Purring is one of the most fascinating and unique features of cats. It’s a sound that they make when they’re content, happy, hungry, or even in pain. Despite being such a common sound, we know surprisingly little about purring compared to other cat sounds like meowing, chirping, chattering, hissing, and growling.
What is the difference between purring and snoring in cats?
Purring and snoring in cats are two different sounds that express different emotions and situations.
Purring is a continuous and low sound that cats make during breathing. It can be an indicator of comfort, relaxation, and happiness. It often happens when the cat is lying down and relaxed, and can be heard clearly during light sleep.
On the other hand, purring is a soft and intermittent sound that cats make when they are enjoying themselves and feeling relaxed. It is often accompanied by quiet and warm body and tail movements. It can indicate happiness, relaxation, and contentment, and often occurs when the cat receives attention and playtime from humans.
As they inhale and exhale, you might perceive a soft murmuring sound. If you touch them, you can feel a little quiver that seems to send out waves of calm. However, it’s important to note that purring doesn’t always mean that a cat is happy.
may use it also use it to communicate other emotions and needs.
For instance, if your cat is hungry or wants something, it may purr differently than when they’re relaxed. British researchers have studied the sounds that cats make when they’re hungry and when food isn’t on their minds. Cats may blend their usual purring sound with an unpleasant meow or cry, akin to the cry of a human infant when seeking food. Experts believe that this combination is more likely to get our attention, and people can even tell the difference between the purrs, even if they aren’t cat owners.
Cats may utilize purring as a method of signaling their location or indicating that they are in good condition to their mothers. Purring also helps kittens bond with their mothers, who use it like a lullaby. Interestingly, many cats purr when they get hurt or are in pain, even though it takes energy to make that sound. It’s believed that purring may be a way for cats to soothe themselves, much like how a child sucks their thumb to feel better. But recent research suggests that purring may also have healing properties. Cats possess a remarkable ability to heal and recover from injuries due to the vibrations produced by their low-pitched purrs. These vibrations have been found to promote bone and wound healing, increase muscle mass, aid in tendon repair, improve breathing, and reduce pain and inflammation. This could be why cats are often able to survive falls from great heights and experience fewer postoperative complications compared to dogs.
purring is a fascinating feature of cats that can communicate a range of emotions and needs. While we still have much to learn about why cats purr, recent research suggests that it may have surprising healing properties that make it an even more remarkable aspect of feline behavior.
