Why do cats purr ?

Why do cats pur ?

Cats purr for various reasons, not just to express happiness. While purring is commonly associated with contentment and relaxation, cats may also purr out of fear, anxiety, pain, or to soothe themselves and aid in healing. 

Purring can serve as a form of communication, bonding, and self-soothing mechanism for cats. The act of purring involves a unique neural oscillator in the cat’s brain that triggers the vibration of air over the laryngeal muscles, resulting in the distinctive purring sound. 

This behaviour can be observed in different contexts, such as when a cat is relaxed and happy, bonding with their kittens or human companions, signalling their location to their mother, in pain, or comforting themselves. 

Additionally, purring has been linked to potential healing properties, as the low-frequency vibrations generated by purring may aid in bone regeneration, tissue repair, and pain relief, contributing to a cat’s overall well-being and recovery.

Do all cats purr?

No, not all cats purr. While most domestic cats purr, there are exceptions, and some cats may not purr at all. Feral cats, for example, are less likely to purr than domestic cats, possibly due to differences in their vocalisation habits and communication needs. 

Additionally, individual cats may have varying purring behaviours, with some cats purring loudly and visibly, while others may purr almost silently, making it challenging to detect their purring without physical contact to feel the vibrations. 

Therefore, while purring is a common behaviour in many cats, it is not universal, and some cats may communicate their feelings through other vocalisations, body language, or behaviours instead of purring.

Breeds of cats that don’t purr

Yes, there are breeds of cats that are less likely to purr or may not purr at all. Breeds like the Russian Blue and the American Shorthair are known for their quiet demeanour and are not as likely to purr as other breeds. 

While purring is a common behaviour in many cats, individual differences and breed characteristics can influence the likelihood of purring in cats.

Some reasons why a cat might not purr

Some reasons why a cat might not purr include:

1. Breed Characteristics: Some cat breeds, like the Russian Blue and the American Shorthair, are less likely to purr compared to other breeds.

2. Individual Differences: Cats are individuals, and some may simply not purr as often or as loudly as others. This can be due to their personality or individual vocalisation habits.

3. Health Issues: Cats with health issues, such as dental problems or respiratory infections, may not purr due to discomfort or pain.

4. Stress or Fear: Cats may not purr if they are feeling stressed, anxious, or fearful. In such cases, purring might be replaced by other vocalisations or behaviours, such as hissing, growling, or hiding.

5. Ageing: As cats age, they may experience changes in their vocalisation habits, including a decrease in purring. This can be due to age-related health issues, such as arthritis or cognitive decline, which can affect their ability to purr.

Can a cat stop purring at some point in their life?

Yes, a cat can stop purring at some point in their life. There are several reasons why a cat may stop purring, including:

1. Satisfaction: Cats may not purr when they are completely satisfied with their situation. Some cats will purr and show affection until they get what they want, like food, and then stop purring once their needs are met.

2. Illness or Injury: A cat might stop purring if they are feeling ill or injured. While some cats may purr in response to stress or pain when unwell, they commonly stop purring all together until they feel better. Signs of discomfort, such as whining, lameness, vomiting, lethargy, or sensitivity to touch, may indicate an underlying health issue that needs veterinary attention.

3. Ageing: Ageing cats may change their habits as they grow older, and some may reduce the frequency of their purring. Older cats may prefer using their energy for essential activities like eating and playing rather than purring. However, it’s also possible that some cats may purr more as they age.

Therefore, if a cat stops purring suddenly or shows changes in their purring behaviour, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Can a cat’s purr be a sign of a medical condition?

Yes, a cat’s purr can be a sign of a medical condition. While purring is often associated with happiness and contentment, cats may also purr when they are in pain or under stress. 

This purring may actually increase in a cat experiencing pain. Therefore, if a cat seems unhappy in their other behaviour and body language, but is purring, the purring may be pain-related. 

Additionally, changes in the frequency, volume, or pattern of a cat’s purring can be an indication of an underlying medical issue. It is important to observe a cat’s overall behaviour and consult with a veterinarian if there are any concerns about a cat’s purring or health.

Can a cat’s purr be a sign of anxiety or stress?

Yes, a cat’s purr can be a sign of anxiety or stress. Cats may purr when they are nervous or stressed as a form of self-soothing, similar to how humans might squeeze a stress ball or meditate. 

This type of purring is often higher pitched than a contented purr and may be accompanied by other signs of stress, such as showing teeth or panting. It’s important to consider the cat’s overall body language and behaviour to determine if the purring is a sign of happiness or stress.