Scientists believe that the sound produced by purring comes from the cat’s larynx. The fact is that these animals can compress the part of their larynx that touches the vocal cords, which causes vibrations with each inhalation and exhalation. We hear these vibrations as purring.
Why do cats purr? There could be several reasons.
Communicating with others. One study found that a cat can slightly vary its purr depending on need. Scientists have found that the acoustic quality changes when pets are trying to get food, are relaxed, or are being petted.
Moreover, the purring that animals use to request food has high-frequency sound components that are similar to the sounds babies make when they cry.
For recovery after injuryCats are known to purr when they are stressed or uncomfortable.
A study published in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal also found that the vibration of a cat’s purr (ranging from 20 Hz to 150 Hz) can promote bone growth and soft tissue healing.
Source: Ferra
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