cats purr

[5029]

what creates the purring sound made by cats?  I know they do it when they are content, but what is actually physically happening to create the purr?

[smudge]

Purring is caused by pronounced cyclic & rapid pressure changes in the trachea, that are superimposed upon normal breathing.

[nrmatth]

and cats purr when they are upset too, so don't be fooled with an unfamiliar cat.

[Janech]

They also purr when in pain/injured

[Quizmonster]

Click http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_007.html and read Paragraph 2 for two different theories as to the source of a cat's purr. The truth appears to be that nobody is perfectly sure!

[smudge]

My post is from the words of a qualified vet - I'm sure he would know.

[Quizmonster]

Well, Smudge, if you do a Google search using "How do cats purr", you'll get over 700 websites. Even just looking at some of the sites on the first page of results, you'll find such phrases as..."apparently created"..."scientists think"..."it is believed"..."no one really knows" and so on. Even the ones that seem to provide a definitive answer do not offer the same answer!

All-in-all, the jury still seems to be out on this one, despite the view of the single vet you quote. I just thought the questioner should be aware of the doubts.

[smudge]

Hi Quizzie - I'm not doubting you, I was just informing 5029 of my findings. I'm sure like everything else in life, there will always be conflicting info, just to confuse & keep us on our toes! :+]

[Quizmonster]

Hiya, Smudge. I'm not doubting you, either. I'm sure your vet's opinion is as valid as any other expert's is. Certainly, I'm no authority on the topic and have no axe to grind for one view or another. As you say, however, there just is a conflict of views in this matter. Cheers

[smudge]

That's okay Quizzie - enjoy your evening -x-