Do cats purr when they're angry too?

Question

I know for a fact that my cat doesn't like people touching her tail. She would scratch your hand if you do it too often. But she purrs too.

My father likes to disturb her by pulling at her tail and he says that she likes it because she purrs. So now, I want to tell him that she actually doesn't like people touching her tail but when he tells me that she is purring, which to me, would mean that she likes it, I just don't know what to say to him.

Can you guys tell me whether or not cats purr when they're angry too?

Answer 1

As you can see by my screen name, I'm a complete animal lover. So, in turn I actually know A LOT about animals. Cats do purr when they are mad, I've read it in cat magazines, books, and websites.

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In my opinion, I think they purr when they're mad to trick you so they can turn around and smack you anyway, but I don't know if that's a fact- I'm just assuming it from experience.

Answer 2

Do Cats Purr When Angry

Answer 3

The reason cats purr 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.

How cats purr:
One study determined that purring involves activation of nerves within the voice box. These nerve signals cause vibration of the vocal cords while the diaphragm serves as a pump, pushing air in and out of the vibrating cords, thus creating a musical hum. Some veterinarians believes that purring is initiated from within the central nervous system and is a voluntary act. In other words, cats purr only when they want to.

The other theory is that the sound comes more from vibrating blood vessels than in the voicebox itself. The larger the vocal chords the softer the purr whereas the smaller the louder.
Source: http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement10...

The Scientific Reason WHY cats purr:

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.

Answer 4

I have two cats at home. One of them NEVER purrs. The other one is always purring. Yes cat's do purr when they are angry. They also purr when they are happy, in pain, whatever. Tell your dad that the cat really doesn't like it and what he is doing is mean. Good Luck!

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Do cats purr when they're angry too?
I know for a fact that my cat doesn't like people touching her tail. She would scratch your hand if you do it too often. But she purrs too.

My father likes to disturb her by pulling at her tail and he says that she likes it because she purrs. So now, I want to tell him that she actually...

Answer 6

A cat that is angry will growl. But until it gets loud, it might sound like a purr- especially to people whose chief joy in life is to make little critters miserable.

Now, a cat that is in pain might purr. Some people suggest that it helps them relax and start healing faster. I think it might be true: Our family used to have a cat that was as clumsy as could be, and was all the time slamming into door jambs and table legs. One day he did that and it looked like he was stunned. But he was purring when I picked him up. He recovered soon afterwards.

Answer 7

hmm, not sure about that, but my cat just gave birth and she purred the whole time. she wouldn't let me leave her side the whole time, so she must have been scared. so I guess she was purring from a mixture of pain and being scared. i suppose they could purr when angry as well, but i have never experienced.

Answer 8

Im not really sure, but I do know when Cats are sick or are experiencing physical pain, they sometimes purr. but I think purring is more likely to happen when they are content.

Answer 9

Here is an article to read about why cats purr:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question394.htm&url=http://www.petplace.com/article-printer-friendly.aspx?id=944

I know cats purr when they are happy, scared, and sick. Not sure though if they purr when you pull their tail! That's a new one! But, there is no 'normal' behavior when it comes to a cat!

Answer 10

Cats purr when they feel good, but also when frightened, in pain, or angered. Your father should leave the cat alone, and i hope the cat gets him good next time. It's stupid to cross an animal's line.