7 reasons why cats purr when you pet them

Cats and cats, when they purr, can be a real elixir of health for nervous system disorders, stress and other troubles, and stroking them is a powerful relaxant, especially if you pet them. They calm much more effectively than motherwort and valerian, and their owners, who have earned the love and tenderness of their pets, experience incomparable happiness with these strange sounds that the furry ones make. Why cats purr when you pet them, what lies behind the purring and how you can determine a cat’s mood by sound. It won't hurt to understand the issue.

The science behind a cat's purring

Just like humans, cats have many ways to signal their presence.
These include sounds and body language. Sounds may include purring, screaming, meowing, hissing, and chirping. Purring is distinguished by the fact that it is present throughout the entire respiratory cycle - both during inhalation and exhalation. The facts behind how this is possible are still shrouded in mystery, but several theories have been floated. Here they are:

Theory #1: Vibrating vocal cords

One theory suggests that the source of purring is the muscles of the larynx, whose job is to open and close the space between the vocal cords (the glottis). The muscles receive a repetitive signal from neurons in the cat's brain, causing the muscles to vibrate between 25 and 150 times per second.

One theory suggests that the source of purring is the muscles of the larynx

Rapid expansion and contraction of the glottis causes detachment of the vocal cords. The air exchanged by the respiratory system during inhalation and exhalation vibrates, resulting in purring. This is the leading theory in explaining the phenomenon. The theory is supported by the fact that cats with laryngeal paralysis cannot purr.

Theory #2: Soft palate

Another theory suggests that purring originates in the back of the throat. This region contains the elongated soft palate, which contains skeletal muscle fibers. This theory states that cats can voluntarily vibrate their soft palates to produce purring sounds.

Theory #3: Boiling Blood

This theory suggests that the purring is the sound of boiling blood. The vibrating sound is the result of increased blood flow in the main artery (inferior vena cava). This artery has a narrowing near the cat's diaphragm. The movement of blood through this narrowing results in a rhythmic noise that is amplified by the diaphragm.

Perhaps purring is the sound of boiling blood

This sound travels through the cat's trachea and cranial cavity, resulting in purring. The hair on a cheetah's chest vibrates when it purrs, which indirectly supports this theory. However, when it comes to domestic cats, their chest hair remains dormant when they purr.

Theory #4: Hyoid bone

The hyoid apparatus is a series of small bones that support the larynx and hold the tongue in place. This theory suggests that purring occurs when the hyoid apparatus vibrates.

Theory #5: False vocal cords

This theory views purring as vibrations produced by the movement of air over the false vocal folds. These mucous membranes are located in the vocal box behind the true vocal cords.

Why does he purr when you pet a cat?

Don't be surprised if you pet your cat for a long time and he will start purring. This is connected precisely with receiving positive emotions. The animal likes such stroking, it calms it down. Accordingly, the cat makes a characteristic sound. Sometimes pets can come to their owners, lie down next to them and purr for no apparent reason, even if you don’t pet them. This is connected precisely with the desire to improve health.

Often cats lie down near the area that is sore. Perhaps these are chronic diseases. It is at such places that cats lie down, lean against them and purr. In this way they try to cure their owner. A cat may purr for the simple reason that it is hungry or wants to go for a walk. Accordingly, in this case, the nature of the purring will be different.

Petting the cat

Why do kittens purr?

British scientists have found that cats can purr starting from the age of two days. In this way they signal to their mother that they are hungry or afraid of something. This is a unique way of communication between kittens and an adult cat. We can say that they speak such a unique language.

Thus, the cat often leaves her kittens to eat. If she is in the wild, then approaching her nest, she begins to purr, thereby informing her kittens that there is no need to squeak, she is nearby and is already approaching the house. At the same time, kittens may purr in response. This happens especially often if the cat licks them and cares for them. This is a kind of gratitude, the kittens seem to tell her that they are warm, good and very happy. Zoologists believe that such purring of small kittens stimulates lactation in a cat and provokes it to better care for its offspring.

Cat

As you can see, cats purr for a variety of reasons. If, during prolonged petting, your pet does not purr, but ignores you, you should think about the psychological comfort of the animal. Perhaps the cat is dissatisfied with something or feels negative emotions on your part.

The therapeutic effect of purring

Experienced owners say that cats sense illness, and if the pet always sits on its stomach or chest, you should consult a doctor.

Psychologists distinguish such a concept as feline therapy - a method of treating or preventing various diseases through contact with a cat. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous experiments.

Thus, American scientists have found that when a cat purrs, a person’s blood pressure and pulse normalize. And Russian zoologists have found that cat owners, according to statistics, live several years longer and suffer 20% less from problems with the cardiovascular system.

Today, feline therapy is especially popular for the treatment of diseases such as depression, anxiety, irritability and stress, and migraines.

Educational facts

Some people explain the purring mechanism with other versions. For example, such a sound creates a kind of air flow in the lungs and blood circulating in the veins in a special way, which is subsequently converted into sounds in the head.
It has been found that certain breeds of cats purr more often than others, while others purr less often. For example, Siamese and Thai breeds are considered to purr most often, and breeds such as Devon Rex and Ragdoll are considered the least likely.
If your cat used to purr often, but now for some reason has stopped, then you should think about whether he is comfortable and cozy. Perhaps the cat is showing his resentment or dissatisfaction with something.
Many people, thanks to a cat's purr, seem to calm down and relax. There is an assumption that cats are capable of treating people with their vibrations, for example, from hypertension.
Even cats that are deaf from birth can purr.
It is worth noting an interesting fact that the vibration of the purring sound spreads throughout the cat’s body, so during this process it is impossible to listen to the heartbeat and breathing. In order for the purring to stop, they usually turn on the water, since the sound is very alarming to the cat, and it becomes distracted.

Mr. Cat recommends: interesting facts

Purring is a process unique to the animal world. But among the purring ones there are their own records:

The volume of the rumbling varies in the range from 16 to 100 dts.
The English cat Merlin purrs four times louder than an ordinary pet. The sound is so loud that it drowns out a running hair dryer. Eyewitnesses compare the cat's purring to the sound of a landing plane.
The kitten makes its first “murr” at the age of two days.
The most “purring” country in the world is Australia, where there is a cat for every resident.

Why do cats love to rub against people and objects?

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Why do cats love to rub against people and objects?

We address this article mainly to novice cat lovers, because these wonderful animals often demonstrate, to put it mildly, somewhat strange behavior to their owners. But this behavior is by no means a quirk of your cat; it usually means something! To better know and understand your pet, it is advisable to understand and study everything. Some of the strange behavior of cats is often interpreted erroneously: for example, when a cat begins to rub against its owner's legs, it is believed that it is simply caressing. No: the cunning creature pursues completely different goals!

The importance of smell. Our furry friends have a sense of smell 200 times more sensitive than you and I

So you can put into circulation the stable expression “cat’s scent”, and it will be fair! In addition, cats both transmit and sense pheromones. They are spread by special glands located in the area of the paw pads, forehead, cheeks, chin, lips and tail area. Pheromones are unique for each animal, its unique calling card. The cat will walk by, rub various parts of its body against people or some objects, and mark them - that is, leave its unique scent. Other cats quickly recognize (feel) them and realize: this place is already occupied by another cat who was here before me.

Expressing good feelings. Cat lovers know well that their pets, in moments of pleasant mood, love to rub their faces or even lightly butt their owners with them. You understood everything correctly: and at this moment the cat releases pheromones. But “facial” pheromones have a special effect - the animal calms down, demonstrates affection and friendliness. Sometimes a cat rubs its muzzle against things and objects - this is normal. You and I pet cats, play cuddle games, animals rub against us during petting. It is at this moment that there is an intense exchange of odors. Cats thereby show that we humans completely belong to them and are in their power. And try to argue something!

Means of communication. A cat can send unambiguous hints to its owners - it’s time, dear man, to have some food! In this case, the animal will write out complex steps around the legs of its owners, then, as if by chance, walk to its bowls, demonstrating where to go and what operations to perform. Then he returns to his feet - well, let's go quickly, sloth!

Some cats accompany their unlucky owners to the trays, suggesting that they have long been in need of cleaning and cleaning. Sometimes cats literally launch a frontal attack: that is, they move their foreheads towards their owner, lightly butt them, and then expose their necks. What to do? Of course, scratch and stroke your pet in the most sensitive places!

There are several cats in the house

If you have several cats in your house, then pay attention - they butt and rub against each other in the same way. The essence of the process is the same: animals exchange odors

This is how they feel safe and comfortable - they now perceive the unique smells of their “comrades” exclusively as friendly, “group” ones. Look: as soon as one cat leaves its scent somewhere, another will immediately come up to this place and rub its muzzle.

And finally, the last fact: the cat, when searching for a “gentleman” and attracting him for mating, also uses the appropriate pheromones. Sometimes there are so many contenders for the heart of a furry beauty!

Photo: viralife.ru, lol24.ee (from open sources).

Anatomical mechanism that produces purring sounds

In general, purring is a long, rhythmic vibrating sound that only cats can make.

For a long time, scientists did not know exactly how purring occurs, since there is no separate special organ responsible for these sounds.

The latest and most accurate version is that the sound is produced by the hyoid bones. Electrical impulses in the brain travel to the muscles near the vocal cords, and in turn cause the muscles also nearby to vibrate.

Scientists have found that the average frequency of purring in domestic cats is 20–30 hertz. In this case, the frequency of, for example, cheetahs is 18 hertz.

It is interesting that a person cannot learn to purr, no matter how much he wants to, since people do not have the appropriate structure and do not have hyoid bones. So all that a person can make are certain sounds.

Many representatives of wild cats can also only growl, but not meow. This is explained by the fact that their hyoid bones are overgrown with cartilage, so they can no longer act on the muscles next to the vocal cords.

Which organs are responsible for a cat's rumbling?

Sometimes you may come across the statement that if a cat purrs, it does so either through its nose or through its throat. This is not entirely true: the brain is the main organ that causes cats to purr. Of course, the sounds themselves are produced by the vocal cords, which vibrate due to the movement of the vocal muscles located in the larynx. However, without a corresponding signal from the brain, the muscles will not begin to move on their own. That's why cats never rumble or purr for no reason; there must be something that spurs their brain to reproduce the command to “sing,” for example, seeing a sparrow outside the window or inhaling the aroma of fried fish.

How to understand by sound what a cat wants

The talkativeness of an animal depends on both the breed and individual characteristics. Oriental and Siamese cats are considered the most sociable among breeders. Representatives of the popular British breed also love to “talk.”

Sociability largely depends on the animal's temperament. In the same breed there are both silent people and lovers of small talk.

The dream of any owner of a furry animal is to be able to understand what a cat’s purring means. A cat's purring can be considered a similarity to such a “dictionary”. Scientists believe that the human ear is able to distinguish 16 vocal signals that a cat makes. By about three months of age, the kitten fully masters its vocabulary.

To understand a cat's language, you should listen carefully to the intonation. As a rule, a soothing purr in a calm environment indicates that the pet is happy, well-fed and in a favorable mood. This is how the animal expresses sympathy and gratitude to the owner. Uterine rumbling and even hissing can indicate fear or anger.

If a cat greets its owner with a short “meow” on a high note and then begins to purr, then in cat language this means a normal greeting. If the animal experiences joy when meeting its owner, several such “meows” will follow.

Rumbling with a demanding, prolonged meow most likely means a request. Owners often encounter such sounds when the pet is hungry or begs for some kind of tasty treat. With approximately this intonation, a cat can complain about something.

Purring in this case can also indicate health problems or fear.

Not only sounds, but also body movements, especially the tail, eye expression, and even twitching of the tips of the ears and whiskers are of great importance in mastering the cat language. We recommend reading about how cats see. You will learn about the peculiarities of cat vision, how they see in the dark, the ability to look into the distance, and is it true that cats are color blind?

The benefits of purring for humans and animals

It is believed that a cat’s purring has a beneficial effect on both humans and the source of pleasant sounds. Since the frequency of rumbling sound vibrations is 20-44 Hz, it can stimulate regenerative processes similar to ultrasound.

Cats heal: hugs and purrs help lower blood pressure, normalize heartbeat and cope with stress. A cozy purring cat is especially useful for people suffering from nervous diseases.

A study from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona found that among patients suffering from insomnia, 41% fell asleep better while cuddling a cat.

For the animal itself, rumbling is useful because it promotes the production of hormones that strengthen bone tissue. This is a kind of “gymnastics” that partially replaces physical activity.

A little relaxing purring in the video

Signs

There are many popular signs and superstitions about cats and their behavior towards humans. Here are a few that involve skin-to-skin contact:

If a cat rubs against a person, and he shows reciprocity, in this way the animal transmits positive energy, and, on the contrary, takes away negative energy;
If a person pushes away an animal trying to rub against his legs, he drives away luck, strength, luck;
When a pregnant cat rubs against your legs, it promises a person quick luck, financial gains, and a big win;
If a strange cat comes into the house and tries to rub itself against the residents, walls, floor, this indicates that evil spirits live here;
When a cat tries to rub against a person’s face and warily sniffs the air exhaled by him, this indicates the onset of the disease;
If a dirty, thin, mangy cat wants to rub against a person, it means he or someone close to him will soon get sick.

Felinologists note that a cat rubs against its owner’s legs to leave its own unique scent, show affection, or soothe. It is recommended to encourage the actions of a pet, since an animal that does not receive reciprocal affection will harbor a grudge. Researchers studying the therapeutic effects of pet therapy speak positively about the effect of purring cats and kittens on the human central nervous system and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Purring as communication

Depending on the timbre and volume, the purring of one cat may indicate a demonstration of a social role in front of another. A quiet purr speaks of friendly and peaceful thoughts: for example, a cat thus shows the cat its defenselessness. Loud is a manifestation of dominance.

Many owners note that if someone in the house is sick, the cat will certainly purr supportively over the sick person.

A person is perceived by a pet as an equal member of the pack. A purring pet shows the household its affection, gratitude, or asks for affection. If a cat with a raised tail purrs loudly and sparkles its eyes at a guest or a new thing, this means a demonstration of hostility.

Anatomy

Everyone knows how and why cats meow. But why do they purr? How can a pet make such sounds without opening its mouth? Why do cats purr when you pet them? Experts say that this is due to the physiological characteristics of the cat’s body.

First version

The cat's brain continuously sends signals to the muscles of the vocal cords. Under the influence of electrical impulses, muscle contraction occurs, which causes vibration. If the animal’s mouth is slightly open at this time, it meows, and if it is closed, it emits a purr. There are unusually shaped bones under a cat's tongue. When the vocal cords vibrate, the sound resonates in this apparatus, and we hear a purr. Because of this feature, the hyoid bones are called false vocal cords.

Second version

The next possible cause of purring: it is caused by the movement of air in the lungs. However, this version does not yet have a scientific basis. It has only been proven that an animal can make such a sound both when it inhales and when it exhales. How loud and intense the purring is does not depend in any way on the direction of the air currents.

Third version

Cats can cause the blood that circulates in the vessels of the throat and chest to vibrate. These vibrations resonate in the intracranial sinuses, after which they become sound waves.

Only pets, as well as their small relatives living in the wild, can make such a sound. The thin bones of large predators are covered with cartilage, which prevents them from purring.

How does this happen and where does the sound come from?

It may seem a little ridiculous, but the mystery of a cat's purring has not yet been solved. Scientists around the world have put forward various assumptions about the origin of the cute sound. However, none of them have been proven. Zoologists are still arguing why a cat purrs and in what way.

Photo: There are many theories about the origin of cat purring

The problem is that the organ responsible for the rhythmic iridescent sounds both during exhalation and inhalation is currently unknown.

There is a version that the chirping is created due to the peculiar vibrations of the very fragile hyoid bones located near the vocal cords. Unfortunately, it was not possible to test the hypothesis.

Some felinologists believe that purring is caused by increased circulation in the blood vessels caused by the cat's emotional experiences.

This causes the chest to vibrate. and the throat of the animal. The vibrations are then transmitted to the head and resonate in the cranial sinuses.

Photo: Some theories about cat purring aren't very scientific

In ancient times, there was a misconception that cats allegedly purr with their stomachs. It is unclear how exactly such a strange theory was explained, but it spread widely among people.

There is an assumption that sound vibrations occur in the animal’s lungs during rapid inhalation and exhalation. The air inside the organs begins to vibrate, emitting a bizarre soothing “purr”.

A group of scientists believes that the cat makes such unusual sounds using rhythmic movements of the larynx.

Another assumption is based on the fact that special contractions of the cat’s diaphragm generate purring.

There is a theory that such sounds cause powerful impulses emanating from the pet’s brain.

These charges travel through the central nervous system to the muscles of the vocal cords and activate them. The vibration of the latter during inhalation and exhalation is heard by us as a purr.

But scientists from New Orleans used powerful microphones to find false vocal cords in cats. They are quite soft and elastic, which allows them to vibrate strongly and make chirping sounds.

Main reasons

There are many versions that explain the reason for the rumbling of domestic cats. The following options are recognized as the main ones.

Gratitude. Cats purr when they show gratitude to a person for treats, affection, touches and warmth. In this regard, a barely audible purr is a sign of a contented cat.
Relaxed state. If the pet is in a calm state, then it begins to purr. The same situation can be observed when kittens, sitting in a calm and peaceful state, suck their mother’s milk. Since it is not possible to meow and eat food at the same time, they purr barely audibly.
Showing your emotions. Most people believe that when a cat purrs, it means the cat is singing its song. With the help of different intonation, pronunciation of sounds and vibrations, pets demonstrate their mood at the current moment. This is comparable to people who, in a relaxed state, begin to hum certain tunes to themselves.
Conversations between kittens and mother cat. With the help of rumbling, little children tell their mother that everything is fine with them, they are full and satisfied. This indicator is important among wild felines, since parents can often leave their children alone when going hunting.
When self-medicating. If a cat is sick or stressed, it begins to purr to find peace and restore the state of its body. With the help of vibrations produced by cats, blood circulation processes are improved, which improve metabolism. Purring helps cats warm up or calm down. At such moments, it is better not to touch your pet and let him recover on his own.
Before bedtime. When an animal is about to sleep, it may purr quietly. Thanks to uniform vibration, he is able to find calm and tune in to sleep. Scientists have conducted studies in which it was found that when rumbling, it is impossible to hear breathing and heart rate, since the vibrations are strong in their manifestation. Due to this feature, pets get a good night's sleep.
Demonstration of hunting instinct. The rumbling can be heard at the moment when the animal is watching a bird through a window or watching a fluttering leaf in nature. With the help of such manifestations, the animal shows its interest in objects.
Demonstration of self-defense. A cat may purr loudly if it senses danger. It is better not to touch an animal that is in this state, as you may encounter the fact that the pet may bite or attack.
Feeling of fear. With severe fear, manifestations of an exciting rumbling may be observed. This suggests that it is better not to touch the animal or, on the contrary, it feels defenseless and needs protection.
The goal is to get something. If a pet wants to receive a treat from its owner, then it begins to purr. In most cases, this technique works flawlessly, and the cat gets what he wants.
Disease. Rumbling may indicate illness. In this case, the animal will produce loud and restless sounds. If this behavior occurs, you should contact your veterinarian.

Cats can purr for any reason. However, only very attentive people who care about their little friends are able to understand the true reason for this behavior, and they carefully monitor the well-being and mood of their pet.

Why do cats purr?

Not long ago, British scientists determined that cats can purr in order to improve their health or cure their owner, possibly another pet. Sound therapy has been known for a long time. It’s not for nothing that sick children are played classical music. The actual process is almost the same.

British scientists in a study found that the sound of a cat purring is observed in the range of 20-150 hertz. Moreover, from 20 to 140 - this purring is therapeutic. It has been found that such purring heals bone tissue, promotes restoration of the body, and also cures diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

White cat

What are the benefits of a cat's purring for humans?

A cat in the house is a living anti-stress. In any case, many owners are sure of this. Indeed, the purring of an animal is very calming and even lulls you to sleep. But cats are also real healers. Let's list what miracles they can create only with the help of their purrs, based on research by Californian scientists:

Cat sounds, usually made at a frequency of 27-44 Hz, help strengthen bone tissue;
Frequent communication with domestic cats is indicated for people suffering from nervous disorders;
Regular listening to cat songs helps strengthen the immune system, which means it prevents frequent illnesses;
The sounds of purring improve a person’s cerebral circulation, normalize blood pressure, and calm a rapid pulse;
The purring of cats can help people addicted to alcohol or drugs to go through the rehabilitation period more easily;
Purring pets treat gastrointestinal diseases of their owners (gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers, etc.);
If, while purring, the cat also releases its claws, this can be regarded as an almost full-fledged acupuncture session (claw therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, cures gynecological problems, stabilizes blood pressure, relieves swelling and improves skin condition, promotes weight loss, etc.).

Well, truly, a cat’s purring is beneficial for humans. Not only is cat singing itself therapeutic, but scientists have also proven this: children who live in the same apartment with a cat are less likely to develop asthma. It is believed that animal allergens have a preventive effect on the development of respiratory ailments in children, provided that the child communicates with a cat from an early age (up to 2.5-3 years). In addition, happy owners of cats live on average 4.5 years longer than people who do not have purrs or other animals in their homes.

Why do cats purr next to humans?

Cat owners will always confirm that there is nothing more relaxing than sitting with their pet on a chair to the ringing accompaniment of purring.

We are accustomed to the fact that the only reason for such sounds is happiness and are often surprised when an animal makes such sounds supposedly for no reason.

However, cats are full of mysteries, which are not always easy to solve. In fact, these animals have many reasons for purring.

The cat conveys to her kittens that she is here to calm and protect the children. The babies respond by purring to show that they are happy and well-fed.

Photo: a cat communicates with kittens using purring

Also, with the help of a kind of “cipher”, pets can establish relationships between each other, invite them to various games, greet each other, and in case of a dispute, show reconciliation.

With the help of rhythmic chattering, animals express many emotions and feelings:

joy and peace;
feeling of pain and weakness;
anxiety and fear;
stress;
needing something and showing gratitude;
love and care;
interest in something.

Photo: Merlin and Smokey - the loudest purrs on the planet

Did you know that in 2013, an English cat named Merlin from Devon became famous as the loudest cat. His purr is about 100 decibels, and the average for ordinary cats is 25!

Merlin's chirping drowns out the noise of the hairdryer and dishwasher. Before this, the Englishwoman Smokey was considered the loudest cat, losing only a few decibels to her fellow countryman. Many people who personally met her compared her purring to the noise of a landing Boeing.

When you pet them

Cats love communication and affection, so it is extremely important to give them attention. Particularly gentle pets literally demand to be petted or carried. In such sensual moments, cats begin to purr loudly, showing how happy they are and how much they love you.

In such sensual moments, cats begin to purr loudly, showing how happy they are and how much they love you.

Photo: cats purr when they are happy

Scientists explain purring during petting by the fact that among the ordinary hairs in pets’ fur there are small whiskers (similar to antennae, only much thinner and shorter), which, when caressed, bend slightly and send pleasant signals to the animal’s brain.

Crushing with claws

You've probably noticed that purring pets have a habit of kneading their paws in the air, the blanket, or their owner. Many people find this behavior funny and cute.

Photo: stamping paws and purring - a pleasant childhood memory

Usually, kneading with claws is accompanied by a loud rumbling. The fact is that when stroking, the pet remembers its mother, who also cared for and protected it.

The instinct to move their paws has been preserved since childhood: kittens showed with similar movements that they want to eat. Naturally, pleasant childhood memories evoke only happiness.

Falls on the owners

Cats can show the utmost love and care by periodically laying down on a person. Various reasons are also attributed to such behavior, even quite dubious ones, for example, the desire to control and dominate the owner.

In fact, cats feel safe when they are with part of their family. And many pets simply enjoy spending time relaxing with their loved one.

Photo: lying on a person, cats show their love and care

Their warm fur warms them, and the purring that accompanies sleep with the help of vibrations normalizes blood pressure, relieves nervous tension and heals bones and muscles.

Rumbling is a sign of peace and more

Many of us believe that since a cat purrs, then everything is fine. But, unfortunately, such uterine sounds are not always a sign of pleasure or satiety. Let's see in what cases you can hear a cat purring:

Possessive rumbling

Rumbling as a sign of pleasure from communicating with a person

– almost all cats purr when they are petted, but suddenly stop doing this when they get tired of the owner’s touch;

Rumbling as an attempt to help yourself

– sometimes a cat purrs like a tractor if something hurts. So, a pet may well purr, licking its wounds after a collision with a neighbor’s dog. A cat can purr during a fracture caused by a fall from a height, during childbirth, or during an exacerbation of any chronic illness. It's sad, but sometimes animals purr even before they die, perhaps trying to calm themselves down;

Purring as a signal of calm for kittens

– if you watch a nursing mother and her cubs, you will notice that the cat moves her paws and purrs when the kittens suckle her milk. Rumbling at such moments is necessary for babies to feel safe;

Rumbling as a sign of a peaceful attitude

– sometimes cats can purr in front of each other. They do this in order to demonstrate goodwill to other individuals;

Rumbling as an accompaniment to sweet slumber

– cats cannot purr in their sleep, but during rest and dozing they can purr quite well. Especially in situations where a delicious lunch has been eaten and there is no threat around;

Rumbling as an anticipation of something good

– our pets begin to purr when they anticipate that something pleasant or tasty is waiting for them. So, a cat can easily start “singing” loudly if he sees that the owner is sitting down in a chair (it’s time not just to watch TV, but also to pet the cat!). Or you can hear the purring of an animal that has seen and felt that the owner has begun to cut up fish or meat in the kitchen;

Rumbling as an attempt to cure the owner
- many owners know that cats can predict a person’s mood, and also feel when a person is not feeling well. For example, if a cat owner has a heartache, then the pet can easily lie down on the cat’s chest and begin to purr and rumble. This is how the animal tries to help the owner cope with pain.

So, there are many reasons for a cat’s purring. But how can you recognize when an animal makes such sounds from pleasure and when from pain? It turns out that cats always purr in different ways. Thus, a loud rumbling at a frequency of about 50 Hz may indicate that the pussy is trying to cope with the pain of a fracture or dislocation, and a rumbling at a frequency of 100 Hz or more may indicate that the animal is suffering from some kind of chronic disease.

In addition, the vigilant owner will be able to notice the state of ill health by other alarming symptoms in addition to loud rumbling: elevated temperature, upset stool, vomiting, limping, and so on. And if an animal purrs quietly at a low frequency of up to 35 Hz, closing its eyes and tucking its paws under itself, then it is probably in calmness and in a good mood.

Purring mechanism - how do cats purr?

For a very long time, many zoological scientists struggled with the mystery of the organ responsible for a cat’s purring.

The rumbling is associated not so much with the internal organs of the cat, but with its brain activity.

For many years, research on animals led to nothing, until one of the scientists put forward a hypothesis according to which rumbling is associated not so much with the internal organs of a cat, but with its brain activity. And indeed, the animal’s brain sends certain impulses to the body, as a result of which this enchanting sound is heard.

Where does the sound come from?

The cat's hyoid bones interact with the vocal cords to produce a purr.

But the question still remained open, which organs are responsible for the physical transmission of sound in space.

The answer was found just a few decades ago - the thin hyoid bones of a cat interact with the contracting vocal cords as a result of a signal received from the brain. It is this interaction that creates such amazing sounds that the animal can use at its discretion.

Purring phenomenon

Throughout the history of mankind, the cat has accompanied us. Tens of thousands of years ago, the inhabitants of the Middle East tamed the wild steppe cat, and since then it has become a symbol of the hearth and home.

Due to its special unusual sound, in ancient times this animal was a symbol of fun and play, but in the Middle Ages the mysterious essence of purring began to be considered devilish and sinful.

Modern cat lovers know that their songs are not sent from heaven or hell, but are the result of a physiological process. It is not entirely clear which organ is responsible for sound; only one thing is clear – sounds are produced consciously and controlled by the animal itself.