A Cat’s Purr

Behind every post there is a black and white cat trying to sit on my keyboard, purring away as he sabotages me. This got me thinking how and why do cats purr? Well, I did the research and here is what I found.

How do cats purr?

Purring is a low continuous vibratory sound made by members of the Felid family. It is produced when a cat’s laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles vibrate producing a consistent pattern during inhalation and exhalation. These muscles function as a valve (allowing movement of a fluid in one direction only) which creates the purring sound that has the range of 25-44 Hz but can extend to 150 Hz. This frequency applies to both domestic and wild cats.

Fun fact there is no scientific name for purring, but synonyms include droning, humming and murmur.

Why do cats purr?

Purring is an instinctive form of communication that starts as a kitten. Kittens begin purring a few days after being born to tell their mother where they are and to help during feeding time. As they grow older purring reflects their emotions. These emotions are not just happiness or relaxation but also include nervousness and hunger.

Scientists believe that cats purr to relax in stressful situations, as the vibrations regulate their breathing and soothe tension.

~Stay Curious~