Cats

[brianwaring]

Why do cats purr. What is the bodily function that makes the sound

[ravenhair]

As far as I'm aware, no one actually knows what causes a cat to purr. You would think it would be something relatively simple, but I'm sure I remember reading that it's one of those things that remains a mystery.

[andy hughes]

Ravenhair is correct - I did some research on this when the question was raised a few months ago. Expert opinion varies from the cat vibrating its chest wall, to vibrating a large artery in its chest, but the truth is, no-one knows for sure. There is equal mystery attatched to the reasons why a cat purrs - they do it to express pleasure, as we all know, but they also do it during delivery of kittens, when in pain, and even when dying. If anyone dowes know the reason, i hope they will advise us here.

[5029]

Don't know how physically they make the sound, but apparently its to give off non-aggressive signals to anyone or anything around them. This would fit in with when they're dying or giving birth

[cupra]

Plus they purr sometimes when angry.... so don't be fooled (the wagging tail is the giveaway!)