Why do cats purr? 4 reasons to know more

The Mysterious and Fascinating Purring of Cats is much more than just a simple sound. This relaxing sound is not only one of the ways cats show their happiness, but it also has a series of surprising motivations beyond mere feline pleasure. In this article, we will explore four main reasons why cats purr.

What is Purring?

Purring is the rhythmic and resonant sound produced by a cat’s body, with a frequency ranging from 25 to 150 hertz.
This sound is generated by the activity of the laryngeal muscles and vocal cords. The laryngeal muscles rapidly contract and relax, causing the vocal cords to separate during breathing, which produces the characteristic purring sound.
Some cats purr both while inhaling and exhaling, maintaining a continuous and constant sound. But what is the reason behind this behavior? Let’s find out!

1) To Communicate with mummy cat

One of the first instances in which a cat begins to purr is right after birth. Kittens purr to communicate with their mummy cat.
Purring allows newborns to signal to their mother that they are well and helps strengthen their bond.
This behavior continues even as they grow, demonstrating that purring is not just a kitten’s instinct but a lifelong communication tool.

2) As a Sign of Happiness and Well-Being

In general, domestic cats purr when they feel safe and relaxed in their environment. This often happens when they are comfortably resting in their favorite spot, surrounded by their favorite humans and familiar objects, or even when it's time to enjoy their favorite food! The purring sound in these moments indicates a state of well-being and tranquility.
Another common moment when cats purr is when they are being petted. This reassuring sound is a message that the cat is enjoying physical contact and feels completely at ease. Just like with their mother, petting not only stimulates purring but also strengthens the bond between the cat and its human. Not surprisingly, as explained in our article “Cats and Science: Three Research Studies Explaining Their Behavior,” cats form strong attachments to people, just like dogs!

3) To Reduce Stress and Promote Relaxation

Another reason why cats purr is stress reduction.
Purring emits vibrations at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz, which, according to various studies, are known to have calming properties: they can relax muscles, reduce tension, and even lower blood pressure.
For humans, listening to a cat purr can be a natural way to relax and improve well-being. But this is also true for the cat itself: our feline friends often purr in situations that might be stressful for them, such as during a vet visit or when encountering new animals or people. This suggests that purring is also a natural self-soothing mechanism.

4) As a Healing Mechanism

Purring is not just a communication tool, a sign of happiness, or a way to reduce stress. Cats also purr when they are injured or sick. This behavior has been interpreted as a self-healing mechanism.
The frequencies of purring can promote bone health, reduce pain, and accelerate wound healing. Interestingly, some cats purr more frequently during periods of illness, suggesting that this behavior may have significant physiological benefits.