Why Do Cats Purr?

Vicktor Frankenstein ~ my big black cat ~ never really purred that much. I always thought it was because he's bitchy, now that he's getting older, he purrs much more, especially when I hug him. So what makes a cat purr? Believe it or not, there's no real answer! There's still only theories on where the sound comes from. Some doctors say their throat, some say the central nervous system. Wow, cats really are a mystery!  One thing we sort of know is WHY they purr...

Momma cats will purr as a homing device for their kittens, since kittens are born blind and deaf. The vibrations guide the newborns to warmth and food.

Cats will purr when they are content. Is your cat curled up in a ball sleeping and purring? Ginger Rogers is the perfect example of this. I can just look at her and she'll start her low rumble purr. That's pretty normal. It means they are happy.

Cats will purr when they are hungry or want attention, but it will sound slightly different than their normal purr ~ almost baby sounding. Vicktor is ALWAYS hungry so this may be why he purrs more now.

When cats are injured they purr as a form of healing. There is research that suggests the low humming vibration will help sooth bones, wounds, muscles and ease inflammation and breathing by releasing endorphins. Vicktor also is starting to show signs of arthritis. He doesn't jump up on the counter all the time like he used to. I think his joints are bothering him, so this could be another reason he's purring more.

Oh and there's benefits for YOU as a cat owner too! When your cat is happy and purring, they can lower your blood pressure and help relieve stress. Don't you just love cats?!