Why Do Cats Purr? Check Out These Purrific Facts!

Listen to this post as a podcast with Sandie lee and Professor Proissant.

Cats and purring go together like peanut butter and jelly. This purrfectly normal vibration is one of the many great things about our feline friends.

But did you know there are some cool facts behind the “purr?”

Check it out!

Want to have some extra fun? Click on the purring while you read all about this awesome cat action.

Why Do Cats Purr?

dog-paw-print-rubber-stamp_196469Newborn kittens are born blind and deaf, so the vibrations of the mother’s purr help her kittens find their way to her for nursing, care, and warmth.

animated-cat-image-0065

dog-paw-print-rubber-stamp_196469Cats that are ill or stressed will purr to help relieve their pain and anxiety. In fact, science has discovered that cat’s release feel-good endorphins when purring that helps them feel better.

dog-paw-print-rubber-stamp_196469Cats purr to get a positive response from us such as being petted, talked to or fed. They also purr when they are content and feel safe.

Purring Fun Fact: Did you know the purr of a cat can reach from 25 to 150 vibrations-per-second?

animated-cat-image-0285Why Don’t Some Cats Purr?

* Kittens learn many behaviors from their feline family; purring may be one of them. So some kitties don’t purr because they were separated from their litter too soon.

* Cats that have a sore throat may be reluctant to produce a purr since it comes from their throats.

* Although cats will purr to relieve their anxiety, it can also cause them to stop purring.

* If your cat has been injured, it may not feel like purring.

* Some kittens will purr up a storm, but as they age, the purring may decrease or even stop altogether.

* Cats that are very frightened will run away and hide and yes, stop purring. In the wild when a cat is in hiding it has to be very silent, so your cat may just be “staying safe.”

Purring Fun Fact: Did you know science believes the purr is produced by blood flowing through a large vein in the feline’s chest cavity?

The purring sound is amplified by the air in the windpipe passing through two folded membranes known as ‘false vocal cords.’

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How to Make a Cat Purr

If you didn’t know already, here are some ways to get Kitty’s motor running.

animated-cat-image-0081Favorite Treats. Every cat has a favorite treat whether it be a bit of cooked chicken or a processed nibble. To get your cat to purr, give him a super tasty morsel. Happy and content cats may just purr to get more of what they desire.

Gentle Grooming Sessions. Does your cat love to be brushed? Then engage her in daily grooming sessions to bring out that happy purr.

Chin Rubs. Most felines can’t resist the under-the-chin scritch. If your cat loves this action, do so when she is relaxed and more apt to appreciate the attention.

Soft Blankets/Beds. Cats love to lie in the sun on a soft blanket or bed. If your kitty doesn’t have a special place to call her own, then place a soft item where she likes to spend most of her time. Who knows? She may just be so pleased she’ll purr and knead her way into beddie-bye-bliss.

A Warm Lap. If your cat crawls up onto your lap, gently stroke her fur and allow her to relax. She may find your gentle touch, and soothing words is all she needs to give you a purry response.

Is your cat a purrsie-pants? Does she purr so loud you can hear her in another room? Let us know in the comments section. We love our feline friends!

Categories: Animals, Science

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