Why Do Cats Purr?

 

Why Do Cats Purr?

Cats purr to promote their own healing. The frequency of purring (between 25 and 150 Hz) has been shown to promote healing of bones and tissues.

Communication: Purring is a way for cats to communicate with their owners and other cats, often signaling contentment.

Comfort: Cats purr when they are comfortable and relaxed, such as when they are being petted or lying in a sunny spot.

Stress Relief: Cats may purr to calm themselves down in stressful situations, such as during visits to the vet or when they are injured.

Kitten-Mother Bond: Kittens purr to communicate with their mother, especially when they are nursing. This helps the mother locate them and know they are safe.

Hunger: Some cats purr when they are hungry or want food, often accompanied by meowing.

Pain Relief: Purring can act as a natural pain relief for cats, helping them to endure discomfort.

Sleep Aid: The rhythmic vibrations of purring can help a cat to fall asleep more easily.

Bone Density: Purring frequencies help maintain bone density and prevent the cat’s bones from becoming weak or brittle.

Cardiovascular Health: Purring can help improve a cat's cardiovascular health by lowering stress and promoting relaxation.

Social Bonding: Purring can strengthen the bond between a cat and its human or animal companions.

Nervous System: The vibrations from purring can stimulate a cat's nervous system, promoting overall health.

Healing of Wounds: The frequency of purring can help heal wounds by promoting the regeneration of tissues.

Anxiety Reduction: Purring can reduce anxiety and fear in cats, helping them feel more secure.

Communication with Humans: Cats often purr to communicate with humans, expressing affection and seeking attention.

Playfulness: Cats sometimes purr when they are feeling playful and happy.

Post-Exercise Recovery: Purring helps cats recover after vigorous physical activity by promoting muscle and tissue repair.

Respiratory Health: The vibrations from purring can help keep a cat's respiratory system healthy.

Therapeutic Effects: Purring has therapeutic effects not only on the cat itself but also on humans who are around them.

Safety Signal: Purring can signal to other cats and animals that the purring cat is non-threatening.

Temperature Regulation: Purring may help cats regulate their body temperature.

Endorphin Release: Purring can trigger the release of endorphins, which help to alleviate pain and stress.

Aging Cats: Older cats often purr more as a way to soothe themselves and cope with age-related discomforts.

During Birth: Female cats often purr during labor, which may help to soothe themselves and their kittens.

Healing Others: Cats' purring can have a calming effect on other cats or even other animals.

Chronic Conditions: Cats with chronic conditions such as arthritis may purr to help manage pain.

Purr Mechanism: Purring is produced by the rapid movement of the muscles within the larynx and diaphragm.

Genetic Trait: Purring is a genetically inherited trait found in domestic cats and some wild cat species.

Evolutionary Advantage: Purring may have evolved as an advantageous trait for survival and recovery.

Silent Purring: Some cats purr so softly that it is almost inaudible, but they still receive the benefits.

Developmental Stage: Kittens start to purr within the first few days of life.

Non-Vocal Communication: Purring is a form of non-vocal communication that can be more subtle than meowing or growling.

Lifespan: Cats that purr frequently may have longer lifespans due to the health benefits associated with purring.

Emotional Health: Purring can contribute to the emotional well-being of a cat, providing a sense of security.

Inter-Cat Relations: Cats may purr when they groom each other, strengthening social bonds.

Species Variation: Not all feline species purr; for example, big cats like lions and tigers do not purr like domestic cats do.

Healing for Humans: There is evidence to suggest that a cat’s purr can have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Acoustic Signaling: The sound of purring can serve as an acoustic signal to attract attention or indicate a cat's presence.

Behavioral Therapy: Purring can be part of behavioral therapy for cats, helping to alleviate anxiety or behavioral issues.

Multiple Functions: Purring serves multiple functions simultaneously, from communication to physical and emotional health benefits.

 

 

Read FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Natural Laxatives for Cats 

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Laxatives-Cats-Treating-Hyperthyroidism-ebook/dp/B0D5WM61DP/

Cat UTI 

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Care-Hope-Road-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CHDCZ3MW/

Treating FLV in Cats

https://www.amazon.com/Treating-FLV-Cats-Cat-Care-ebook/dp/B0CW9PR9WZ/

Cat Diabetes 

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Diabetes-Feeding-Sick-Cats-ebook/dp/B0D5DKSVS1/

 Cat Nutrition 

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must consist mainly of meat.

Protein Needs: Cats require a high amount of protein compared to other animals.

Amino Acids: Essential amino acids for cats include taurine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine.

Taurine: Taurine is crucial for heart health, vision, and reproduction.

Vitamin A: Cats cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A and must get it from animal sources.

Vitamin D: They need vitamin D from their diet as they can't synthesize it from sunlight.

Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids for cats include arachidonic acid, which they must obtain from animal fats.

Carbohydrates: Cats have a limited ability to digest carbohydrates.

Water Intake: Cats have a low thirst drive and often don't drink enough water, making wet food beneficial.

Dry Food: While convenient, dry food often lacks moisture, which can lead to urinary issues.

Wet Food: Wet food can help maintain hydration and provide a more natural nutrient profile.

Calories: Adult cats typically need about 20-30 calories per pound of body weight per day.

Obesity: Overfeeding can lead to obesity, a common problem in domestic cats.

Metabolism: Cats have a higher protein metabolic rate than dogs.

Meal Frequency: Cats prefer to eat multiple small meals throughout the day.

Hydration: Fresh, clean water should always be available to prevent dehydration.

Raw Diets: Raw diets can mimic a cat's natural prey but must be carefully balanced to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Commercial Foods: Most commercial cat foods are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for balanced nutrition.

Homemade Diets: Homemade diets require precise balancing of nutrients to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

Feeding Guidelines: Follow feeding guidelines on cat food labels but adjust for your cat's age, activity level, and health.

Senior Cats: Older cats may need fewer calories and different nutrient profiles to support aging bodies.

Kitten Nutrition: Kittens require more calories, protein, and fat to support growth and development.

Life Stages: Choose food appropriate for your cat's life stage: kitten, adult, or senior.

Dental Health: Some dry foods are formulated to help with dental health, but brushing is more effective.

Allergies: Cats can develop food allergies, often to proteins like beef, dairy, or fish.

Prescription Diets: Special veterinary diets can address specific health issues like kidney disease or allergies.

Treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat's daily caloric intake.

Toxic Foods: Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and alcohol are toxic to cats.

Lactose Intolerance: Many cats are lactose intolerant and should not be given milk.

Fiber: Some fiber in the diet can help with hairball control and digestive health.

Minerals: Cats need essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in proper balance.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C support immune function and overall health.

Prebiotics and Probiotics: These can support gut health and improve digestion.

Balanced Diet: A balanced diet includes appropriate levels of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Food Transition: When changing foods, transition slowly to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

Palatability: Cats can be picky eaters, and food palatability is important to ensure they eat enough.

Catnip and Grass: Some cats enjoy catnip or grass, which can aid digestion but should not replace a balanced diet.

Weight Management: Monitoring weight and body condition can prevent obesity-related health problems.  A healthy weight and supplements like these support heart health, for a longer life.

Feeding Environment: Stress-free feeding environments encourage better eating habits.

Regular Vet Checks: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor health and dietary needs.

Image via the Lucky Neko (Unsplash)