Have you always wondered why Cats purr? I have so I researched it to find out more!
Nothing is more peaceful than a purring cat in your lap. There is something soothing about that vibration. Did you know that cats purr as a form of communication? Did you know that purring helps cat stay healthy? It’s true! But HOW do they purr? No one is certain exactly why cats purr, though there are a number of good guesses.
How do Cats Purr?
A cat’s purr begins in its brain. A repetitive neural oscillator sends messages to the laryngeal muscles, causing them to twitch at a rate of 25 to 150 vibrations per second. This causes the vocal cords to separate when the cat inhales and exhales, producing a purr.
Communication:
Just as we use our larynx to vocal cords to talk and communicate, cats purr to communicate in their own way. This is especially true of kittens. Kittens can purr when they’re only a few days old. It’s probably a way to let their mothers know where they are or that they’re OK. Purring also helps a kitten bond with its mother. Mama cats use it like a lullaby.
It Heals Them:
Scientists believe that cats also purr to heal themselves.
Frequencies between 24-140 vibrations per minute are therapeutic for bone growth, pain relief and wound healing. She recorded a variety of cat purrs, including those of domestic cats, ocelots, cheetahs and pumas, and discovered that the animals’ purrs all fit into the range for bone regeneration.
In addition to repairing bones, there’s also evidence that the series of vibrations caused by purring can repair muscles and tendons, ease breathing, and reduce pain and swelling.
It’s Helpful for Healing Humans Too!
Purring isn’t just good for cats though — it’s also healthy for cat owners. Studies show that cats do a better job of relieving stress and lowering blood pressure than other pets. In fact, a 10-year study at the University of Minnesota Stroke Center found that cat owners were 40 percent less likely to have heart attacks than non-cat owners — and purring might play a role in that.
A Cat’s Purr isn’t always from Happiness:
Purring can also be a distress signal. Cats will also purr when hungry or worried.
As it is a form of communication, it is up to us cat-lovers to discern exactly what our feline friends are trying to say. Whether they are hungry, scared, or just happy to see us — there are usually clues to indicate, and it’s our job to be attuned to those clues
This post is the first in a new series- Fun Fact Friday! If you have a topic, let me know in the comments below.
Why do you think your cat purrs? Let us know in the comments below!
Find out more info here:
Mother Nature Network – Wired.com – Bustle.com
Here are some products that your cat will love and they even may make them purr!