Why do cats purr........?

Question

Obviously, I know it's cause they are contented. But what is the evolutionary significance of purring? What is the point of it?

Answer 1

That is a sign of content.    They can not talk to you you how happy they are, so that is the only way.

Answer 2

Great question, however research has shown that cats purr when they are happy as well as when they hurt. No one knows what makes or how a cat purrs, They have done tons of research on this and can not figure out how a cat can purr.  

Answer 3

To communicate.

Answer 4

Yes, cats will purr when happy, but given that my cats also purr first thing in the morning without any reason to, it's obvious there is more to it.

Recent studies have shown that a cats purr is actually a way of healing for them!  The vibration given off internally by the purr travels all through their body, and in particular their bones.  Recently, humans are being given a 'vibration' treatment for many bone illnesses, as a way of strengthening and healing bones.  So, it's possible that cats use this as a way of treating potential illness in themselves.

Answer 5

Q. Why do cats purr?

A. Most people assume that cats purr because they're content, but this is only partially true. Purring also occurs when cats are in labour, frightened and ill. A veterinarian sometimes sees cats that purr when they are near death.



Although not completely understood, explanations for why both contented and distressed cats purr range from the desire to communicate with others to a way of reassuring themselves.



Q. Why do kittens and their mothers purr?

A. A popular theory is that a purring mother can communicate with newborn kittens that are deaf or blind. Kittens learn to purr soon after birth and so their mother can feel them against her body without having to move around looking for them.



From an evolutionary point of view, communicating through the vibrations of purring, instead of louder meowing may have stopped predators finding the den of new born kittens and their nursing mother.



Q. Why do frightened and ill cats purr?

A. As to why frightened or ill cats purr, behaviourists claim that it may have a reassuring affect, similar to when some humans sing or hum to reassure themselves.



Another possible explanation is that frightened cats purr to communicate submissiveness. Wild cats are known to purr when threatened, maybe because they're signalling that they're not about the attack.



Q. Why do cats purr with humans?

A. Other than the obvious contentment theory, it may indicate that they regard us as their mother, or as we're a different and larger species, that they're submitting to us.



Q. Is it just pet cats that purr?

A. No, some wild cats like pumas and mountain lions and even raccoons are all able to purr.  

Answer 6

According to veterinarian Bruce Fogle, author of The Cat's Mind, the original function of purring was to enable a kitten to communicate with his mother that things are well. A kitten is able to purr by the second day of life, and although he can't meow and nurse at the same time, he can purr and nurse. And the mother cat often purrs back, probably to reassure the kitty.

However, they also purr in other situations. Female cats are known to purr while giving birth. Also, domestic cats have been often reported to purr when injured, sick, in pain or dying.