Purring: Happy Or Scared?

Question

Recently, my friend was over, and I picked my cat up and held him like a baby and started scratching his tummy, which made him purr. My friend then told me that purring is not a happy or content sounds, but a sound cats make when they are upset, she said cats use purring like a "self comforting" technique when they are scared or unhappy, to calm themselves down. Has anyone else hear this? One way, my cat is relaxed and happy and loves me, the other he is scared an upset pretty much 24/7!

Answer 1

Cats purr when they are happy but can also purr when the are in pain. They do not purr to "comfort" themselves. The purr is generated with deep emotion - either good or bad.
However, if your cat was scared or angry when you were petting him you would have the scars to show it. Cats will scratch and/or bite to protect themselves. Also a cat who is scred will have his fur standing up
Sometimes a cat will also start to bite when he has had enough as you may have experienced. You may be petting your kitty who seeems happy and content to be loved this way and suddenly he will push your hand away or take a little gentle bite. You may have just pressed a bit too hard or touvched a sensitive area or... At this time you know to stop and continue later.
It sounds to me that your cat is happy and content and loves you and being petted by you. This is ESPECIALLY true because he lets you scratch his tummy which is a very vulnerable spot. NO ANIMAL will allow his belly to remain exposed if he does not know that he is safe.

Answer 2

Cats purr when they are happy or when they are upset. If the cat did not try to get away from you or act in a negative way, then I would assume that the cat was fine with it. A cat will let you know when to leave them alone!!

My cat purrs every time I am around her, and when she is upset I noticed she has a deeper slower purr, like is she hears a noise outside or if there is a loud noise in the house.

Answer 3

Hi, How are you?
Okay, purring is more complex than people may think. Purring when a cat is sitting, lying or standing with it's tail still is a sign of happiness. But watch out if your cat's tail starts making flicking actions - this may be a sign of aggression, and your cat may scratch or bite if it is not left alone to calm down. This is just your cat telling you it needs some personal space - try stroking it later. I have a friend who's cat does this, and before I knew this, i got scratched and bitten many times.
Hope I helped!
^_^ Sakura^_^
xxx

Answer 4

Cats purr for a variety of reasons. Many of them purr because they're happy or like whats going on (such as when they purr while being pet). Some do purr when they're frightened. Mine only purrs when he's ticked off and is about to try to sink his teeth into the closest bit of flesh he can reach.

Edit to the person below me: I wish mine were growling when he was ticked off! It would have taken us a lot less time to figure out why he acted the way he did. It's a loud, happy sounding purr.

Answer 5

Usually purring is contentment. But sometimes a cat who is in pain will purr too, until he feels better.

I've never seen a cat purr who was scared.

Answer 6

Cats will purr when they are content, and can also purr when they are hurt or frightened. A good way to tell whether or not your cat is enjoying your affection is by their tail. Usually a cat will flick their tail as if they are annoyed.

Answer 7

It's a sign of contentment and love.I have never seen a scared cat at the shelter purr. Never.Maybe she is confusing Purr with a low growl. You would definately know the difference.

Answer 8

My two cats never purr when they are angry or frightened, they only purr when they are lounged out with us getting some good petting...but I have heard some do purr when they are scared too so it can go either way just depends on the kitty.

Answer 9

Don't believe what she said that's like the dummest thing I've ever heard when cat's purr it totally means that they either like you or just purr to show that they love the petting on the stomach it's like an appreciation sign. My cat purrs to get what she want for example when I'm in the kitchen she stars to stretch and purr out loud to get my attention weird but so true.
I've heard there purring is therapy for us humans. Don't know if it's true but I'm sure it is.

Answer 10

both! Cats do purr in stressful situations, but your cat was probably purring when you pet its belly because it liked it. You can usually tell if they are unhappy if their ears are back, and by the look in their eyes.