What does it mean if a cat purrs. Why do cats purr when you stroke them: how does it happen and where does the sound come from. When you pet them

Probably everyone knows what a cat's purr sounds like. But not everyone knows why this happens and what causes the cat's purr. In this article, we will tell our readers why cats purr, what this behavior means and what situations it is typical for.

Purr mechanism

Why do cats purr when you stroke them, by what mechanism does a cat purr, what does it mean and where is the purr itself? Why do cats purr so loudly when petted? After all, everyone knows that when you stroke them, the cat purrs an order of magnitude louder. Such questions must have crossed the minds of many people. And the answers to them were found by a science called bioacoustics. In fact, there are several theories that explain why cats purr:

• according to the first theory, the cat's purr is the result of fluctuations in its lungs, which make this sound;
• The second hypothesis states that the purring of a cat is carried out as a result of a change in the blood circulation in the body, which, in fact, causes vibration and contributes to the appearance of this sound.

More plausible and scientifically proven is the second theory. According to scientists, the sound at which a cat's purr occurs is caused by electrical impulses in the pet's brain. These impulses are transmitted along the central nervous system and contribute to the work of some muscles located near the vocal cords. Actually, here is the urchin itself, which is responsible for the purring of a cat.

The urchin is directly the mechanism responsible for the cat's purr. It is made up of small bones connected to each other. The urchin bones run from the pet's head to the base of the tongue. In fact, a cat's purr causes the vocal cords to vibrate. After all, it is this part of the urchin that causes vibration in the hyoid bones, which contributes to the appearance of such an original sound.

The purring of a cat for a pet is characteristic not only when exhaling, but also when inhaling. This is also due to the location of the urchin itself. For example, the older relatives of the cat family - lions, tigers, panthers, leopards - lack this mechanism. Accordingly, these animals will never purr.

For example, in a lion, the bones of the so-called urchin are covered with cartilage, which makes them stronger and allows them to growl loudly. After all, only lions from the cat family have a loud roar. Other, larger relatives of cats cannot purr because of the cartilage, but they are also unable to growl loudly.

So, why do cats purr when you stroke them and for what reasons does this sound appear and what does a cat's purr mean? Zoologists have been looking for answers to these questions for a long time. And they were able to partially answer them. Why partially? Because it is still not truly known what drives cats when they purr. Next, we will try to answer these questions.

What does murmur mean?

Why do cats purr when you stroke them, and for what reasons does the sound appear? According to scientists who have tried to understand the cause of the sound, cats purr not only when they are stroked. As a rule, the publication of this sound means that the pet is experiencing certain feelings. They can be both positive and negative. Moreover, the volume of this sound can determine the strength of such emotions.

However, in this theory there are certain inaccuracies. For example, kittens can purr just a day after birth. They communicate with their mother in this way and their rumbling means that the kittens feel great. But why do they do it when they suck milk? From pleasure, from delicious food. In this case, the mother may also purr to explain that the kitten is safe with her.

But growing up, the kitten does not lose this ability. Only variations of the rumbling may change, but the positive nature of this sound still remains. The purring of a cat is characteristic of individuals of all ages. Both for very small, and for large and adults. Purring a cat can be considered a peculiar method of communication between animals.

Very often, the purring of a cat when communicating with another pet means that the cat is peaceful and will not attack the interlocutor. Indeed, in case of aggression, he will hiss and make other negative sounds. Also, the purring of a cat can mean calling a relative to the game. Very often, owners of several cats note that the animals purr when they wash each other.

Pet purring when stroked

In addition, the purring of a cat is typical when it communicates with the owner. For example, when they are stroked or simply held in their arms. If the owner likes the animal itself or it has good mood When a person holds a pet in his arms, the cat's purr will be very loud. If, during contact with an animal, a person will not only hold it, but also scratch its ear, stroke its withers and affectionately call it by name. Then the cat will purr for a very long time without ceasing.

It can also happen that the cat lies on its own and just purrs. At the same time, he does not contact a person and is not played. This may be indicative of your pet's peace of mind. The cat is happy with everything that happens around him. This usually happens when the pet lies on its bed after eating.

In addition, if the animal is sick and the person is petting it, the cat may purr to calm itself. If the pet is in severe pain, he will purr to cheer himself up.

To smooth out the conflict

Probably everyone has seen on the street how cats hiss at each other or meow. Sometimes the reason for rumbling can be the need to smooth out the conflict. For example, if an animal sees that a fight with another cat cannot be avoided, it will begin to purr. This is done in order to show the opponent that the cat is friendly and does not intend to conflict.

As you can see, there can be a lot of reasons for rumbling in a pet. First of all, it is a natural component of every cat. In addition, it is an important element of communication with other animals. Also, rumbling is the language of conversation with the owner of the cat.

The purring of a cat does not depend on its breed, age and heredity.

A few years ago, the cat Smokey got into the Guinness Book of Records. She was awarded the record for the loudest purr. The sound frequency at the same time reached 68 decibels. For comparison, the average frequency of sound during the operation of a vacuum cleaner is 75 decibels, 160 decibels is already the sound of an airplane taking off. The owners of the record holder do not particularly complain about the cat, but note that they may experience some inconvenience when purring while watching TV or talking on the phone.

Video from Andrey Krasnov "How cats communicate with each other"

In the video, cats meow and purr - you can see how the animals communicate with each other.

Our furry pets can not only meow, but also purr. Many people like the way cats purr, but not everyone knows why. All fluffy pets have such a property and feature of the body. The cat settled in the house in ancient times, the Egyptians loved and revered this animal very much. However, the secret of rumbling was revealed not so long ago. Scientists asked this question and conducted a series of studies on cats.

What does it mean when a cat purrs? Cats can purr to thank the owner for food and affection, to express their love and affection. Cats may purr when they are feeding or grooming their young. A kitten purrs to express its love and gratitude to its mother or owner. However, rumbling can be not only positive, but also an alarming signal. Cats and cats may purr after a lot of stress, to recover from serious injury, when they are not feeling well.

Why do cats purr

Scientists have conducted research and found out in what cases and why cats purr. A purr is a throat sound interrupted by the diaphragm and larynx. The "organ" of purring is located between the base of the skull and the base of the tongue. With it, cats reproduce continuous sound in the frequency range from 25 to 150 Hz. Electrical impulses are generated randomly in the animal's brain. They are immediately transmitted by the central nervous system of the cat to the muscles located near the vocal cords.

The vocal cords begin to vibrate and sound is produced. The hyoid bones connected with each other create the beginning of vibration. Many scientists believe that such sound vibrations help restore bone and other types of body tissues. Therefore, cats can purr when they feel bad or their children. A cat can come to a sick owner, lie down on sore spot and start purring.

Cats are much less likely to develop osteoporosis and dysplasia due to purring compared to dogs. With the help of vibration, they manage to strengthen bone tissue, muscles, joints. When a cat feeds her babies, she can also purr and kittens answer her with the same sound. They learn to communicate using sounds. If you listen closely to the sounds, you can understand how cats purr and with what mood. At first glance, it may seem that she purrs the same way, but this is not so.

For many, it remains a mystery why cats purr. Lovely sounds, similar to a small running motor, warm and soothe. A unique phenomenon in the natural world still attracts the attention of scientists.

In this article, we will find out not only the origin of purring, but also its purpose for the cat itself.

How does it happen and where does the sound come from?

It may seem a little ridiculous, but the mystery of the cat's purring has not yet been solved. Scientists around the world have put forward various assumptions about the origin of the cute sound. However, none of these have been proven. Zoologists are still arguing why a cat purrs and in what way.

Photo: There are many theories about the origin of cat purring

The problem is that on this moment the organ responsible for rhythmic iridescent sounds both on exhalation and on inhalation is unknown.

There is a version that the chirring is created due to the peculiar vibrations of very fragile hyoid bones located near the vocal cords. Unfortunately, the hypothesis was never tested.

Some felinologists believe that purring is caused by increased circulation in the blood vessels caused by the cat's emotional experiences.

From this they begin to vibrate and rib cage. and the throat of an animal. The vibrations are then transmitted to the head and resonate in the cranial sinuses.

Photo: Some theories about cat purring aren't very scientific

In ancient times, there was a misconception that cats supposedly purr with their stomachs. It is not clear exactly how such a strange theory was explained, but it has spread widely among people.

There is an assumption that sound vibrations occur in the lungs of an animal during rapid inhalation and exhalation. The air inside the organs begins to fluctuate, emitting a bizarre soothing "mur".

A group of scientists believe that a cat makes such unusual sounds with the help of rhythmic movements of the larynx.

Another assumption is based on the fact that special contractions of the cat's diaphragm just generate purring.

There is a theory that such sounds cause powerful impulses coming from the pet's brain.

Through the central nervous system, these charges travel to the muscles of the vocal cords and put them into action. The vibration of the latter on inhalation and exhalation is heard to us as a purr.

But scientists from New Orleans, using powerful microphones, found false vocal cords in cats. They are quite soft and elastic, which allows them to vibrate strongly and make chirring sounds.

Why do cats purr next to humans?

Cat owners will always confirm that there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on an armchair with a pet to the sonorous accompaniment of purring.

We are used to the fact that the only reason for such sounds is happiness and are often surprised when an animal makes such sounds for supposedly no reason.

However, cats are full of mysteries, which are not always easy to solve. In fact, these animals have a lot of reasons for purring.

Such sounds are very important in communication. Purring kittens are a sign for the mother that they are full and in perfect order. However, it remains a mystery how babies learn about the need for chirping. Perhaps, on an intuitive level, they imitate their mother's "talk" with them.

The cat tells her kittens that she is there to comfort and protect the babies. Babies, in response to their purring, show that they are happy and full.

Photo: with the help of purring, a cat communicates with kittens

Also, with the help of a kind of “cipher”, pets can establish relationships between each other, invite them to various games, greet, and in case of a dispute, show reconciliation.

With the help of rhythmic crackling, animals express many emotions and feelings:

• joy and peace;
• feeling of pain and weakness;
• anxiety and fear;
• stress;
• the need for something and the provision of gratitude;
• love and care;
• interest in something.

Photo: Merlin and Smokey are the loudest purrs on the planet

Did you know that in 2013, an English cat named Merlin from Devon became famous as the loudest cat. Its purr is about 100 decibels, and the average for ordinary cats is 25!

Merlin's chirping drowns out the noise of the hair dryer and dishwasher. Before that, the Englishwoman Smokey was considered the loudest cat, losing only a few decibels to her fellow countryman. Many people who personally met her compared her purring with the noise of a landing Boeing.

When you pet them

Cats love companionship and affection, so it is extremely important to give them attention. Particularly gentle pets literally demand to be stroked or scolded on the handles. In such sensual moments, cats begin to purr strongly, showing how happy they are and love you.

Photo: Cats purr when they are happy

Perhaps when you stroke your pets, they remember happy childhood moments. The mother-cat carefully licked her babies and smoothed her too fluffy fur coat.

Scientists explain the purring during strokes by the fact that among the usual hairs in the pet's fur there are small whiskers (similar to antennae, only much thinner and shorter), which, when caressed, slightly bend and send pleasant signals to the animal's brain.

Crushed by claws

You probably noticed behind the purring pets the habit of kneading the air, a blanket or their owner with their paws. Many find this behavior amusing and endearing.

Photo: stomping and purring - a pleasant childhood memory

Usually kneading with claws is accompanied by a loud rumbling. The fact is that when stroking, the pet remembers his mother, who also took care and protected him.

The instinct to knead with their paws has been preserved since childhood: kittens showed with such movements that they want to eat. Pleasant memories of childhood cause, of course, only happiness.

Lie down on the hosts

Cats can show the highest love and care, periodically lying down on a person. Such behavior is also attributed to various reasons, even quite dubious ones, for example, the desire to control the owner and dominate him.

In fact, cats feel safe to be with part of their family. And many pets just enjoy spending time relaxing with their loved one.

Photo: lying down on a person, cats show their love and care

Also, cats feel the sore spots of their owners and try to cure them. It has been scientifically established that mysterious pets lying on people can have a beneficial effect on the human body.

Their warm coat warms, and the purr that accompanies sleep with the help of vibrations normalizes blood pressure, relieves nervous tension and heals bones and muscles.

The benefits of purring for humans and cats

As mentioned earlier, many zoologists attribute the specific sounds of cats medicinal properties. Through observation and research, it was found that the vibrations emitted by pets can really bring considerable benefits.

There is even a separate branch of medicine that practices treatment by communicating with cats, feline therapy. The purring of these pets with a frequency ranging from 20 to 140 Hz has a beneficial effect on health.

In the course of a statistical study, it was found that cat owners:

• easier to endure stressful situations;
• did not suffer from high blood pressure and pulse rate;
• were more communicative;
• fell into depression less often;
• were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke;
• easier to cope with various kinds of shortness of breath and breathing problems;
• suffered less kidney disease;
• better tolerated loneliness and change of scenery;
• more than 20% less likely to seek medical help.

These mysterious pets are able to relieve various pains (headache, articular, nervous or in the bones). They try to lie down on the problem area and start purring.

Also, cats strengthen the health of the heart and are able to heal diseases of the spine (osteochondrosis and sciatica). For this, the cat collar method is used. The animal lies around the neck for several minutes a day, warming it and purring.

Photo: cat purring has a beneficial effect on the body

Cat purring has the ability to strengthen bones, treat fractures and bruises, soft tissue injuries, calm (remove from stress), reduce pain and fight viral diseases.

This list is really impressive! That is why these animals almost never suffer from diseases of the bones and heart.

With its purring, the cat ensures a long life. The vibration radiates throughout the body of the animal, renewing the organs and stimulating the muscles. Such self-medication allows these mystical pets to remain very active even in quite respectable years.

For you, the loud purring of a cat, for which there was no apparent reason, can be a signal that the pet is sick or injured.

Do big cats purr?

Looking at peacefully chirping pets, one involuntarily recalls their wild relatives. Can wild cats really purr and how do they do it? The answer to such an interesting question was given by zoologists and employees of various zoos and nurseries.

Small wild cats are truly capable of purring: ocelots, cheetahs, lynxes, caracals. Their vocal cords are as flexible as those of pets. Therefore, if you stroke these wild but affectionate cats, you will hear a very familiar purring and light panting.

Big cats, due to the special structure of the muscles in the larynx, do not know how to chirp; instead, a rather menacing growl comes out. Leopards, panthers, tigers and jaguars sometimes try to purr, but they get a very bass sound.

Photo: Big cats purr like a growl

But there are exceptions to all rules. So, snow leopards, smoky leopards and cougars purr beautifully, despite their impressive size and formidable appearance.

Video: WHY CATS AND CATS purr?

The cat is one of the most beloved pets of man. A cat, this affectionate and independent, attractive and graceful animal that has won the hearts of people, carries one secret in its being - purring. This strange and bewitching sound has always interested a person, and first of all - its origin and meaning.

Purr(rumbling) is, as a rule, a quiet rhythmic long vibrating sound made by all felines at the moment of receiving positive emotions (affection, saturation, etc.); less often in other cases. Despite the fact that mongooses, civets, genets, bears, badgers, and hyenas also make sounds very similar to purring, traditionally, speaking of purring, they mean only representatives of the cat family. Also, rabbits, squirrels, tapirs, lemurs, elephants, guinea pigs, striped raccoons and gorillas sometimes make sounds similar to purring while eating.

Already at the age of two days, the kitten can purr. Lions, tigers and other representatives of large cats do not have this ability due to the fact that cartilage is located on their hyoid bones, which do not allow the vocal cords to vibrate. As a result, instead of a gentle purr, only a loud growl or hiss can be heard from these animals.

Reasons for purring

Oddly enough, but even in our century, scientists have not truly studied the "mechanisms" of cats purring. There are several theories. Cats have been observed to purr when they are being petted and feel safe; less often when eating. Cats sometimes purr even during childbirth. Some researchers suggest that with the help of purrs, cats demand that their owner feed them or simply pay attention, and the types of purring can be different: it can express pleasure, boredom, greeting the owner, anxiety, gratitude.

Another theory is that with the help of purring, cats stimulate their brains to produce a hormone that acts as a relaxing, healing and pain-relieving one: indeed, cases have been recorded when injured cats purr in pain. Scientists at the University of California at Davis suggested that purring with its vibration strengthens the bones of a cat, which are negatively affected by long immobility: it is known that cats can sleep and doze for 16-18 hours a day. Based on this theory, they proposed using a "purr of 25 hertz" to speed up the restoration of musculoskeletal activity of astronauts who spent a long time in zero gravity. Numerous attempts are now being made to use feline purring to treat human diseases.

It's hard to pinpoint a single reason for a purr - just as hard as it is to pinpoint a reason why a person laughs or cries. The only thing known for sure: it is the feelings of pleasure, requests and encouragement that underlie the cat's purr.

Mechanism

One suggestion is that the purr is caused by fluctuations in the cat's lungs, the other is a change in blood circulation that causes the vibration and purr to appear. It is believed that a cat's purr is caused by electrical impulses in the cat's brain. They are transmitted through the central nervous system and actuate the muscles that are located near the cat's vocal cords. The direct apparatus of purring consists of thin bones that are interconnected and pass from the base of the skull to the base of the tongue - these bones are called hyoid bones. Vibration of the vocal cords and cause vibration in the hyoid bones.

A few years ago, British scientists discovered the effect of the so-called "purr therapy" (purr therapy), publishing the results in the journal Current Biology. After studying the purring of cats under a variety of circumstances, scientists have noted that their sound varies in frequencies between 50-150 hertz. And different tonality is intended for different occasions: from pleasure to the requirement to feed. The most interesting finding was that purring at frequencies between 20 and 140 hertz promotes healing of bone and tendon injuries, relieves swelling and pain, and helps with shortness of breath. Sound waves are indeed widely used in medicine. Cats, as scientists note, could have evolved a mechanism that heals both themselves and those around them.

The meaning of purring in the "social" life of a cat

Often purring sounds help the cat family to communicate with each other.

• The quiet purring of cats indicates that they are friendly to the animal and encourage him to become a participant in their games. A loud purr positions the cat as a strong dominant animal. So, a cat can show its relative that it is stronger, therefore it is pointless to engage in battle with it, it also means that a weaker cat may not be afraid, since no one will attack him. Purring sounds can also indicate that the cat is completely defenseless and asks not to harm her.
• By purring, cats not only show their pleasure, for example, small kittens purr in order to inform the mother cat that they are doing well, they are full and happy. Kittens purr after and during feeding, it’s impossible to meow and suck milk, but you can purr as much as you like. The mother cat also purrs to the kittens in response, calming and encouraging them.
• Purring is a mother's signal when she approaches her cubs' den. Purring, she lets the kittens know that everything is in order and they don’t have to worry about anything, because mom is already there.
• A cat purrs not only for us or other cats, a purring cat calms itself, so sick cats in pain also purr, thus calming themselves and encouraging.
• The calming effect of a cat's purring affects not only her, but also the owner, so a purring cat can relieve stress, headache at the owner, stabilizes pressure.
• Cats call to communicate or play other cats with the help of purring.
• Purring quietly and briefly, the cat usually begs for something, and a loud purr means that the cat has already achieved its goal and thanks you.
• The cat's purr is so strong that it is impossible to hear a heart beat or breathing rhythm in a purring cat.

Interesting fact: a cat will stop purring as soon as it hears the sound of water flowing from a tap.

There are many myths and conjectures, because scientists still have not thoroughly studied this process. However, quite a lot of facts are known that will help to understand how and why cats purr.

No one will be surprised by a purring cat stomping on a soft blanket before going to bed, he can even salivate with pleasure. But how do you explain purring in a cat that is in pain or stress? Previously, it was believed that cats purr only when experiencing positive emotions, which was wrong. For example, a cat may purr during childbirth; often cats purr when they are sick and even when they die. Scientists have an explanation for this.

It's all about the frequency at which the purr occurs - from 25 to 150 Hz. It has been proven that such vibrations have a healing effect, accelerating the process of healing wounds, damaged tendons, and contribute to better bone fusion after a fracture. Such rumbling can reduce swelling in inflamed areas, has a slight analgesic effect, relieves shortness of breath. Unwell cats purr to relieve symptoms.

Fact: thanks to purring, cats recover much faster after undergoing surgery or after injuries.

Today, scientists are actively studying this amazing feline ability, with the aim of using it in traditional medicine. After the discovery by Californian scientists of how purring helps cats keep muscles in good shape and strengthen bones, a special program was developed for astronauts. Vibrations at a certain frequency restore them after flights, increasing bone density.

happy rumbling

Kittens begin to purr from the second day of life. They do this during feeding, when they feel the presence of their mother. The mother cat also purrs as she approaches her brood. Thus, she lets them know that their mother is nearby, which means they are completely safe. Growing up, cats and cats often purr and trample on their paws. soft tissues that remind them of their childhood. At such times, they may even suck on a piece of tissue, as when feeding.

Begging for food, cats rub against their legs and try to purr as loudly as possible. Of course, they do it in anticipation of the pleasure of dinner, but it also seems like they know that their purring is hard to resist. Some pets continue to purr while eating, showing how happy they are.

Having spent the whole day at home alone, cats are very happy about the arrival of their owners. They get underfoot and purr loudly. Thus, they not only show joy, but also ask to give them a little attention, stroke and feed.

How cats purr

It may seem that the cat rumbles with its stomach, but in fact these are vibrations that are transmitted to the abdominal cavity from the larynx. It has been established that the mechanism of cat purring starts in the cerebral cortex, and is performed directly at the base of the skull with the help of the hyoid bone. A bundle of membranes located above the vocal cords (the so-called "false vocal cords") comes into play. Domestic cats purr on both exhalation and inhalation, whereas big cats purr only on inhalation.

It is believed that big cats (such as cheetah, lion, tiger, jaguar) cannot purr, they can only growl. This is due to an incompletely ossified fold (hyoid bone). At the same time, cases of purring big cats in nature have been recorded repeatedly.

The effect of cat purring on humans

Many people know about the positive effect of cat purring on the human body, but there are also skeptics who find it to be an invention of cat lovers. In fact, this theory has a scientific explanation. British scientists have proven the healing effect of the vibrations emanating from the purr of a cat. The official results of the research were published in the popular journal Current Biology. Treatment with cat purring has received the same name "The purr therapy" (purr therapy).

A cat purring on a person’s chest is able to normalize blood pressure. Regular cat therapy will help get rid of shortness of breath and cardiovascular diseases. Cats often lie down on a sore spot, feeling the heat generated at the site of inflammation.

Fact: With the help of cat purring therapy, you can get rid of stress and anxiety.

Record-breaking cats

Each pet is unique and original in its own way, but some of them have gained worldwide fame, hitting the Guinness Book of Records. For example, the cat Merlin from South West England became famous for its especially loud rumbling, which could be compared with the sound of a working washing machine. When happy, his purr reaches 67.8 decibels.

Merlin isn't the only "loud" cat. His predecessor on the record was a cat named Smokey, whose purring reached 67.68 dB. Also known throughout the UK (and far beyond its borders) is Bluey the cat, whose volume reaches 98 dB. This "sound" can be compared to the operation of a lawn mower. But the hostess did not submit an application to the Book of Records, and the measurements were taken by her using a mobile phone, which casts doubt on their accuracy.

In some sources, you can find information about the purring of cats at a level of 130-150 dB, but this is distorted data. At 140 dB from a distance of 1 meter, a person may experience concussion, since the level of such noise is comparable to the sound of a jet aircraft. Such purring of cats is impossible.

There are cats that purr extremely rarely, it depends on temperament and even heredity. There is nothing wrong with such individual characteristics; this will not affect the health of the animal.

It is important to know that when a cat purrs, it shows that it trusts us. No need to push her away at such moments. After all, sometimes trust is not so easy to earn.