Ask A Scientist© Veterinary Topics Archive

name         sarah
status       student
age          15

Question -   How and why do cats purr? Question of the day you should have
one!! I really like your web site it is a very good help for people whohave
question's and cannot get a correct answer form any one. I think you have
something going here.
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Hi Sarah!
what is the prettiest thing about our friends, the kitties? their purring!
Purring is  a sound that is made only by the domesticated
cat, so the ferals do not purr... even they could  physiologically do it because
purring corresponds to vibrations of the muscles of the larynx and diaphragm.
They say also that the Big Cats can also purr, but the zoologists still discuss
the reasons, or psychologic reasons that make a cat to purr.
Usually, and any cat-lover knows that a cat will purr when it is satisfied,
and very happy. So the purring will show reassurance, lack of hostility and
submission. A cat, any cat, must learn how to purr and this usually happen while
they nurse and the mother purrs back. But some ones never develop this
behaviour even when they are well cared and loved by humans.
Thanks for asking NEWTON! Tell your friends about us!

Mabel
(Dr. Mabel Rodrigues)
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Up-dated June 2008
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Recent studies suggest that cats will purr for a number of reasons.  Dr.
Rodrigues is absolutely correct in her answer.  In addition, it seems that
cats will also purr when under stress or even under pain.  However, the 
purr is mostly likely a product of that discussed above.

Steve Sample
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