We all have shared a blissful moment with our feline friend, where they nap on our lap and we’re pampering them on the couch. Then we suddenly feel and hear them vibrate, a sweet harmonious hum, music to our ears. It makes you wonder why your cat is making that sound? You’d be surprised to know that there are tons of reasons as to why a cat vibrates, read on below to know more about it.
A vibrating cat is pretty normal; it is one of the most known forms of communication between cats and humans. They use it to manipulate us into getting what they want like water, food, or attention.
This vibrating auto setting our cats have is most commonly called a purr. As their owners, we live to serve for the opportunity to hear our cat purr. If you own a cat yourself, you would know the value of them purring and how much of an honor it is when they do it in your presence.
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The origin of the purr
The origin of the purr goes way back, back to when cats used to hunt for a living. They have evolved and learned how to catch our attention in order for us to provide them with food, warmth, and shelter. Now they communicate with us through sounds and body language. Learning how to communicate with humans was an easy sure fire way for them to have consistent meals and a roof over their heads to protect them from the elements. Fast forward to modern day domesticated cats with their blow-dried fur and cat condos. Humans have given them a new lease on life as a domesticated furry companion. The act of purring has brought them far, who can resist a wide-eyed cat purring on your lap as your scanning for a new show to watch on Netflix.
Since the day they were born, kittens have associated purring with positive experiences which is why they purr when being hugged or touched. At a young age, a kitten’s purr acts as a bonding mechanism between them and a mama cat. It is their way of saying “I’m here” or “I need more milk!”. As they grow older, they retain their capacity to purr as one of their forms of expression. There is no solid evidence that a car purrs voluntarily but rather, it is their body’s involuntary response to their emotions. This would mean it is imbedded in their biological code to react this way and we humans have adjusted and understood the meaning behind it, although vaguely. This is because, examining a cats’ ability to purr has proved to be a challenge, the moment a purring cat is inspected they stop. Many scientists believe that purring could either be a result of blood pumping or their breathing.
Fun fact
Fun fact: Purring isn’t limited to just domesticated cats, other species in the cat family also purr. From cheetahs, lynxes’, pumas, bobcats, and etc. General theory is cats that communicate by roaring do not purr and that big cats only purr as a result of breathing.
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Is purring a sign of happiness?
Cats purr for numerous reasons, the most common one being the feeling of happiness and contentment. They also purr when they are afraid or threatened. The purr releases endorphins that help calm or soothe the animal during times of fear.
Cats also purr when they’re injured, it’s theorized that this is because the purr has healing abilities. The frequency as to which the cat purrs is said to promote bone and tissue healing.
Do cats have control over purring?
No, they do not control their purring. It isn’t yet fully understood how a cat purrs but the general idea is, it’s a result from the contractions of their general nervous system when they inhale and exhale or it is an involuntary action generated by their body as a response to a specify type of breathing pattern. Although an unconscious function, people have argued against this by noting that cats no longer purr when they fall asleep.
Do cats purr when they are alone?
There is no specific link to a cat’s purr and to the presence of their human counterpart. Other than communicating with their owners to get their needs, it doesn’t mean they don’t do it when they’re alone. The possibility of cats purring when they’re alone is highly likely
Video: 6 facts about the healing affects of purring
Conclusion
A cats’ purr is one of this world’s many indefinite mysteries. Although we have a general idea as to why they do it and how they do it, we will never know unless we become cats ourselves. Strong theories still stand as to why they purr which include the feeling of happiness, contentment, pain, or fear. They purr when they’re happy, they self-sooth when they are afraid. Knowing the basics as to why a cat purrs will help you as an owner, treat your cat better.
