Cat’s are Purrrrrfect

For animal guardians, hearing a cat’s purr is a magical thing we share with our feline friends. When you arrive home it’s lovely to hear them purr, especially if it means they are happy and content.

However, just like humans when they laugh, for example, it can mean many things like they are nervous or happy. The same can apply with a feline. Just because they are purring, doesn’t mean that they are necessarily happy, there could be a number of reasons.

Knowing your cat and looking out for their health and welfare is an essential part of being an animal guardian.

The most common reasons why a cat purrs are that they are happy, content, scared, sick or even injured.

A purr can release their natural analgesics (endorphins) which can help reduce pain during the healing process. Their mothers purred while giving birth and nursing her kittens, creating a wonderful bond.

Some older cats will purr to show they are friendly to other cats.

Their vibrations can often remain a mystery, but in general, it means they are content or happy. Some may purr for different reasons like they are injured or frightened. In some cases, it can be shown that it’s stimulating bone regeneration.

Just like high-impact exercise promotes bone health, bones respond to pressure by making themselves stronger. Often where these animals would lie about in the wild waiting to hunt, they will purr to help stimulate bones to avoid them becoming brittle or weak.

Purring is a form of communication, the low-frequency vocalizations are often associated with positive social situations like grooming, relaxing and being friendly.

The purring noise happens through their larynx and diaphragm muscles. The diaphragm pushes air between the vibrating vocal cords and creates the purr. A cat’s purr is controlled by their central nervous system, and they purr when inhaling and exhaling.

It can also be a way to self-soothe, especially when they are in a stressful situation.

Some may even purr whilst lying next to an injured animal, which could help to calm them, these are truly amazing animals.

It is so important to understand a cat’s purr. Paying attention to why it’s happening and what it leads to, is vital.

If you cat isn’t purring…

There can be a number of causes as to why your feline might not be purring. Here are just a few but always seek advice from your vet if you are worried or concerned about your feline friend.

Laryngitis

A lack of appetite and no purring could possibly signal Laryngitis because swallowing food and making sounds can become more difficult. If you are worried or concerned always speak to your vet.

Anxiety

If a cat is nervous or has anxiety, they may stop purring. Being in a new environment or with other animals can sometimes cause this. If you are worried or concerned always speak to your vet.

Injury

When they are injured they can purr, however, if you don’t see any signs of this speak to your vet.

Fear

Felines can become scared and begin to shake and stop purring. Always approach them slowly and carefully to help them relax and calm down. If you are worried or concerned always speak to your vet.

Mature cats

As a feline gets older sometimes their purrs naturally reduce or even stop. However, if you are worried or concerned always speak to your vet.

Happy Purring!

If you are ever concerned or worried, always seek advice and help from a veterinary expert.