Cat purring: Why do they do it and what are they trying to tell you?

Highlights

• Cats purr while they are being stroked to show their happiness; purring during a cuddle is like a feline smile.
• Cats purr before feeding to indicate that they are hungry; your cat may combine a purr with a meow almost like a baby crying.
• Cats purr when hurt or injured to soothe themselves; research has revealed that the vibration of a purr may actually help cats to heal.
• Cats purr during stressful times; the low frequency vibration of a purr can help cats to relax and breathe more calmly.

Along with meowing, trilling and chirping, cat purring is a way of expressing themselves. But have you ever wondered: what does purring mean, and how do cats do it? Purring is a form of feline communication that covers a range of emotions besides contentment.  Nobody is sure why cats started to purr; one theory is that mother cats used purring to hide the mewing of her kittens from predators, or to keep them close as kittens are born with their eyes and ears closed, unable to hear and see until they open around 10-14 days old. Others believe that kittens purr from just a few days old to help their mothers locate them. In this article, we’ll look at different cat purring meanings, to help you to decipher what it means when a cat purrs in different situations.

What does purring mean?

Purring is a special form of communication in cats, and the sound is created by rapid contractions of muscles in their throat and diaphragm. Although purring is commonly a sound associated with a happy and contented cat, they do sometimes purr to soothe themselves if they’re feeling anxious or unwell, or when they want to gain your attention.

What does it mean when a cat purrs?

As we now know that communication is the main reason why cats purr, it’s useful to be able to distinguish between the different sounds to work out what their purring means. Some are good vibrations, and explain why cats purr when being stroked, but the tremor of a cat’s voice box can also indicate self-soothing, healing or even anxiety. Some of the most common cat purring meanings include:

• Happiness and contentment
• Affection or enjoyment
• Seeking attention
• Excitement
• Self soothing if feeling unwell or stressed
• Kittens communicating with their mother

The sound of purr-fect love!

If you’re wondering why a cat purrs when you pet them, it is because they feel secure in their surroundings and your love. A cat purr is them vocalizing their affection back to you, which can often be accompanied by your cat licking you, a head butt, or kneading as delightful signs of the close bond between you. Happiness as a result of being with you can also explain why a cat purrs so loudly. This purr is typically low-pitched and steady.

Purring for your attention

As cats can make different kinds of purring sounds, you may notice that your cat combines purring with a small cry to get your attention and highlight an immediate need. This purr may be loud and sudden, more like a little mew. It triggers a nurturing instinct in us, just like the one we have for a baby, and if the purring is high-pitched and urgent, it’s often a strong indication that it’s feeding time, that your cat wants to go outside, or they have some other need.

Purring as part of the healing process

Repetitive purring creates a vibration in a cat’s body that acts to self-soothe, and can lower a cat’s stress hormones and blood pressure, which is believed to help with healing. Observations of cats with respiratory issues have also shown that they may purr to help them breathe more easily. These tend to be a series of low-frequency vibrations accompanied by other symptoms of illness.

Purring to reduce anxiety and self-soothe

Rhythmic purring can help a cat to relax and stay calm during a stressful situation, such as being approached by a dog or an arch enemy cat. Purring in scary times may even release comforting chemicals called endorphins, which supports the theory that, above all, purring is an emotional expression that starts in the brain. Self-soothing or stress purrs can sound more intense and be more high-pitched than a happy purr.

Why do cats purr when you stroke them?

Cats often purr loudly when you stroke them as a sign of their love for you, and to tell you how happy they’re feeling, just like a dog would wag its tail. The reciprocation of your love can be especially true when your cat approaches you for affection, as they are actively choosing when to seek out human touch on their terms, which is favoured by an independently-minded cat. Some cats also purr with happiness when enjoying their favourite meal.

Why do cats purr and then bite you?

Cats sometimes bite while they are being stroked because they can become overstimulated, so don’t take it too personally! Repetitive stroking can also cause a buildup of static electricity, which can send a shock wave through your feline that understandably causes an adverse reaction.

Are cats really happy when they purr?

Happiness is certainly one of the emotions that cats are communicating when they purr, whether that’s contentment with the world in general or because they are responding to your affectionate touch. Purring can also, however, indicate that your cat is hungry, stressed, or even self-soothing if they are injured or in pain. Observe their overall body language. If something is making them nervous or scared, it can help to give them a quiet, safe space to retreat to. If your cat is showing signs of illness or injury, it’s important to consult your vet.

How do cats make a purring sound?

Purring starts from a ‘neural oscillator’ in a cat’s brain, which sends messages to muscles around the larynx, which begin to twitch at 25 to 150 vibrations per second (Hz). As the cat breathes in and out, the air passes over the vibrating chords, causing the purring sound.  Purring is sometimes so low that it feels more like a vibration than an actual sound.

The reason why cats purr is complicated. While we agree with the author, Jonathon Payne, who writes that “there’s nothing more peaceful than a sleeping, purring cat”, this unique feline action is a multi-dimensional form of communication. As the meaning of a purr ranges from being a way that cats show affection, to a sign of distress or pain, giving it the correct context is important. Why not delve into the wonderful world of understanding your cat’s body language, from the meaning behind different tail positions to why they have flattened ears, and get in tune with what your cat is feeling? Only to a certain extent, though. After all, the real charm of a cat will always be its mystery.

Cat purring FAQs

What does it mean when a cat purrs on you?

The most common cat purring meaning is to signal relaxation and contentment. Cats may cuddle up to their humans and purr to show happiness, excitement, or even if they want to gain your attention. However, cats can also purr to self-soothe if they’re feeling unwell, afraid, or stressed.

Do cats control their purring?

Research shows that although some purring is involuntary, which is how some cats can continue to purr whilst they nod off, they do have some control over when and how loudly they do it. Purring for communication is more controlled, whereas stress purring may be less controlled.

How do I tell if my cat is stress purring?

You can usually tell by your cat’s posture and overall demeanour if they’re stress purring. Look for flat ears, tense muscles, and wide eyes. If they’re off their food, restless, try to hide away, start panting, growling, or show signs of illness or injury, it’s best to consult your vet.