Why Do Cats Purr When You Stroke Them?

Everyone loves a cat's purr. It's fascinating and satisfying at the same time. There's nothing like curling up in bed with your cat on a cold day and hearing those soft, booming vibrations. But what makes a cat purr? And why are you doing this? Read below to find out what explanations people have given for cats purring over time, and what scientists believe it is causing it today.

What people thought made cats purr in the past

Five hundred years ago in England it was believed that a cat's purr was a secret form of communication with evil spirits. Over the years, more and more cats became domesticatedMind changed to purring as a form of a cat's snoring when it was satisfied.

Now we know that purring isn't always an indication of cat happiness. Cats can do it, though they feel threatened or even fearful. Sometimes the explanation veterinarians give for a cat purring during a visit is nervousness - like when a person smiles when they're nervous.

Purr against roar

Some brave animal behaviorists have proven that roaring cats cannot purr, and purring cats cannot roar. During evolution, the lion's neck structure remained flexible so that they could communicate with roars. Your larynx is not stiff enough to allow the purring sound.

Roaring is far more important for a big cat that must protect its territory and compete with scavengers for prey. Big cats live in packs, so they need to be able to communicate with one another from a great distance. A domestic cat works as a loner and does not need to communicate with any other species. Also in the non-roaring category are animals like raccoons, hyenas, and even guinea pigs.

Now for the science bit

The urge to purr begins in a cat's brain. There is a structure there called a neural oscillator. It sends a repetitive message to the larynx muscles, and they twitch as the cat inhales and exhales. It is the twitching action that causes the vocal cords to vibrate as the cat inhales and exhales.

Scientists have also discovered that a hidden sound wave is hidden in the vibration of a purr, which triggers the caring instinct in humans. We need to respond to these frequencies like a baby's cry. When we hear a cat purr, it also lowers our blood pressure and stress.

Purring is also good for the cat. The vibrations caused by purring don't just make life comfortable by getting people to place their bids. They can also help the cat's body heal faster, repair torn muscles, and even reduce swelling and pain.

The next time you hear your furry friend purr on the couch, now you know that it's more than just happiness.