Cats purring... Why do cats purr?
By Tiamjr
@Tiamjr (435)
July 14, 2009 6:29am CST
I just came across an article that says when cats purr they are actually taking advantage of humans innate ability to care for our own offspring. Personally I think purring is a lovely sound, and yes, whenever my cats purr it does want to make me pet and care for my cat even more...
However, lots of people have debated the purpose of a cat's purring sound for many years, so do you agree with this line of reasoning?
My cats tend to purr just before I am about to feed them and pet them. They seem to purr deeper when they are being petted. They also love to purr just before they fall asleep.
What times of day and for what reasons do you find your cat purrs the most?
I have read that some cats purr when they are scared or being hurt, and purring might be a way for the cat to release endorphins that help them to sooth themselves when they are in stressful situations. So what do you think about this?
You can read the article at http://www.news.uk.msn.com/uk/article.aspx?cp-documentid=148550530
However, lots of people have debated the purpose of a cat's purring sound for many years, so do you agree with this line of reasoning?
My cats tend to purr just before I am about to feed them and pet them. They seem to purr deeper when they are being petted. They also love to purr just before they fall asleep. What times of day and for what reasons do you find your cat purrs the most?
I have read that some cats purr when they are scared or being hurt, and purring might be a way for the cat to release endorphins that help them to sooth themselves when they are in stressful situations. So what do you think about this?
You can read the article at http://www.news.uk.msn.com/uk/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1485505304 responses
@SoftSeller (73)
• Canada
29 Jul 09
I have read this article somewhere else and it talks specifically about a special type of purring, when they want something from us. Sometimes cats will meow to get attention when they want something. But when they want to be a little bit more subtle about it, they use their special purr. I have also read elsewhere that the frequency of a cat purring has the ability to heal and that is why cats purr when they are injured or in pain. I always enjoyed listening to my cat purr when going to bed. All the more reason to get a cat again! (or 2!)
1 person likes this
@Tiamjr (435)
•
29 Jul 09
Yes, I love it when my cats purr when I'm going to sleep. I find it really relaxing. For me, it is one of the most beautiful sounds.
I think the idea that some purring is used by cats to comfort and heal themselves is quite intriguing. Sometimes I wonder if that purring has the same effect on us when we listen to it.
Thanks for your response.
I think the idea that some purring is used by cats to comfort and heal themselves is quite intriguing. Sometimes I wonder if that purring has the same effect on us when we listen to it.
Thanks for your response.
@casinocat (284)
• United States
18 Jul 09
I've heard a few theories on why cats purr. The most recent I read was about the release of endorphins, which could explain why they purr when they seem excited (for food) content (being petted) as well as when they are frightened or anxious (when hurt or sick.) It's really a fascinating mystery!
This morning I woke up to a purr in each ear! Dom cuddling on the right side of my pillow, Kosmo on the left. What a lovely alarm clock! :)
1 person likes this
@Tiamjr (435)
•
18 Jul 09
That is so cute that your cats wake you up like that:)
Mine have a tendancy to poke me in the face if I'm not up in time to feed them.
Yes, it seems purring must have some use for the cat. And the endorphins theory does seem to explain why a cat might purr when it is both contented and frightened, so that is probably one of the best reasons given so far.
However, for whatever reason or reasons a cat purrs, I am glad they do.
Thanks for your response.
Yes, it seems purring must have some use for the cat. And the endorphins theory does seem to explain why a cat might purr when it is both contented and frightened, so that is probably one of the best reasons given so far.
However, for whatever reason or reasons a cat purrs, I am glad they do.
Thanks for your response. @Improbability (140)
• United States
14 Jul 09
I'm beginning to think that cats don't know why they purr. My cat purrs when he's laying on the bed, pawing the blanket, and starring at me. Not petting him. I have seen cats purr while sleeping. I have pet a cat for nearly an hour without a single pip. I have heard the comforting themselves thing as well. In other words, who knows? It's obviously something they do in response to a variety of emotions. Would make it almost meaningless if it wasn't for the fact that I too like the sound so much.
1 person likes this
@Tiamjr (435)
•
14 Jul 09
Yes, it is such a great sound. When I took in Sunbeam (a stray ktten I found) she couldn't stop purring. When I took her to the vet it turns out she was bloated from starvation. I don't know whether she was purring because I rescued and fed her, or whether she was trying to comfort herself from the pain and stresses of life she encountered as a stray. Maybe it is a bit of both. Either way it made me feel protective of her. But then again I would have probably taken her in if she had been mute.
