January 12, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health

In most cases, purring is your cat's way of telling you it feels good and is content. While the exact "how" behind a cat's purr is not entirely known, it has been proven to have physical benefits to them and their adoring owners, the news source reports.

Veterinarians and cat experts believe that a cat's purr is a vibration of the larynx and diaphragm that is stimulated by neural messages sent from the brain. However, the anatomical and mechanical processes behind it have not been entirely proven, according to the news outlet. Although it's not clear how cats purr, the reasons why are usually clear enough.

In general, owners can assume that their cats are purring because they are content. This is why they purr when they are being pet or when peacefully falling asleep next to you. Cats may also purr at other cats, humans or animals as a way to signify that they are friendly and non-threatening. This may have its beginnings in kitten litters, the source reports. Experts believe that kittens purr when they are about 2 days old as a way to signal to their mothers that everything is fine, and mother cats return with the same soothing noise. Purring even helps kittens survive. Kittens cannot see or hear, but they can feel the vibrations, which lead them to their mother's milk.

Cats are also known to purr when they feel nervous to reassure themselves, which may be why they purr when they die or give birth, many people believe. Researchers have found that purring has certain healing qualities for cats, particularly for broken bones. Low-level vibrations, like those in feline purring, may strengthen bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. This may be why cats have a relatively low chance of developing bone and muscle diseases, the news source reports.

As soothing as the cat's purr is to itself, it can also have a calming effect on humans. Cats are often used as therapy animals because of their purring. If you would like your cat to purr more, providing it with certain pet supplies may help. A Heated Cat Window Perch will be the purring ticket for your feline, or a calming aid like Comfort Zone for Cats may put them at ease. Some cats also purr in response treats like Feline Greenies Dental Treats or Catnip. Get your cat's heart rate up with a catnip-filled toy like the Burlap Heart Catnip Toy. 

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