
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The obvious answer is to show contentment. As is often the case, the obvious answer is only partly true. Purring signals a friendly social mood. It can be given in times of great stress to signal a need for friendship or as a thankyou for friendship given. Kittens often purr while suckling. This lets the mother know that all is well and the milk is flowing. The mother may purr right back, letting the kittens know that they are safe and the mother is relaxed and cooperative.
2007-03-15 09:41:59
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answer #3
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answered by SA Writer 6
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It turns out that cats have special wiring! The wiring travels from the brain to the muscles in the voice box, and this wiring is able to vibrate the muscles so that they act as a valve for air flowing past the voice box. The muscles work both during inhalation and exhalation, which creates the impression that cats can purr continuously. The air passes through the valve, which opens and closes rapidly to create the purring sound.
2007-03-15 09:44:43
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answer #4
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answered by MomToDavid 5
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It is theorized that cats purr for a couple of reasons. A mom-cat with newborn kittens purrs so that when the lay with her, particularly after feeding, it is a soothing sound and sensation. It makes the kittens feel safe & content. So, any cat that has had a mother (all?) have been taught to purr while they are feeling good. They keep this trait with them the rest of their lives wheather they bare offspring or not. Hey! Besides all of that I love it!
Gerald
2007-03-15 09:58:41
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answer #5
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answered by gervoi 3
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Purring is a form of communication.
Cats will purr when you stroke them, when they've just been neuteured, when they want food, when they play etc. It does not necessarily indicate contentment. My old cat (God bless him) after being neuteured, was purring like crazy even though he was in discomfort. He was just saying "Hey, this doesn't feel so good!"
It's their way of talking. Considering miaowing to be a form of shouting- of REALLY getting your attention! i.e. "GIVE ME SOME FOOD!" "LET ME IN! IT'S COLD OUT HERE!"
I usually judge a cat's mood by their eyes, their mouth, their posture and their tail.
A cat jittering his mouth is usually after attacking something, usually another cat or mouse but sometimes while you play together.
A friendly cat will have a strong spine when you stroke it. If the cat ducks slightly and lowers his tail, he's probably not in the mood for cuddles.
A friendly cat will have slightly soft, but alert eyes. Angry or aloof cats really do furrow their brow or make strong eye contact!
2007-03-15 10:25:53
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answer #6
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answered by midsojo 4
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Cats purr for two different reasons.
The most obvious is to show happiness and contentment.
The second is to comfort themselves when they are frightened or unsure.
I have a book on cats which details all these things.
2007-03-15 09:33:45
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answer #7
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answered by Renee 3
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Kittens learn how to purr when they are a couple of days old. Veterinarians suggest that this purring tells ‘Mom’ that “I am okay” and that “I am here.” It also indicates a bonding mechanism between kitten and mother.
2007-03-16 00:56:04
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answer #8
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answered by "Linda" 2
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there are 2 theories on this, one involves activation of nerves within the voice box. these nerve signals cause vibration of the vocal cords while the diaphragm acts as a piston pump, pushing air through the vibrating cords thus creating the purr.
The other theory is that purring comes from virating blood vessels.
2007-03-15 10:31:27
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answer #9
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answered by dream_eagle2 1
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i was watching a show on animal planet, they said noone knows the exact reason why cats purr. of course we all think it's because they are happy
2007-03-15 09:34:12
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answer #10
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answered by angela s 4
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