Purring cats?

Question

Does anyone know of any reason why a cat wouldn't purr - she is a 1 year old calico, I've had her since she was very young and she very seldom leaves my side except to sleep. She is cuddly and sleeps with me every night, but I am yet to hear her purr - I thought purring was a sign of contentment, am I wrong? She has been spayed, is an indoor cat and gets along with our dog and other family members. I often wondered if she was taken from her mother too soon, but since she is the first calico that I have ever had, I wonder if her strange behaviour if because of the breed. If you know, please let me know. Tks!

I appreciate all your feedback regarding my cat, most are so helpful and I read them all, but, of course, there is always the one that comes from a person who is not really interested in the topic, only in being heard. I asked the question because I was curious as to why she didn't purr. She is a very important part of my life and from the answers I have gotten, I know there are other people out there who feel the same way. The cat is loved (I've lost 2 cats (one 20 years and the other 15 in the span of 2 years) and I don't doubt for a minute that the new one knows how much she is loved. To the person who thinks I should shoot her, maybe you should find a topic that interests you more than cats,

Answer 1

Well my mother in law has a calico and I have yet to hear her purr either. But she's a spoiled and happy as she can be. I wonder like you if it's something to do with the breed. She's an older cat, but even my mother in law said she's never heard her purr either...even when playing or being rubbed.

Answer 2

To begin, calico is a coloring of the fur, not a breed...but that's besides the point. Some cats just don't purr. One of my cats almost never purrs and is perfectly content. It's nothing you're doing wrong, she just doesn't do it. Every cat is different...to prove this point, I have a crazy cat that will purr no matter what is going on, even if she is distressed or frightened. Cats, like people, are all going to be different. Just keep on loving your kitty and she'll keep on loving you back!

Answer 3

My cat Pookie didn't purr for a long time because he had a serious condition called stomatitis that nmade his glands swell. I had to have all of his teeth except his front teeth pulled, and after a round of antibiotics, and a little extra effort, he actually purred for the first time in years, I was so happy, I cried.

Purring is not learned, it is instinctive; however, scientists think it is voluntary. Kittens purr to indicate to the mother cat that they are hungry and ready to feed, mother cats purr while giving birth. Some scientists think that purring may initiate healing on a deep level; it seems that the measurable Hertz of a cat's purr lies between 25 and 150; sound frequency in this range can stimilate bone growth and healing.

Take him to a vet and get him checked out, okay?

Answer 4

Purring is a learned behavior. Kittens learn this from their mother. If she was very young when you received her there is a possibility that she was taken away from her mom too soon. Being a Calico has nothing to do with her purr or lack thereof. She's fine.

Answer 5

I have a female tabby & she rarely ever purrs & when she does it is very quiet. You can barely hear her. I'm not sure why either because I know she is very happy & spoiled. I also have a male siamese that purrs all the time & very loudly. I think he's a nervous purrer. I don't think there's a reason, I think different cats react differently & as long as you can tell she's happy I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 6

It's not cause opf the breed, my calico is always ready with a purr and a big love for us. I agree maybe she was taken from mom too soon or was rejected a bit by her siblings.

Answer 7

Cats naturally purr through there whiskers. i have had two cats and mine both purred but i do read alot on cats. so i am thinking maybe her whiskers are damaged or she just is not happy. or i could be u r right maybe she did get token away from her mom to soon but i recommend going to the vet just to be on the safe side. My cat purrs when you scrach her nose but don't put your hand in her/his face because it scares them reach over the head.

Answer 8

There could be many things that are affecting your kitty. One could be she is deformed. The "purrr" comes from two membranes folds that are behind the vocal cords. Many think that the inhaling and exhaling causes vibrations in the chest cavity, causing the "purrr". Something could be wrond with the folds of her membranes. Some cats have a loud "purrr" while others are faint to hear. Try getting a stethoscope to listen to her chest. You may get to hear it. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Well they learn it from their mother's. If she was taken away to young it could be the reason....maybe she does purr but really lightly. Put your finger on her neck under her chin and see if you feel a vibration there. If you do she is purring you just can't hear it.

Answer 10

i used to have 2 cats, one would always purr, and one would never purr. its just like some people always have a smile on their face, and some people never have a smile on their face, it doesn't necessarily mean they are unhappy! she may cuddle, but some cats just prefer not to purr!