08/12/2021
Why do Cats purrâ
And the healing power of catâs purr đť
We don't always know for sure why cats purr, or knead, or meow. But here are some of the most common reasons why your cat purrs and what he might be trying to tell you.
One of the most obvious signs that your cat is loving on you is when they purr contentedly, especially when youâre petting them. Purring is one of many sounds that cats use to communicate with us cats purr because they have something to say, which roughly translated is âplease keep still and pay attention to me.â Kittens purr to persuade their mothers to keep on nursing them, and pet cats purr when they want to be stroked. The vibrations emanating from the purr certainly have a calming effect on people. Yet sick cats will also purr as a cry for help. So purring doesnât always mean âIâm happy.â Some researchers have claimed that the vibrations from purring might help heal bone damage in an injured cat.
How do they purr â
The purr is an unusual vocalization, made by rattling the vocal cords together rather than vibrating them by pushing air past them, which is how catsâand humansâgenerate all their other vocal sounds. Thatâs why cats can purr when theyâre breathing in and breathing out. Most species of wildcats can purr, including the cheetah. The exceptions are the big catsâlion, tiger, jaguar and leopardâwhose voice boxes are modified so that they can roar.
1ď¸âŁ Cats Purr to Draw You In
Because kittens are born blind and deaf, momma cats use purring to lure their kittens closer in order to keep them safe and get them their first meal. Likewise, purring serves to draw you closer to your cat, by getting your attention. Your cat may purr when he needs a little love, for instance. Purring starts days after birth. Kittens purr and knead when they are suckling, and Momma Cat might purr then too. This may be one way kittens communicate the need to continue nursing; Mom will be able to hear and feel the purr. The kitten is sort of saying, "Hey, I am still here. Don't move!" or "I LOVE this!"
2ď¸âŁ Cats Purr When They Are Blissful
Adult cats purr when they are interacting with people, objects, or animals that they love. Or when they are doing something that feels good, such as rolling or rubbing. For instance, your cat may purr when you stroke him. Or she may purr at night when she cuddles up between your feet on the bed.
3ď¸âŁ Purring May Say Your Cat Needs You
Purring can be an "ask" for help. Your cat may be hungry or want your attention. Researchers have shown that astute pet parents can tell the difference between their cat's purrs. Meow-like sounds in the purrs are intended to solicit food. Which sounds distinct from purrs of happiness. Can you tell the difference?
4ď¸âŁ Purring May Be a Sign of Distress
Purring doesn't always equal happiness. Sometimes cats purr when they are afraid, such as during a veterinary visit. This might be a throwback to when kittens purred to solicit help or care from their mother. Likewise, purring may be your cat's way to say that she is in distress and needs some help.
5ď¸âŁ Purring Can Promote Healing
Cats can lower our stress and blood pressure, but purring is also about self-healing. A cat may purr to heal herself. Cats purr at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz (Hz) and exhibit strong purring between 25 and 50 Hz. A catâs purr frequency is exactly 26 Hertz (Hz) This frequency corresponds with the frequency that scientists use in vibrational therapies to promote tissue regeneration. Interestingly enough, these frequencies also correspond with the frequencies used in the treatment of fractures and pain. These frequencies may also assist in muscle growth, flexibility, and wound healing. Your cat may be purring to heal herself. So, theoretically, a catâs purr can help healing.
đBut itâs not just about healing bones, the healing power of cats can work in a number of magical ways:
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Lowering stress â petting a purring cat can calm you
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A catâs purr can decrease the symptoms of dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing) in both cats and humans.
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Lower blood pressure by interacting with the cat and hearing the purring sound
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Reducing the risk of heart disease (cat owners have 40% less risk of having a heart attack)
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Purr vibrations help to heal infections, swelling, bone healing and growth, pain relief, muscle growth and repair, tendon repair and joint mobility
đSo it seems a catâs purr really is magical. In addition to soothing and healing the people around them, cats are actually able to heal themselves, too. A curious animal and a curious noise indeed.
đWhen your cat purrs, the best thing to do is pay attention. Getting to know your cat by watching and listening to his signals helps you bond with each other and deepens your kitty love. đťđťđť