Learn the meaning of the Why do cats purr? how science creates the purr, why it makes them feel comfort and become happy, and how it changes the communication of cats, their healing process, and happiness.
Cats are very interesting animals as they are very fond of playing games, their graceful dance, and cozy purr. You are not the only one who may have ever wondered, why do cats purr? One of the most familiar behaviors of domestic cats is purring, and researchers are still working on the secrets of this type of behavior. This paper will discuss the science of cat purring, the various reasons why cats purr and what it tells us about our feline companion.
What Is Cat Purring?
Cat purring is a vibrating, low, and continuous sound that is mainly produced when exhaling although some cats purr during inhaling. This voice is produced by the cat through sending rhythmic messages to the laryngeal muscles (voice box) through the cat brain, which causes the vocal cords to vibrate. The vibration lies between 25-150 Hertz a range that has been reported to have healing effects on tissues and bones.
Although some people think that purring is something that makes one happy, the motive is so much more than mere happiness. Learning the reason cats purr can make you closer to your fluffy friend and be able to read their temperaments more correctly.
Why Cats Purr: Not a Simple Happiness.
Differs to common opinion, cats do not purr exclusively when they are relaxed or happy. The primary motives of cats purr are as follows:
- Communication
Purring is a type of communication cats use, when they communicate with people and other cats. The purring of kittens begins only a few days after birth in order to get in touch with their mother in order to inform her that they are safe and eating well. Purring is also used by adult cats to attract attention or show affection and the cats tend to rub themselves against their owner during purring.
- Self-Healing
Among the most interesting purposes of cats purr is the fact that the cats can be useful in healing. Research indicates that the frequency of vibration during purring helps in increasing bone density and joint health as well as regeneration of tissues. When cats are injured or in pain, they tend to purr, which can draw the healing process in a much faster manner and lessen pain.
- Stress Relief and Relaxation.
Cats are habitual and stressed animals especially in new or unfamiliar surroundings. Purring may act as a self-comforter tool to enable them to remain calm. On the same note, a purring cat is usually soothing to the human being; hence the mutually beneficial nature of this behavior.
- Soliciting Care
Certain cats have a special form of purr called a solicitation purr to get the attention or food of their owners. This purr has a slight difference with a satisfied purr since it contains an element of high pitch, which causes nurturing feelings to human beings.
- Showing Dissatisfaction or Disease.
Not all purrs mean happiness. Cats purr occasionally when they are frightened, ill, or suffering. This is a reminder that, as a pet owner, you are expected to be attentive to the context and the other types of behavior- like hiding, loss of appetite or lethargy to decide whether your cat is in need of help or not.
The Science of Cats Purr: How Cats Purr.
The precise way in which purring works has been a mystery to scientists over the decades. Here’s what we know:
- The brain passes on repetitive neural signals to the muscles of the larynx.
- These muscles are vibrated at 25-150 times in a second and these vibrations are the ones that make the vocal cords vibrate.
- Air goes through the vibrating vocal cords and creates the usual purring sound.
Interestingly, cats purr at will and against their will, which is to say that they can purr when, at the same time, they can stop doing so, and purr can be an unconscious activity, as in the case of sleep.
Disparities Between Cat Purring and the rest of the vocalizations.
In comparison to the meowing that is mostly targeted at humans, purring is a more multifarious feline communication. It may signify pleasure, suffering or even hunger. It is likely that by looking at the body language of your cat and his/her purr, you might gain a better idea about their emotions.
- Contented Purr: Relaxed posture, eyes half-closed, slow blinking.
- Solicitation Purr: Mixed tone with high-pitched sounds, often paired with rubbing against you.
- Pain or Stress Purr: May be accompanied by hiding, tense body posture, or vocal distress signals.
Fun Facts About Cat Purring.
- Not All Cats Purr: You would not expect big cats such as lions and tigers to purr, but some of them may purr-like.
- Purring Heals Humans Too: Purring a cat can reduce the stress, blood pressure and anxiety levels in human beings.
- Purring Is Contagious: Cats have the ability to react to the purr of other cats demonstrating a complicated degree of social interaction.
Shear the Cat: How to get her to Purr.
Although cats purr on their own, you may make them feel secure and happy to purr:
- Gentle Petting: The majority of cats purr when petted on their favorite areas such as on the head, chin and back.
- calm and quiet place: avoid loud sounds or sudden thuds, which may upset your cat.
- Quality Time: Have fun and play to build up the emotions.
- Comfortable Spaces: Provide cozy resting areas where your cat feels secure.
Conclusion
Learning to explain the purpose of cats purring gives you an idea of what complicated things and desires your kitty has. Purring is not merely used in expression of happiness; however, it may be a sign of communication, curing, relieving stress, or even requesting care. With the help of observing the cat behavior and its purring, you will be able to better respond to the needs of your cat and increase the human-feline bond.
When your cat sits on your lap and you can hear that soft rumble, next time you think of biology, emotion, and communication: it is an amazing combination, and that will be one of the reasons why cats make such incredible companions.
Also read- Best 7 Eco-Friendly Pet Grooming Products : What to Look for
