Why Do Cats Purr and How

Well, cats don't talk, but whenever we massage the back of their ears they give out a deep purr that assures us that we are touching the right spot. As often as for the cats, so for their human owners, purring conveys the fact that their pet is in comfort. However, other than communicating with their human owners, cats purr to communicate with each other as well. Still, those that have owned a cat for long and have observed that cats purr not only when they are happy but also when they are in a distressing situation, may just wonder 'why do cats purr and knead' and 'how do cats purr'?

Why Do Cats Purr?
Here are some explanations for the question 'why do cats purr':

I am on Cloud Number Nine
As I mentioned in the beginning, purring is a sure sign that your cat is happy and content. This is the first lesson that a first time cat owner would learn about cat behavior. A cat is also seen purring when she gets her favorite food and when she is happy to see her owner back home. All this just reinstates the theory that cats purr when they are happy and content. A cat may often knead while purring. This is a childhood habit when a kitten while suckling the mother kneads her stomach with its paws to increase the flow of milk. Once it is satisfied, the kitten lets the mother know of it by purring. This is the reason why cats purr and knead when they seem to be happy. Read more on cat behavior: kneading and other strange cat behavior.

Mommy and Kitten Speak
Kittens can purr from the second day itself. As per certain veterinarians the original purpose of purring was for the kitten to let its mother know that it needs her. The mother replies to her kittens' calling by purring back, which is considered to be a way of reassuring the kittens that she is around. When the kittens are very small, they don't can't hear and smell. It's the vibrations of the mother's purr that have a calming effect on them.

I am There For You
A friend of mine who owns a cat told me that he was very sure that his cat understood when he would be feeling low. He said that every time he would be upset, his cat would come to him and purr, as if saying 'Don't worry, I am there for you'.

The Healing Effect
Not only do cats purr when they are happy but they also do so when they are in a distressing situation. Ill and sick cats are often seen purring. A female cat when in delivery purrs. Even while dying, cats are known to purr. Well there is a scientific reason behind this. One theory states that purring is caused due to the release of endorphins in the brain. This substance is released both during pain and pleasure. This may explain why cats purr both when they are in pain, as well as when they are happy.

Another theory that gives solid ground to why do cats purr when they are in stress is the fact, that cat's purr has a frequency that ranges between 25 and 150 Hertz. Research shows that sound frequencies within this range promotes healing and increased bone density among cats. The cats are known to sleep and rest for long. This is an adaptation, for them to preserve their energy. It is possible that purring is another low energy mechanism that stimulates muscle and bone development as well as the conservation of the energy of the cat. So purring does seem to improve a cat's health. Read more on understanding behavior of cats.

How Do Cats Purr?
Now that the probable reasons as to why do cats purr have been investigated, the next probable query that comes to one's mind is how do cats purr? As cats do not have any specialized anatomical feature that would explain their purring, the question as to how do cats purr is again an area of debate. It is most widely believed that purring is the result of the activation of nerves in the voice box. As the brain sends signals to these nerves, the vocal cords start vibrating while the diaphragm pushes air in and out of the vibrating vocal cords. This causes the purring sound. Purring in cats is a voluntary action that is controlled by the central nervous system.

More about:

• Cat Facts
• Fun Facts About Cats.

The cat's amazing resilience in recovering from injuries is credited by some, to the healing effect of their purr. Although there are a couple of theories, more research is required to understand why do cats purr and how do they do so.