What Does It Mean When A Cat Purrs?

There’s something uniquely soothing about the sound of a cat purring. As they snuggle up in your lap, the soft, rhythmic vibrations seem to communicate contentment and trust. But have you ever wondered why cats purr? While it may seem like an expression of happiness, purring is actually much more complex.

The Mechanics of Purring – How Cats Purr

First, let’s understand how cats purr. While the exact mechanism has puzzled scientists for years, the current consensus is that purring starts in the brain. A repetitive neural oscillator sends signals to the laryngeal muscles, causing them to twitch at a rate of 25 to 150 vibrations per second (Hz).

As the muscles move, they open and close the space between the vocal cords during both inhalation and exhalation. This results in a continuous sound that we recognize as purring.

Most domestic cats, as well as some wild cats like cheetahs and bobcats, have the ability to purr. However, larger cats such as lions and tigers do not purr in the same way. Their vocal cords are structured differently, allowing them to roar instead. Purring, then, seems to be a characteristic that has evolved in smaller cats.

What Are Some of the Reasons Why a Cat Purrs?

While purring is commonly associated with happiness and relaxation, there are actually several reasons why cats purr, and not all of them indicate that a cat is content.

Below are some of the main reasons cats purr:

1. Contentment and Relaxation

The most common reason a cat purrs is contentment. When your cat is curled up on your lap or in a favorite spot, purring is a clear sign that they are feeling relaxed and safe. Kittens start to purr when they are just a few days old, and it helps them bond with their mothers during nursing. This behavior continues into adulthood, so when your cat purrs while being pet, it is likely that they are expressing affection and trust.

2. Purring Can Promote Self-Healing in Cats

One of the more interesting theories about purring is its potential healing properties. Studies have shown that purring can have a therapeutic effect on cats. The low-frequency vibrations associated with purring are thought to promote healing by reducing pain, improving bone density, and aiding in wound recovery.

Cats often purr when they are injured or ill, which may be their body’s way of speeding up the healing process. This self-healing aspect of purring could be an evolutionary adaptation that helps cats survive injuries and trauma.

3. Cats Purr to Promote Relief for Stress and Anxiety

Cats don’t just purr when they are happy; they may also purr when they are stressed or frightened. For example, some cats purr at the veterinarian’s office, where they are likely feeling anything but relaxed. In these cases, purring could be a self-soothing mechanism.

Just as humans hum or fidget when nervous, cats sometimes use purring to calm themselves down in stressful situations. The act of purring may help regulate their breathing and reduce anxiety similar to how we might take deep breaths to calm down.

4. Communication with Humans

Cats have a unique way of using purring to communicate with their human companions. In some cases, cats will purr in a way that signals they want something, such as food or attention. Some cats use a "solicitation purr" that tends to be higher in pitch and frequency than normal purring.

The solicitation purr is more difficult for us to ignore and closely resembles the frequency of a baby’s cry. Essentially, cats have learned that this particular purr triggers a caregiving response in their humans, making it an effective tool for getting what they want.

5. Bonding with Other Cats

Purring is also a form of communication between cats. Mother cats often purr while nursing their kittens, and kittens, in turn, purr back. This creates a bond between the mother and her offspring and helps keep them calm during feeding. Even in adulthood, cats may purr when they are near other cats that they are comfortable with, which indicates a sense of safety and connection.

Why Do Some Cats Purr More Than Others?

If you’ve spent time around different cats, you may have noticed that some are more vocal and purr more frequently than others. This variation in purring behavior can be attributed to several factors:

1. Personality and Breed

Just like humans, cats have distinct personalities. Some are naturally more vocal and affectionate, while others may be more reserved or independent. Cats that are more social and enjoy human interaction tend to purr more often, as they seek to communicate their happiness and contentment.

Breed can also play a role—certain breeds like Siamese and Ragdolls are known to be more talkative and affectionate, and as a result, may purr more frequently than other breeds.

2.  Well-Socialized Cats Purr More than Others

Cats that have been well-socialized with humans from a young age often purr more. They learn that purring elicits a positive response from their owners, like petting or attention, and will use it as a form of communication. Additionally, a cat’s environment can influence their purring habits. Cats in a stress-free, loving home may purr more frequently compared to those in a more stressful or isolated environment.

3. Individual Preferences for When to Purr

Just like some cats enjoy being pet while others prefer solitude, individual preferences also dictate how much a cat purrs. Some cats may purr constantly when they’re near their favorite humans, while others may reserve their purring for specific moments, such as mealtime or relaxation. There is no single "right" amount of purring—each cat has its own unique style of communication.

Does Purring Benefit Humans Too?

Beyond the many benefits purring has for cats, it also has potential advantages for humans. The sound of a cat’s purr has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even promote relaxation in people. Cat owners often describe purring as one of the most calming and enjoyable aspects of having a feline companion.  I certainly love and feel relaxed when my kitty purrs right next to me as we sleep!