Why Do Cats Purr? Exploring the Reasons Behind This Unique Behavior

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Written by Austin S.

Updated: January 25, 2025

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A cat’s way of behaving and communicating is more challenging to understand than a dog’s. Cats communicate in several ways. The most common way that cats communicate is by purring. However, there is not much known about this method of communication. Purring in cats is believed to be partly spontaneous and voluntary. 

Humans and animals have different ways of expressing contentment. Humans smile, and dogs wag their tails. It is general knowledge amongst cat owners that cats purr when they’re happy. Yet this is not the only reason they make the soft vibrating sound associated with purring. As a cat owner, you might never know exactly what your cat is trying to convey with its purr. However, it’s possible to make a guess when you analyze the situation surrounding the purr.

Why Cats Purr

Most people assume that a cat only purr when happy, but this is not the case. Cats purr when they are happy, stressed out, or want to calm themselves. Some cats even purr when they are injured or scared. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why your cat purrs.

Contentment 

You’ll often observe that cats purr in environments where they feel relaxed and safe. When your cats sit on your lap and you begin to pet them, you’ll hear the soft vibrations of their purrs as they express contentment. Your cat may even purr when it is drowsing because it feels happy and comfortable.

Close up of abyssinian kitten cuddling bearded man's nose. Tenderness, friendship between human and cat. Pets care. World cat day. Selective focus.
Cats commonly purr when they feel safe and content.

Stress or Fear

Scientists theorize that purring can act as a defense mechanism in cats. It can be a way for them to stay calm and comfort themselves in stressful situations. To know if your cat is scared or nervous, observe its body language. When your cat is scared, you’ll notice it has flattened ears and wide eyes with huge pupils. It is during this moment that you might notice it purring to calm itself. A cat’s purr in distress can be likened to a human humming when nervous. 

Pain Management

Purring is a way for cats to manage pain and soothe themselves. Most female cats purr during labor to relieve the pain. The purr can be a way for them to calm down when they’re hurt and communicate long enough for you to notice. If you notice your cat purring more loudly than usual, ensure that your feline friend is not in pain.

Communication Between Cats

Purring can be a way for a cat to greet a familiar cat. It is also a way for kittens and their mothers to communicate and form a bond. Kittens are born deaf and blind. They remain like this for around two weeks. However, kittens begin to purr a few days after birth. They do this to help their mothers locate them and signify hunger. Purring also helps a female cat bond with its kitten, not unlike a lullaby.

Healing

Scientists believe that a cat’s purr can stimulate healing in the cat. A cat purrs at a frequency of 25Hz. This low-frequency vibration is similar to the one used to promote muscle strength and stimulate bone growth in humans. The vibration from purring can help reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, heal wounds, and even offer pain relief. 

To Signify Hunger

Your cat may purr to let you know it’s time for you to feed them. Researchers believe that cats have perfected a purr to get them fed sooner. Instead of meowing, they make a “solicitation purr” to get you to do what they want. The purr has a higher frequency which can communicate a sense of urgency that’s hard to ignore.

Hungry cat with green eyes standing in front of empy bowl looking up
Cats may purr at a higher frequency to get their owner’s attention.

How Do Cats Purr?

Now that you understand why cats purr, you might be wondering how they purr. Scientists believe purring is triggered by a signal from the cat’s central nervous system. As the cat breathes in and out, vocal fold muscles in the larynx vibrate. This causes the small hyoid bones that support the larynx and the tongue to resonate, producing the familiar purr.

Can Other Animals Purr?

Domestic cats aren’t the only animals capable of purring. Smaller wild cats such as bobcats, lynxes, ocelots, pumas, cheetahs, and some panthers can purr. Close relatives like mongooses, civets, and genets can also purr. You might be surprised to note that even raccoons, guinea pigs, and hyenas can purr. 

Larger wild cats that can roar cannot purr. This includes tigers, lions, jaguars, and most leopards. Scientists believe this is because big cats’ hyoid bones are made are made of tougher cartilage. The more rigid structure isn’t flexible enough to allow purrs, but it’s rigid enough to produce loud roars.

Purring Can Help Humans

Research has shown that the vibration from a cat’s purr can lower blood pressure and relieve stress. So humans can reduce the risk of heart-related disease thanks to their cat’s purr. Although it has not yet been proven, some believe purring can ease the pain of migraines and improve respiratory issues.

Cats purr for a wide variety of reasons. They might purr to soothe themselves in painful or stressful situations, or they may purr to express contentment. It’s important to pay close attention to your cat to decipher what its purr is saying. Knowing the reason behind your cat’s purr can help you better communicate with your cat and strengthen your bond.


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About the Author

Austin S.

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

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