A purring cat – what does it mean?

My father used to regale me with stories of when he was a boy and the antics of his cats. One story that stands out in my memory is of Ginger who looked like a tiger and had a very loud purr. Dad grew up in England during the war. In the kitchen there was a stove fireplace with a section next to it to place wood to dry it out. His two cats, Ginger and Tibby, would sleep here to keep warm. There were many times when his mother would tell the family they needed to get to their shelter because she could hear the planes coming over. Dad and his brother would laugh because it was just Ginger. Both boys, and most people in England during this time, could tell the difference between English planes and German planes by listening for the sound. Due to the distance the German planes had already flown, the engines would make a loud prrrr prrrr sound (roll the r’s as you try to make the sound), try to do it as loudly as possible and that was Ginger.

Anyway, why was Ginger purring? As a matter of fact why do any cats purr? Immediately we think of the sound of a content cat, like Ginger, nice and warm, safe, and comfortable. We also think of the cat being petted, relaxing, or being fed as instigators for that delightful purring sound. The sound of contentment and satisfaction – doesn’t it just make you feel all warm and fuzzy?

This question has been asked for many years and still no-one can say for sure why cats purr. However there are a number of theories involving happiness, healing, reassurance, affection, passivity, and the innumerable reasons us feline lovers can think of because of our own experiences with these wonderful little bundles of fur.

Happiness theories mainly have to do with the contentment we see from our cat when they are curled up in our lap or on our bed being petted and told how beautiful or handsome they are. Purrs of pure happiness abound when your cat has plonked himself or herself down in a nice sunny spot in the yard or by a window. Happiness purrs coming from a cat enjoying the delicious dinner you have just placed in front of him/her. Happiness purrs coming from your furry feline depositing their catch of the day on your back step (hopefully: preferably) or on the lounge room floor as a gift to you the love and light of their life.

Affection purrs are closely related to the happiness purr yet could be seen as more personal to the person it is directed towards. As they make a feline bee-line for their favourite person out comes the purr just prior to the nuzzle, nibble, and roll they perform to show their love. Basically telling you “I love you”.

When we look at the animal kingdom there are many instances of postures or sounds that display an “I’m no threat” vibe. For our babies this show of passivity can be seen when they are in a situation they cannot escape from and are nervous, say visiting the vet, and may serve as their attempt to avoid being hurt. Other times it may be when they have been hurt by an aggressor/predator and they are communicating that they do not want to be hurt anymore.

The most scientifically explainable theory/reason for cats purring is for its healing properties. Yes this may sound farfetched but the low Hz frequencies (25- 150Hz) of the cats purr have proven to affect the physiology of most animals. This may be why we hear them purring when they have been hurt, are sick, or dying: and why we get so confused about why they purr. However the healing effect ranges from altering mood to involuntary relaxation of muscles to increasing the speed of recovery. It has been shown that over time these low frequencies can improve bone density.

A further bonus to this is that cats are often used as “therapy animals”. They have been used in retirement residences and convalescent hospitals. One accepted fact shows that cat owners, as with many other animal owners, have lower blood pressure. What can be more relaxing than sitting with a furry feline on your lap, stroking it and hearing it purr its little heart away?

One more possible reason is that of reassurance. A mother cat’s purr causes vibrations that reassure her little kittens and enable them to find her more easily. This purr lets them know she is friendly, happy, and willing, ready, and able to feed them. The purr acts also as a reassurance for the cat itself. You may notice that your cat purrs when it is anxious or ill. Purring is associated, for the cat, with nicer experiences and can help him/her feel calmer: very much like a meditation mantra for humans.

It can also be a reassurance for us humans. There have been times with my previous cats, as well as the cat I “own” now, when I have been very upset and my precious little babies have snuggled up close and purred. Basically you could say they were trying to communicate that they know I am upset and that they are there for me.

For many dedicated, besotted feline owners other reasons may be considered. Sometimes it may just be a sign of acknowledging her love for you, that she has a little secret that has tickled her fancy, that something wonderful has happened, her dream time is enjoyable, that she’s just pleased to see you or maybe even to inform you that she wants some attention.

Whatever the reason, the purr of our feline friends is a way they communicate with us. Our observations and intimate knowledge of our precious bundles of fur will hopefully help us discern the message so that we can provide for his/her needs. And if your cat is anything like me that provision had better be “pronto” mum.

One last story! I seem to get the wonderful blessing of owning cats which love to purr a lot. One previous cat, Tiggles, and my current cat, Fleur, purr while they are wagging their tails. Needless to say it seems to be contradictory messages however they rub up against me and cajole me into playing with them. Usually they will roll over onto their backs giving me full access to give them a tummy rub and no sooner do I start than they grab my arm and hand, playfully hold it in their mouths and then start to lick my hand and arm. All the time purring, wagging their tails and not letting go of my hand until they are good and ready.