Why Do Cats Purr? Understanding Feline Communication
Cats employ
their purring as part of an extensive communication network which also consists
of vocalizations, nonverbal body language, facial expressions, physical
movements, and behaviors. Purring is a complex form of communication. When you
understand how each signal interacts with the others, you will begin to see that
each purr can have a different meaning.
In this article, I will explain why cats purr, what different types of
purring are used to communicate, why some cats purr while begging for food, and
why purring alone cannot always indicate whether a cat is comfortable or sick.
What Is Purring?
Cats produce a low-frequency, rhythmic purr during many different
activities. For example, cats may purr when they are interacting socially with
people or other animals; when they are relaxed and at ease; when they are being
fed or eating; and in various other circumstances as well.
For decades, scientists have investigated the physical mechanisms by
which cats generate their unique vocalization. New findings reported in Current
Biology (2023) provided additional support for the understanding of the
mechanical processes involved in cat purring and suggested that specialized
structures within the cat's larynx may facilitate the production of the
distinctive low-frequency sound.
In addition to studying how cats physically produce their purring
sounds, scientists are also studying why cats make so many varied types of
purring sounds and what they mean when they purr.
Why Do Cats Purr?
No one explanation for why cats purr is applicable to all cats.
A cat will often make a soft purring sound when it interacts with
someone it knows, when it is relaxing, when it wants to get some
attention, or when it thinks that there might be something good to eat soon.
Additionally, many cats make this same sound when they feel scared, stressed
out, or hurt.
The way I view the act of purring is that it is a versatile means of
communication for cats as opposed to being just a translation device for what
they are saying:
Purr = Happiness.
The way the sound occurs can affect things.
A cat in a relaxed state (i.e., sitting comfortably on someone's lap)
will show a completely different picture than one that may be purring, but is
exhibiting signs of distress such as being hidden, refusing to eat, or acting
out of character.
Therefore, when interpreting a cat's purring behavior, it is important to consider all of the cat's behaviors.
The use of
purrs by cats can be a sign that they feel comfortable.
A common
scenario would be when a cat has a purr going as it relaxes.
The cat might
lie in someone's lap, press against a soft object such as a blanket, close its
eyes, and start to purr. When the cat is relaxed and still acts normally, the
purring can indicate that the cat feels safe while interacting with others.
Cats may also
associate some types of human-cat interaction with positive associations. A
gentle pat, the sound of your voice, your daily routine, a soft bed for the day, and some food; this is what is in store for your cat as he/she becomes
accustomed to being around people every day.
The sound
alone will not indicate whether your cat is content.
The remaining part of the cat's nonverbal communication is very helpful for understanding.
Purring is
part of how cats communicate.
Cats use
various types of signals to communicate with people and other animals.
These include:
• Purring
• Meowing
• Hissing
• Growling
• Ear position
• Tail
movement
• Facials;
i.e., how we look on the outside of our faces (expressions).
• Body posture
• Eye behavior
• Physical
contact
•
Distance/Movement
Therefore, a
cat's communication is far more complex than just the sounds they produce.
Research into
people's understanding of how cats communicate shows that they have a greater
ability to correctly identify a cat's emotional state if they base their
assessment on both what the cat is saying (vocalization) and what it is doing
(visual cues) as opposed to just listening to its voice.
Learning how to watch your cat as a whole animal can be more beneficial than attempting to understand each sound.
The Difference Between a Relaxed Purr and a Requesting Purr. Not every single purr sounds identical.
Cats also use
a different form of purring called a "solicitation purr." It occurs
during periods of time when cats are trying to communicate with humans to ask
for something, such as food.
Research in
the journal Current Biology indicated that certain types of cats make purring
sounds with a higher-frequency element that is similar to a cry. Individuals
who listened to these types of purrs said they perceived the higher-frequency
elements as being more urgent than other purrs.
Cats can use
their persuasive abilities to get what they want; therefore, this could explain
why some cats appear to be particularly persuasive in getting their owners to
feed them.
A cat
requesting food can also use a combination of purring behavior along with
additional behaviors, for example:
• sitting next
to the dog's food bowl
• Looking in
the direction of the owner
• Rubbing
against someone's legs
• Staying near
the kitchen
• To become
more tenacious when it gets close to eating time.
The critical aspect of this relationship is how the meaning evolves through the interaction of both the sound and the behavior.
Yes, cats
can purr while experiencing stress or pain.
Purring can
also be done when animals are experiencing negative emotions such as fear or
stress.
Cat owners
should be aware of this, as it's one of the most critical aspects of owning a
cat.
Just because a
cat is purring does not mean that the cat is well and/or happy. According to
veterinary guidelines, there are times when a cat will purr even though it is
in discomfort and/or pain.
Cats are also
known to mask symptoms of disease or discomfort; therefore, behavioral changes
can be an indicator.
Be very
observant when you notice that your cat has been purring oddly and, at
the same time, is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• hiding more
than normal
• Reduced
appetite
• Unusual
tiredness
• Hesitant to
relocate
Difficulty in
Jumping
• Alterations
to regular sleep patterns
• Avoids
interactions
• Aggression
that is out of the ordinary
• Grooming
pattern changes
• Unexpected
changes to daily schedule.
These symptoms
do not necessarily mean that your pet is hurting; they simply indicate there
has been some change in your pet's life, and therefore the total picture
deserves further evaluation.
A veterinarian should be contacted if you notice that your cat has begun acting abnormally, or if you believe that your cat may be ill or suffering from some type of pain.
The reason
why the cat is purring matters to body language.
To truly
understand why your cat is purring, you must examine the whole context of the
experience.
A relaxed cat
can exhibit:
• A relaxed
body position.
Relaxed facial muscles.
• Soft eyes
• Comfortable
ears
• Normal
movement
• Normal
appetite
Interest in
what is around it
• Standard
interpersonal conduct
When cats are
experiencing pain, they will often act differently than usual.
The animal may
pull back, conceal itself, exhibit reduced mobility, alter its diet, and
respond differently to physical contact.
This does not
mean all changes are due to illness. Cats may alter their behavior based upon
environmental factors, such as stress; unfamiliar individuals; other
pets/animals; or alterations to routines.
The best way to tell when something may be wrong with your cat is to understand what is typical behavior/appearance for your cat.
Do cats
make noise just for humans?
No.
Purring is one
way cats communicate; it isn't only used when communicating with people.
Kittens are
able to create vocalizations that relate to purring very early in their lives.
The communication that takes place between the kitten and the mother is a crucial
aspect of how a young cat grows.
As cats grow
older, they may purr in various types of social or personal interactions.
Cats can purr
when they are with other cats; when they are with people; when they are at
rest; and when they interact with their surroundings.
This is yet
another reason why we do not have one standard translation of the sound a cat
makes when it purrs.
The exact same
sound can be produced under many circumstances, and the environment that is
occurring around the sound provides some of the missing context.
Cats purr
when they're hungry.
Some cats do.
Researchers
have identified a form of purring related to solicitations for food; this type
of purring may include a higher-frequency element that is perceived by humans
as being especially urgent.
Cats
communicate about food using several methods, including vocalizations.
It may:
• Be close to
where it eats.
The dog
follows his/her owner into the kitchen.
• The animal
rubs its body on the owner's leg.
• Vocalize
• Purr
• Keep looking
back and forth from the food bowl
• Begin to
become more determined around the time you eat.
The use of these different types of behavior may function as a way to communicate.
The way
humans learn to interpret a cat’s purr.
Cats have many
ways of communicating. One way is through the different types of sounds they
make. People who have cats as pets can learn to recognize what each cat is
trying to say.
The same cat
can produce a different purring noise based upon what is happening to the
animal. For example, if the cat is relaxing or sleeping, then it might be able
to create a quieter purring noise. However, if the cat is seeking attention,
then it might make a more audible purring noise. Additionally, some cats tend
to be more vocal before being fed.
The
variability of individuals is an important factor.
In place of simply asking:
"What
causes a cat to make that noise?"
try asking:
"What
does my cat do when she's purring?"
Look at:
• The cat’s
physical position.
• Ear position
• Tail
movement
• Facial
expression
• Eye behavior
• Appetite
• Activity
level
• Sleeping
pattern
• Social
behavior
• The event
that happened just before the purring.
Using these clues, you may be able to better understand the background.
A Simple Guide
to Understanding Cat Purring
|
Situation |
Other
behavior you may notice |
What it may
indicate |
|
Relaxing on a lap |
Loose body, soft eyes |
May accompany comfort |
|
Being gently stroked |
Staying close to the person |
May accompany positive interaction |
|
Waiting for food |
Looking toward bowl or owner |
May be food solicitation |
|
Seeking attention |
Rubbing or staying nearby |
May be a social request |
|
Resting alone |
Calm, normal behavior |
Meaning depends on context |
|
Hiding while purring |
Reduced interaction |
Monitor for other changes |
|
Purring with unusual behavior |
Changes in movement or appetite |
Consider veterinary advice |
The table
above is meant to be used as a general resource, rather than a diagnostic
device.
Cats may use their purr for various purposes, but each cat will react in its own way.
The science
of how a cat purrs.
For decades,
scientists have been interested in how animals make purrs physically.
The 2023
research article "Mechanisms of Feline Purring" published in Current
Biology provides additional information on how cats create their
characteristic low-frequency purrs. This research has demonstrated that there
are unique anatomical features (i.e., specialized structures) present within the
larynx of cats that allow them to produce these types of sounds.
The scientists
stated that because of how the cat has unique anatomy in its vocal cords, it
can create the low-frequency sounds that are produced when a cat purrs.
This study has
value as it relates to producing sound.
However, it
does not give an easy answer to the meaning of each purr.
There are two different questions about why cats purr: one is how they physically produce the sound, and the other is what it means to them behaviorally.
The Purr and Your Relationship With Your Cat. Cats' purring is a big part of how we communicate with each other on a daily basis.
A person who
hears a cat purring can respond to that sound in several different ways. They
can pet the cat gently, talk to the cat, provide the cat with some form of
attention, or allow the cat to stay close.
Over time,
cats will begin to associate specific behaviors with predictable responses by
humans.
The
communication that exists between cats and humans does not occur in just one
direction.
Cats are able
to use sound as well as their bodies to interact with people; however, humans
can react to cats by using their voices, touching them, moving them around,
feeding them regularly, or interacting with them in many other ways.
Learning how to read these signs will provide a better understanding of what to expect in day-to-day encounters with your cat.
Purring cat
response hours:
If your cat
starts purring, you need not jump to conclusions right away and think that it
is either happy or unhappy (or even scared).
1.Instead, observe the
situation.
Look at the
body language
Look at the
ears, eyes, tail, and body language
2 . Consider what happened
before
You started to
pet the cat, did you? Did you enter the kitchen? Did the cat wake up? Did
another animal approach?
The Purring Event context: The event right before the purring can give
useful clues.
3. See if the cat is looking
for anything
Your cat could
be trying to find food, attention, to play with you, or have physical contact.
4. Be aware of any abnormal
alterations.
A sudden
alteration in conduct is more significant than one lone purr.
5. Give the cat space.
When your cat
backs off, gets stiff, puts down its ears, or in some way shows you it needs
space, let her back off.
6. Consult with your vet for
assistance if needed.
When your cat is purring, and you notice any of these other signs as well: decreased/increased eating habits, decreased/increased mobility (walking, jumping), decreased/increased physical activity, decreased/increased grooming, or decreased/increased interactions with people and other animals, then it would be best to contact a veterinarian.
A Timeline
for Understanding How Cats Purr
Early Life
Early in
feline development, purring as a form of communication is initiated and becomes
a way for kittens to interact with their mother.
Adulthood
Purring can
occur during adult cat social interactions, while resting, or during
food-related activities.
Scientific Research
Researchers
have studied the acoustic properties of various forms of purring, such as
purring that occurs during food solicitation.
The Study of Modern
Biomechanics
The previous
research studied what physical components make up the low-frequency sounds.
Today
Veterinary and behavioral advice states that purring is not just a sign of happiness; it must be evaluated in conjunction with the animal's body language and other behavioral shifts.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding Cat Purrs.
What is the reason that my
cat makes a purring sound while I stroke her/him?
A cat could
purr during pet-play due to the pet-play experience being comfortable and
socially positive; however, a cat's purr alone cannot be used to determine
whether the cat is happy. The cat's body language and the context of the
situation must also be taken into account when evaluating if the cat is happy.
How often do cats purr while
experiencing pain?
Yes, it is
possible for a cat to purr when it is in distress or pain. However, if the
purring is accompanied by other indicators of illness such as decreased
activity level, loss of interest in food, hiding, or other similar symptoms, it
may be wise to seek veterinary care.
Cats purr for food.
When some cats
purr to solicit food, they also produce a sound (purr) which contains a higher-pitched component. Humans often interpret this as being more urgent.
Cats are known for purring
when they are happy, but does purring always indicate that a cat is happy?
No, there are
many potential reasons why a cat purrs. Therefore, it is important to take into
account the cat's physical cues (body language), its immediate surroundings,
how it behaves, and its health when attempting to determine the function of
purring.
Can kittens purr?
Yes, purring-related communication occurs in the early stages of a kitten's life; it forms a
component of the social interaction between a kitten and its mother.
How do I know what my cat is
saying when she purrs?
Pay close
attention to what else is going on in your cat's world when they are purring,
such as their ears, eyes, tail, posture, movements, food intake, and general
activities.
Is there a reason to be
concerned if your cat begins to purr much more frequently?
If your cat begins to act differently than normal and is exhibiting other signs of illness (i.e., hides, eats less, moves less, has trouble moving, reacts oddly when touched), then you should pay close attention to this behavior change. When you are worried about your cat's well-being, call a vet.
What a
Cat’s Purr Can Tell You
A cat's purr
sounds so simple; however, the complexity of how the purr develops is far more
than that.
Cats will purr
in a variety of contexts, including comfortable social interactions, when
looking for food/attention, and when experiencing stress/discomfort. There is
some scientific evidence to support that purrs have varying acoustic properties
based upon the context.
The most
valuable lesson for cat owners to learn is a simple one:
Listen to the cat purring
and watch what she is doing.
The way a cat
acts when they're relaxed and lying next to you (they look at you, with soft
eyes and their body is relaxed) signals something different than the way a cat
will act when they hide, stop eating, or become abnormally inactive while
purring.
By developing
an understanding of all aspects of how cats communicate with us, we will be
able to make a more accurate assessment of each cat's unique characteristics;
react appropriately to their needs; and develop a deeper connection with them.
When your cat begins to purr, is she asking for food? Is she seeking attention? Or is she simply lying next to you?
Related
Articles
Read next:
Common health problems
for cats.
Learn about what
changes can
happen
to
a cat's health, how
to
tell
if
there
is
something
wrong
with
your
cat, and when it
is
best
to
consult
with
a veterinarian.
The Goat Call is
still
available.
Explore other resources for learning about cats; including their behavior, nutrition, general health, and daily care.
References
and Additional
Reading
• Current Biology: A study
of how
cats produce
purr-like
sounds
through
biomechanics.
• Current Biology: Studies of
solicitation purrs
as
well
as
dietary
communications.
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Information
from
veterinarians
on how
cats communicate
through
purring.
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Veterinary Information
regarding
how
to
identify
potential
signs of pain
in cats.
• Research into the ways that humans understand how cats communicate using both voice and sight.
The
editorial and image
note
should be rewritten
as: Editor's
Note & Image Credit.
This article is provided
for educational purposes only.
It
is not designed
to replace
professional
veterinary care,
diagnosis, or treatment.
The visual
illustrations
included
in
this article can
potentially
be generated by
artificial
intelligence
(AI) to show
how
cats
behave
and communicate;
however,
they
cannot
be seen
as medical
diagnostic pictures.
Author: Your real author name or real editorial team name goes here. Do not create a false author name or use a made-up veterinary credential.
