Unraveling the mystery of cats' purring
Cats, as enigmatic and fascinating creatures, have a unique trait; their purring. While you might simply associate purring with happiness, scientists believe it goes much deeper than that. From the slow, rhythmic vibrations to the deep, rolling rumble, a cat's purr can convey far more than contentment. Here's an inside look into why cats purr.
Being house pets, cats developed their purring to communicate with humans. Beyond contentment, purring serves as an internal healing mechanism. Cats purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 hertz. Intriguingly, some frequencies within this range are clinically proven to accelerate healing, increase bone density, and reduce pain and swelling. These purrs are also a survival mechanism that lets a cat stay still for a long time when it's injured or in pain, without wasting energy producing heat through shivering.
Another distinguishing fact about cat purrs is their 'Solicitation Purr.' This rift in the harmonious drone is tailored to tap into humans' instincts. By mimicking the cry of a human baby, cats employ this purr to get what they want. Whether that's food or attention, these purrs remind us subconsciously of a hungry baby's cry, making us more likely to respond.
Furthermore, a study discovered that cats adjust the amplitude and frequency of their purring sound to manipulate human behavior. This explains why you might find it nearly impossible to resist reaching out and petting your cat when they start their purring engine!
Lastly, cats might purr as a way to bond with their kittens. Immediately after giving birth, mother cats purr, prompting neonatal kittens—who are born deaf and blind—to purr back as a form of communication. Since they can't hear or see their mother, the vibrations of her purring guide them to her warmth and milk, which is vital for their survival.
In conclusion, a cat's purr is an elaborate and multi-functional tool that serves numerous sophisticated purposes. So the next time your cat purrs, remember, it is more than just a sign of contentment but a biological marvel, a symbol of survival instincts and their way of communicating.
Being house pets, cats developed their purring to communicate with humans. Beyond contentment, purring serves as an internal healing mechanism. Cats purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 hertz. Intriguingly, some frequencies within this range are clinically proven to accelerate healing, increase bone density, and reduce pain and swelling. These purrs are also a survival mechanism that lets a cat stay still for a long time when it's injured or in pain, without wasting energy producing heat through shivering.
Another distinguishing fact about cat purrs is their 'Solicitation Purr.' This rift in the harmonious drone is tailored to tap into humans' instincts. By mimicking the cry of a human baby, cats employ this purr to get what they want. Whether that's food or attention, these purrs remind us subconsciously of a hungry baby's cry, making us more likely to respond.
Furthermore, a study discovered that cats adjust the amplitude and frequency of their purring sound to manipulate human behavior. This explains why you might find it nearly impossible to resist reaching out and petting your cat when they start their purring engine!
Lastly, cats might purr as a way to bond with their kittens. Immediately after giving birth, mother cats purr, prompting neonatal kittens—who are born deaf and blind—to purr back as a form of communication. Since they can't hear or see their mother, the vibrations of her purring guide them to her warmth and milk, which is vital for their survival.
In conclusion, a cat's purr is an elaborate and multi-functional tool that serves numerous sophisticated purposes. So the next time your cat purrs, remember, it is more than just a sign of contentment but a biological marvel, a symbol of survival instincts and their way of communicating.