2007-09-13 19:24:24 · 13 answers · asked by I Am a Purry Christmas Kitten 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
simple answer: yes.
Cats purr for many reasons.
According to Scientific American: Although it is tempting to state that cats purr because they are happy, it is more plausible that cat purring is a means of communication and a potential source of self-healing.
It's all quite interesting. Check our these articles:
http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?chanID=sa005&articleID=0005CB0D-82FC-1E31-82FC809EC5880000
http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement101/a/why_cats_purr.htm
Big cats, too: Purring is a unique vocal feature in the domestic cat. However, other species in the Felidae family also purr: Bobcat, Cheetah, Eurasian Lynx, Puma, and Wild Cat (Complete list in Peters, 2002). Although some big cats like lions exhibit a purr-like sound, studies show that the Patherinae subfamily: Lion, Leopard, Jaguar, Tiger, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard do not exhibit true purring (Peters, 2002).”
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/catspurr.html
I don't personally care about the scientific reasons. I just know that when your cat climbs into your lap, tucks in his paws under himself, and begins to purr, all is right in his world. This is one of the things we love about our cats; that feeling of contentment they share with us. When cats become soft purring bundles of warm reassuring fur, we feel calmer and more peaceful ourselves. We may not always hear that soft vibrating rumble – but we can feel it.
And it makes us feel good. And loved.
2007-09-13 19:39:41 · answer #1 · answered by Copper 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The purr of the cat has always been mysterious. Cats purr when they're content and they can also purr when in pain. I do think, however, that you give the cat pleasure so that could cause the purring. I once cat a cat that immediately started purring whenever he saw me. That seems self-explanatory, doesn't it? You have to realize, too, that some cats seem very stingy with their purrs but can be very happy without purring like an idling diesel truck.
2007-09-13 21:54:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats don't just walk around purring for no reason and they don't purr for other cats. They first purr for their mothers when they are nursing. It let's the mother know that they are getting milk and are content and extremely satisfied. And of course they love their mommies.
When they leave their mothers they purr for us as if we were their mothers. Cats form a unique bond of trust with humans. Purring is a continual solidifying of that bond they have with us, letting us know they are content & feel loved. They purr and take great pleasure when they are near us and when we hold and pet them. Sometime just looking at them will get their little motors running.
Sounds like love to me!
But a cat that feels loved and shows love(purring) can't really help but being a happy cat!
2007-09-13 20:42:13 · answer #3 · answered by Squeek E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three cats. One of them purrs when he is happy and when he is scarred. Every time I take him to the vet he purrs so loud the Dr. can't hear his heart beat. I asked and the vet said that purring is a vibrant sound made by a cat when he is either happy or he could be scared. Depends on the cat, but if your cat purrs when you are holding him, I'm sure it is his way of saying I love you.
2007-09-13 19:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by dreamofjustme 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Purring is a natural vocal sound the cat makes for unknown reasons. Usually most noticeable when the cat is content, but scientifically there is no definite reason why felines purr.
2007-09-13 20:21:50 · answer #5 · answered by flamingo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Purring makes the cat feel good.
When contented, the purring increases the pleasure, when in pain it helps ease the pain and when dying it eases the transition. Yes cats purr when they are dying
2007-09-13 22:25:43 · answer #6 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suspect Both. If he wasn't happy OR didn't love you- what would there be to "purr" about? :)
2007-09-13 19:32:56 · answer #7 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does she follow you around? Does she talk to you? Does she jump on your lap when you sit down? Why don't you play with her, and then give her a treat. That's one way to show her that you love her. Don't force her to be held, but try holding her and petting her, gently.
2016-05-19 01:46:10 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He expresses how happy he is to be with you!
2007-09-13 20:20:19 · answer #9 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both it must really like you i have three cats and i just love that sound i could make a musical but its just showing you that it likes what you what you are doing and it also makes your freindship alot stronger
2007-09-13 19:33:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋