Purring is a distinctive sound made by cats to communicate. But have you ever wondered why your cat isn’t purring? In order to understand this, we need to delve into the mechanism and physiology of purring.
Purring Physiology
The exact process of how cats produce purring sounds is not fully understood. However, the prevailing theory is that when cats inhale and exhale, the vibration of their vocal cords creates the purring sound. Purring involves a complex coordination between the brain, larynx, and diaphragm.
Interestingly, not all big cats can purr. Lions, for example, lack the ability to purr, while cheetahs, pumas, ocelots, servals, and tigers can purr. This is thought to be due to differences in the structures surrounding their larynxes.
Why Do Cats Purr?
Traditionally, purring has been associated with contentment and affection in cats. It is often seen as a learned behavior to elicit more affection from their owners. However, purring serves various purposes and benefits for cats:
- Newborn kittens, who are blind and deaf, rely on the vibrations of their mother’s purring to locate her and nurse.
- The specific frequency of a cat’s purr has therapeutic effects on bone growth, pain relief, and wound healing.
- Cats also purr when they are in pain or under stress. Purring may release endorphins, helping them feel calmer and less anxious. However, it’s important to note that if your cat is displaying other signs of unhappiness despite purring, there may be an underlying issue.
Benefits of Cat Purrs for Owners
The frequency of a cat’s purr has been shown to have positive effects on the well-being of cat owners. Cats are often used as therapy animals in hospitals. The presence of a cat, along with their purring, has been linked to:
- Lowering stress levels and blood pressure.
- Accelerating the healing time of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in humans.
- Aiding in the recovery from infection and swelling.
- Reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Having a cat, or any pet for that matter, has been proven to be a positive influence on mental health.
Reasons Your Cat May Not Purr
While it is common for domestic cats to purr throughout the day, there are instances where they may not purr. Some cats have quieter and less obvious purring tones than others. Cats that are scared, lacking confidence, stressed, or new to a home may take longer to feel comfortable enough to start purring in the presence of their owners.
While it is uncommon, there are cats that simply do not purr. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it may be due to subtle anatomical differences in their larynx. In such cases, cats find alternative ways to communicate, such as changes in body language or facial expressions. If your cat has previously purred regularly and suddenly stops, it could be a sign of stress or an underlying health issue that should be examined by a veterinarian.
Can You Teach a Cat to Purr?
If your cat has never purred before, it is unlikely that you can teach them to do so. Purring is a physical ability that some cats have while others do not. However, certain behaviors can elicit purring in cats that are capable of doing so. Providing a safe and stress-free environment, gentle stroking, cuddling, and building trust can encourage your cat to express themselves through purring.
Other Ways Cats Communicate
Cats have adapted various behaviors to communicate with humans. Meowing is a well-known form of communication that cats use exclusively with humans. Cats develop unique variations of meows to communicate with their human family, expressing different emotions, situations, and desires.
Body language is another way cats communicate. The position and movement of their tails, as well as their overall posture and facial expressions, convey messages about their emotions and needs.
Conclusion
While most cats purr, it is not strange for some cats to not purr at all. This could be due to their physiology, such as anatomical differences in their vocal cords or respiratory system. However, if your cat has previously purred and suddenly stops, exhibiting other symptoms or behavioral changes, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
If you are concerned about your cat’s behavior or health, visit your local Greencross Vets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Cat Purr So Much?
If your cat purrs regularly, it usually indicates that they are experiencing positive emotions like satisfaction and contentment. Cats often purr when they groom, relax, and sleep. However, excessive purring in older cats could be a sign of self-soothing due to stress or an attempt to alleviate pain. If your cat’s purring patterns change suddenly, it’s important to monitor for any other symptoms or behavioral changes.
Why is My Cat Purring in Their Sleep?
Just like humans talking in their sleep, cats purring during sleep is a response to their dreams. If your cat purrs in their sleep from time to time, it could indicate contentment or distress depending on the content of their dreams. Cats commonly purr as they settle into sleep or during light sleep.
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