Why do cats purr?

[natalie_1982]

I don't just mean physiologically, as in how the purring occurs, but why cats purr to show us they are content but other animals don't. Granted, humans smile and dogs do to an extent, as well as wag their tails, but I can't think of any other animals that so obviously show their affection than a cat does when it purrs? What is the purpose?

[wolf63]

Cats purr to keep you awake at night.

[daffy654]

This is a question that many animal experts have pondered for centuries.None has come up with a definite answer. I have had cats that purred when angry. The cat is a mystery to us all............thats why I love them.lol

[aka pixi]

hi nat, I have no idea why they do it but cats purring and little uns laughing are two of my favourite sounds in the world.

[natalie_1982]

Thanks for your answer ladies :-)

Agree with you both pix and wolf - hearing them purr is so comforting and lovely, yet when my smallest one sits on my shoulder at 4am doing it she sounds like a motorbike and I can't say as i appreciate so much then LOL

[pollythecat]

~I have six cats at the moment and have had many others over the years and there are no two alike in terms of the tone, loudness, softness etc of their purrs. But like the others I find it the most comforting sound in the world and love it when one is cuddled up with me in my bed like a gently vibrating hot water bottle.

I have even had ~(and still got) cats that purr and meow at the same time - what's that all about?

[natalie_1982]

My big tabby purrs when he eats; he weighs 18lb (he's part maine-c00n) but despite the size difference my little moggy who only weighs 4lb has the loudest purr out of all 3 and sounds like a motorbike!

[andy-hughes]

As daffy advises, experts do not know with any certainty either whu cats purr, or indeed how exactly they make the sound.

Most cat owners know and enjoy the fact that their cat will purr to indicate pleasure, but cats have been known to purr in pain, and even when dying, so the mystery goes on.

[gallapunk]

Yes, both my cats purr when they're happy, but one of them also purrs when we take him to the vets! You can tell he's scared, but he's purring. Also, when he has an injection, his eyes roll up into his head and he 'swoons' against my shoulder. The first time he did it, the vet was really worried, thought he was having a reaction, but he does it every time; guess it's just his way of getting some more attention, bless.

[Batterseadog]

I've heard that it is also something to do with digestion as well as mood

[Misty77]

My cats purr when they're happy or contented - particularly when they're cuddling up to me. One of them sometimes purrs when he gets excited or if we're playing a game :) My Mum told me that she'd once read the sound of a cat purring is theraputic. I personally find it quite relaxing, call me a little odd if you like !

[persianlady]

I find the purring therapeutic as well. One of my cats sleeps with me. He stops purring when he is asleep but starts again if you disturb him. I thought it was just him, but all my cats stop when fully asleep. They all sound different though. I am sure I could tell them apart just from hearing their purr.

[Panic Button]

Apparently they also purr when in severe pain.

[pastafreak]

My young boy has a very sloppy-sounding purr...as if his nose is blocked and he is gurgling!!