If you've ever wondered why cats purr, you might be surprised to learn that there are several reasons and that purring can even work as a calming agent for humans! Every cat owner has heard that cute cat noise they make from time to time. Usually, a cat's purr appears when they are receiving affection on our lap. But a loud purring cat can alsoarise when they are alone.

This cat behavior is all the more curious because cats purr for a variety of reasons: it can be either a cat purr of satisfaction or hunger! If you want to know why cats purr and what cat purring means, check out the following article!

Cat purring: a natural behavior of felines

The noise that cats make and which intrigues us so much is still a matter of doubt for many researchers. But one thing that can be affirmed is that the noise, which is almost a cat's growl, is a natural instinct of felines. The cat purr, in fact, is not just a characteristic of domestic cats. The origin of the sound comes from their ancestors and, to this day, other felines - such as the lynx and the cat - are still around.cheetah - they make that noise too!

Cats learn to purr from an early age, with some studies showing that this is possible from the second day of life onwards. The main theory as to why kittens purr is that the noise is a way of getting the mother's attention and making it easier for her to find the kittens when it's time to suckle.

Still, it is the mother who teaches them the act of purring. As kittens are born blind and deaf, the vibrations that the cat emits are essential not only for the survival of the kittens, but also to establish communication between the pets in the first days of life. In other words, cat purring is a natural behavior of the kitten.

What does a cat's purr mean?

Many people don't really understand what a cat purr is or how it works in practice. In the cat's anatomy, the purring noise is produced when the feline pulls air in. It is the opposite of a roar, which is when the animal expels air with great force. Studies show that a cat's purr comes from the throat. It comes more specifically from the contraction and dilation of the glottis, movements thatpromote a release of air which, when passing through the area, produces the noise.

But why do cats purr anyway? Cat purring is usually emitted to express feelings, whether good or bad. Most of the time, cats making strange noises are showing pleasure and satisfaction. However, studies have proven that loud cat purring can also indicate fear, stress and nervousness.

Why do cats purr after all? Here are 6 reasons why

In addition to understanding why a cat makes a noise when it breathes, many owners also wonder what it means when their cat purrs. As there are different explanations for the "cute" noise, it is important to assess the situation carefully. Below, we have put together 6 reasons why cats purr.

1) Cat purrs when it receives affection

There's nothing cuter than when a cat purrs when receiving affection from its owner, demonstrating comfort and trust by cuddling or "fluffing" its guardians. Cat purring demonstrates happiness at being there - and is one of the clear signs that a cat likes you. Still, it's important to know where cats like to get affection to have this effect.

2) Cat purrs when hungry

The kitten making a noise is a way of helping the mother to breastfeed. Similarly, hunger may be one of the reasons why cats make a strange noise while eating or when they want the human to fill the food bowl. With this purring, cat just wants to be fed, so it is worth checking if there is food in the feeder.

3) Cat purrs after a stress crisis

Cats often make strange noises after experiencing stressful situations. In these situations, the cat purrs to calm itself down. It is as if the vibrations are therapeutic for them, so it can be common when the guardian takes the cat to the vet or when the animal is subjected to some change in routine. The stressed cat may also have other behavioural changes.

4) Cat purrs when exploring environments

Some cats purr while exploring new environments. In this case, it is common to hear the cat purring very loudly, much more than in other situations. This is because felines take pleasure in venturing to a new place - and as a result, the cat's purring becomes very noticeable.

5) Cat purrs when sleeping

It is believed that the vibration of cat purring aids bone growth during sleep. Scientist Elizabeth von Muggenthaler - a bioacoustics researcher - says this is because the frequency of cat purring is between 25 and 100 HZ, which is a therapeutic healing frequency. Therefore, the noise of purring cat would have bone regeneration power in the sleep cycle of felines.

6) Cat purrs when feeling pain

Purring can also be a sign that the cat is in pain or has some discomfort. This may be related to the fact that the noise of the purring cat has therapeutic capacity. That is, the vibration would help the feline's defensive system to act and heal itself. That is, cats purr to recover.

Why doesn't my cat purr, should I worry?

As cat purring is a natural feline behaviour, it is common for most cats to do it. But then, why doesn't my cat purr? If you have a feline that doesn't make the classic cat noise you don't have to worry because there are cats that don't purr at all. This situation is common in those kittens that did not have their mother around in the first days of life.

Remember how we explained that cats making strange noises start at the kitten stage to get their mother's attention when nursing? If the mother was not present, it is common for this instinct not to manifest itself, since it was not stimulated. Moreover, even if the mother was present, it may happen that the purring cat noise does not exist or is very quiet. These are normal situations that do not meanthat there is something wrong with your pet.

When a cat purrs, even humans benefit

Cats purring when we pet them is not only beneficial for the kitties, but for humans too! The cat purring noise is a way to relieve stress and studies show that the benefits of having a cat are numerous, and can even reduce the chances of heart attacks and heart disease. This is related to the frequency of the cat purring vibration that we explain. Its ability totherapy is not restricted to felines, as humans also benefit from it.

Cat purring has a great impact on the health of humans, as it helps to calm and strengthen the body. The cat is practically a personal therapist! Whoever has the pet and develops the feelings of affection and love, also benefits from the "healing power" of the purr. In addition, due to the bond that cats and their guardians are able to form, the owner begins to identify thewhy your pet purrs and how to calm them down when the sound shows fear or stress.

Cat purring a lot sometimes needs attention

Most of the time, a purring cat does not pose any danger. However, it is important to note how often it happens and especially if there are other symptoms involved. Since one of the reasons why cats purr has to do with pain and discomfort, this can be a warning sign in some cases. This means that if the animal is sick or debilitated in any wayway, it will need to undergo an assessment with a trusted veterinarian.