Cats Aren’t the Only Animal that Purrs. These 9 Animals Also Purr

When you think of an animal that purrs, the very first thing that comes to mind is a cat. It’s sometimes hard to comprehend that animals other than felines also purr. Well, there are a surprising number of animals that do. Purring is not exclusive to cats at all. A purr is a tonal fluttering sound made by some animals. It can also sound like a soft buzzing or even a loud grumbling.

A purr is more than just an expression of contentment. Although, sometimes, it’s not even that. It reduces stress, increases blood flow, and even heals bones and muscles. The potential healing benefits of purring are remarkable and span across many different species of animals. Here are nine other animals that also purr.

1. Black Bears

Found in North America, these species of bear purrs. Mother bears use purring as a way to help their cubs relax and to put them to sleep. Bears purring is one way that they communicate. They use different vocalizations with one another. Some of these sounds include jaw popping, moans, woofing, and low grumbles. Black bear cubs purr when they feel relaxed, nurse, or eat special treats. Similar to a cat’s purr, they produce this sound when they are happy and quite comfortable.

2. Dwarf Mongoose

Living in Africa and Asia, a dwarf mongoose makes a very similar noise to that of a cat purring. It is different in that the Mongoose purrs at a different frequency. This gives their sound a unique twist. However, when they purr, they are doing so because they are content and happy.

3. Fennec Fox

So, what does the fox say? Foxes are quite vocal and social creatures. These particular foxes are typically found in the Sahara and live in colonies of up to 10 other foxes. One way that they communicate is through purring. Foxes will do this when they are feeling safe, relaxed, or even cuddling. A mother fox can also produce sounds similar to purr when feeding its cubs.

4. Guinea Pig

Purring is a sound that guinea pigs make regularly. However, an owner will need to learn what the different types mean for their pet. Guinea pigs will not only make this sound out of happiness but also out of annoyance or fear. A relaxed purr means your furry friend is content and happy. But if it is high-pitched, it may be a sign of annoyance. Then, there is a short purr, followed by a motionless guinea pig. This signals anxiety or fear.

5. Honey Badger

A honey badger is a stocky and resilient creature found in Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. These animals have had to learn to live and adapt in many different ways. Honey badgers will often purr at one another as a form of communication. They may also make this sound as a sign of relaxation and contentment.

6. Silver Back Gorillas

It is surprising to hear that a silverback gorilla purrs. But they do. A purr-like sound coming from massive, endangered creatures is almost intimidating. However, gorillas do this while eating, when they are nervous, and when they are happy.

7. Bats

Bats are intimidating creatures and frighten most people. The first thought that comes to mind is bats, vampires, and blood-sucking. However, purring is probably the furthest thing from a person’s mind when they think of a bat. Bats can actually make excellent pets and will often purr in the hands of their owners.

8. Squirrels

Squirrels are very talkative animals. They will purr, whistle, chirp, rattle, bark, and cry, depending on their environment. Purring is one of the vocal alarms a squirrel uses to warn other squirrels. This noise helps get rid of the element of surprise from its predator. Also, like other animals, it could mean that a squirrel is content and relaxed. They can sometimes do this when they are irritated as well.

9. Wolf Spider

Most animals use sound to communicate. Whether it is a howl, chirp, or bark. It is used to tell others about dangers, such as mating calls or even irritation. However, a wolf spider uses vibrations. To a human ear, it will sound a lot like purring. During mating season, a male spider will strum one structure on their body against another. When standing on a surface that is good at conducting vibrations, such as leaves, an audible sound was produced. If a person is nearby, they will be able to hear the sound the spider is making.

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