How Do Cats Purr?

Cats are fascinating animals, and they are frequently kept as pets by individuals. The theories behind why cats purr are varied. Some individuals think that cats purr when they are happy, and others think that cats purr at more random times. Yet, what are some of the more scientific hypotheses for why cats purr.

There is no conclusive answer for why cats (and other animals) purr. It should be noted that cats do not only purr if they are happy or content, although that is one time that cats will purr. Cats have been known to purr in a variety of different situations, including when they are in pain. Thus, one has to dispel the myth that cats purr when they are happy.

One theory about why cats purr is that they purr when they are trying to create a friendship, or when they are trying to get a specific desire or a specific intent across. For example, if a cat is around someone that makes the cat nervous, it might purr at an attempt to create a friendship with the individual. This hypothesis supports the idea that cats purr when they are trying to show that they aren’t threatening.

However, cats have been observed to purr even as they are in extreme pain or suffering. Another theory believes that the act of purring actually releases endorphins for the cat. Thus, when the cat purrs, it’s actually soothing itself rather than attempting to make another individual at ease. In support of this hypothesis is the fact that the frequency of a cat’s purr (discussed above) can also encourage the growth of bones, and thus healing.

Cats Purr

Most scientists believe that cats purr using their vocal folds.

Cats dilate and constrict their glottis quickly by using their vocal folds and the muscles located in their throat. The glottis is considered both the vocal chords and the space between the vocal folds. This dilation and contraction causes vibrations as the cats breathe in and out. These vibrations create the purring noise that a cat produces.

It should be noted that the above is a hypothesis of how cats purr. However, a number of electromyographic studies have supported this hypothesis, and the explanation behind purring is generally accepted by the scientific community.

There are other explanations behind the purring mechanism of cats. Another theory believes that cats are able to purr by vibrating the blood vessels in their throat. Yet, another theory states that purring occurs by activating nerves in the voice box. The nerves then signal to create vibration within the vocal chords, and the diaphragm sends air through the chords.

Definition of Purring

Zoologists define a purr as a sound that frequently sounds similar to a buzzing noise. However, purrs differ between cats, and not all cat purrs sound the same. Cats (both domestic cats and wild cats such as tigers or lions) usually purr in different frequencies, and this distinguishes one cat’s purr from another cat’s purr. The majority of domestic cats purr in a range of frequency from twenty five to one hundred and fifty vibrations in a second.

Other Animals that Purr

One fact that is not commonly known is that cats are not the only animals that purr. In fact, there are a number of other animals that purr. Raccoons have been observed purring, as well as rabbits and squirrels. Gorillas usually purr as they are consuming food. Furthermore, elephants and ring tailed lemurs have all been recorded purring. However, purrs are frequently associated with cats.