What Does it Mean When a Cat Purrs?

Cats purr for many different reasons

Traditionally, if a cat is purring, most people assume it must be happy. After all, cats often purr when they are sitting on your lap, to show their contentment. But studies show that cats use purring to express other emotions too.

Getting what they want

Cats who are close to their owners have been observed to use a special "soliciting" purr, which they will keep up until they get what they want. Clever cats have learned that using a persistent purring sound is less likely to annoy their owners than meowing.

Purring as healing

Cats in pain or distress, or even female cats giving birth, are known to purr too. Studies have shown that sounds measuring between 25 and 150 Hertz can improve healing. Cat purrs register in this range, so it is possible that your cat could sometimes be using its purr to alleviate suffering or calm itself down.

Keeping kittens safe

When kittens are born, they are blind and deaf. By feeling the vibration of their mother's purring, the newborn knows that it is close to its source of warmth and food. Kittens start to purr when they are as young as two days old, helping their mother to keep track of where they are.

References

• "Moggies": Cat Behavior
• "BBC News": Cats Exploit Humans by Purring, July 2009
• "Know Your Cat": Why (And How) Cats Purr
• "Scientific American": Why Do Cats Purr?