Purring is a magical, soothing, and common cat sound that, for years, has bewildered scientists, pet owners and feline advocates alike. How and why cats purr has been the subject of research, conversations, and studies. Many owners believe their beloved furry family members are expressing love and contentment whenever they make these soft vocalizations while the more studious groups have believed there were other reasons.

While it’s been a puzzle on how the tabby’s make the purring sound, scientists have now discovered that purring occurs when the larynx and diaphragm muscles contract, causing vibrations that result in the soft vocalizations. There are many reasons why kitty’s make this common communication sensation; some good, some bad. Here are some fascinating reasons why cats purr.

Communicate Their Needs 

Cats purr to express their needs and emotions. It’s common to see the furry family member make the soft sound when they are happy and content, but they will also use their vocals to let their owners know when they are hungry, thirsty, stressed, and even frightened. During stressful or highly emotional situations, purring has a soothing effect that helps the feline cope with negative situations.

Life and Death

When kittens are born, they cannot see or hear; they rely on their mother’s soft vibrations to move around and become familiar with their environment. Kittens are unable to meow when they are first born, so they communicate by making soft vibrating sounds. Purring is also part of the dying process. When the kitty cat is dying, the sound soothes and calms the ailing kitty.

Survival

In the wild, cats cannot cry out when they are in pain because they risk attracting their enemies so they make softer sounds. When injured, giving birth or scared, they will make the soft vocalizing sounds as a way to relieve the negative feelings and reduce the pain without attracting predators.

Healing Properties

Purring helps tabby’s heal faster.  The low frequency of purring has been proven to accelerate the regeneration and healing of muscle and bone tissue. Cats heal from injuries or trauma much faster than other similar animals because of the low-frequency vibrations.

Exercise 

Cats sleep 70 percent of the day so they get very little physical activity. The vocal sounds exercise the muscle tissues while they are napping, keeping muscles flexible and agile, bones strong and organs healthy.

Feline family members are wonderful, mysterious and lovable pets that bring much joy to their owners. They express themselves and their needs in many wondrous ways, including purring. Once a mysterious sound, people are finally starting to understand why cats make this soft, vibrating noise.

At Top Pet Gifts, we have many wonderful gifts for cat lovers and their furry friends.