Why Do Cats Purr?

Cats are animals that are somewhat different from other members of the four legged kingdom. This is quite evident in the ability of cats to purr. The sound is not unlike that of a car’s motor running on idle. It is a sound – and vibration – that is very noticeable to pet owners and most do not know why cats do this. The reasons why cats purr are, actually, quite pragmatic and a closer look with reveal why.

This may sound surprising to some, but the actual physical process that causes cats to purr is still unknown to science. Yes, even after hundreds of years of veterinary study, no one has figured out how cats are able to make such sounds. While the physical action a cat performs to make purring sounds is unknown, most have been able to successfully figure out why cats purr. The reason is the same one cats do many things – it is an evolutionary safety mechanism that helps cats survive.

Cats do a lot of odd things to stay safe and secure. For example, cats love to perch high atop things so they can gain a clear vision of a perimeter. This way, the cat can notice predators and prey from safe distances. This behavior has help cats remain alive for thousands of years. Purring is somewhat a derivative of this type of evolutionary behavior since it also helps cats maintain their safety.

At birth, cats do not have the ability to see or even utter clear sounds. This means they cannot communicate problems to their mother effectively. However, it is critical that the cat’s mother know if things are “all right” with the kitten. That is why the cat will emit purring sounds which are vibration based sounds that communicate to the mother cat that the kitten is okay.

Of course, this leads to obvious questions as to why an adult cat will make purring sounds to humans. The answer lies in the cat’s perceived relationship with its new owner.

Unlike dogs, cats are not considered pack animals. That means they do not instinctively follow a leader. However, when cats start to feel comfortable with a new human owner, they start to develop an appreciation and affection for the person that cares for and feeds them. Also unlike dogs, cats have very deep and strong memories and they start to equate their relationship with humans as one similar to the relationship they had with their mother. Cats will eventually equate their new human owner with their mother. When they are petted and treated with affection, they will respond by purring. Again, this is the cat sending a very clear message about being “A-ok.” When you hear a cat purring, it is reasonable to conclude the cat is feeling happy and content. Really, why would a cat not feel happy when it is being provided with a safe home and free meals? And, of course, why should it not feel happy when it is in the presence of a loving, caring owner?