Do you have a cat that loves to purr? If so, you’re probably wondering why they do it. Is your cat trying to tell you something? There are several reasons a cat will purr, and we’ll take a look at several of them below.
Cat’s purr to express themselves; this vocal vibration can often be heard when your cat is attempting to bond with you, wants to show affection, or is trying to tell you something. Purring may also be a soothing sound these creatures produce while they are healing from an illness or injury.
Just because cats cannot talk doesn’t mean they won’t find a way to communicate with you. In this article, we will discuss all of the reasons your cat could be purring and what they are trying to say.
Why Does My Cat Purr So Much
Science has made great strides in understanding animal communication and sounds. For example, the feline purr is a vocal flutter believed to come from the collaboration of the neural oscillator, larynx (voice box), and laryngeal muscles.
The well-known purring sound is learned within a few days of being born, providing kittens with an effective way to communicate with their mothers. Helping to create a healthy bond and letting mom know the kittens are safe and close by.
As kittens grow, the purr remains a part of communication, and they will use this when connecting with other cats and humans. There are multiple reasons your cats might be purring in access, but most are nothing to be concerned with and often indicates contentment and happiness.
Showing Affection
Does your cat’s purr remind you of a loud motorboat that keeps revving up? This might simply mean they enjoy being close to you.
If this noise is emphasized when you are cuddling with them, petting them, or paying any extra attention to them, purring is a sign these cats love their time spent with you.
You may also notice this extra bout of purr time when you get home from a long day at work or after a weekend away. Your cat will purr a lot because they are happy to see you and have been waiting, not so patiently, for your return.
Starting to Form A Bond
Like when they were first born, kittens and cats will begin purring when they develop a close bond with the person they feel is caring for them and are comfortable with.
This is a positive sign that you are earning your cat’s trust, and they feel safe in your presence.
Healing Purr
If your kitten is recovering from an illness, injury, surgery, etc., purring is an excellent sign that they are on the mend and beginning to feel like their old selves again.
Purring after not feeling good is a sign they are getting better. It is a cat’s way of letting you know the pain is subsiding, and the purring tells you they are happy and expressing that.
They Want Something
Purring can also indicate that your cat wants something from you, whether attention, food, treats, etc. Cat’s can request things through these vocal cord vibrations.
If your cat is purring and walking away simultaneously, there is a very good chance they want you to follow.
They Want to Play
When your kitten is excited, it could be a sign letting you know they are ready to rumble. Purring is a sign of happiness, and nothing makes many cats happier than having playtime with the people they love or other pets.
Why is My Cat Purring So Much at Night?
As previously mentioned, cats will purr when they are content, happy, and relaxed. You may end up noticing your kitten ramp up their rhythmic fluttering sounds at night.
When it is time to unwind, cats will start to settle down and get comfortable. Once they are nice and relaxed, they will communicate that they are happy and safe.
So, before getting too frustrated that your pet is making this loud buzzing sound while wrapped around your head, think about how much your buddy cares about you and feels secure enough to let down their guard while you are around.
Should I Be Worried About My Cat Purring So Much?
For the most part, there is very little reason for you to be overly concerned about an access purrer.
Some felines just like to show their excitement or are desperate to grab your attention; others are simply wired that way, and it is in their nature to purr often to communicate with everyone around them.
However, if you believe your cat is purring more than usual or doing so constantly, there may be something more serious.
Veterinarians believe that the act of purring can actually be physically therapeutic to felines. This was a way for these animals to heal quicker and feel better faster in the wild.
The vibrations that come from a cat purring is believed to help:
- Heal cuts and bones fasterEases breathing
- It helps build and repair muscles and tendons
- Reduces pain and swelling
If you feel this access purring is new behavior and are worried there may be something else going on. It is in your best interest to make an appointment with your veterinarian just to be safe.
Why Does My Cat Purr So Much When Biting Me?
Cat’s will attack and bite their mothers and siblings to practice their natural predatorial skills, as well as play and keep themselves entertained. With that said, your cat may be doing this to you for those same reasons; your fierce feline wants to have fun and play around with you, or they are uncomfortable, unhappy, or angry.
Since purring is a learned trait from almost birth. It is not a surprise your cat would become very vocal in each of these situations. If your cat is attacking you and purring, they may be playing, or you made them mad.
Final Word
If you have a cat who seems to purr a lot. You should be relieved that you have a happy companion in your home, content in their environment, and cares about you as much as you care about them.
So relax and enjoy those purring sounds and let your cat know that you’re happy they are in your life too.
Related Articles
- Why Are My Cat’s Whiskers So Long?
- Why Does My Cat Run to the Scratching Post When I Come Home?
- Why Does My Cat Bite My Nose?
Sources
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/why-do-cats-purr
https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/why-and-how-do-cats-purr/