Scientists believe that a cat’s purr comes from its throat. It compresses the part of the larynx that touches the vocal cords. Therefore, with each breath, vibrations arise that we perceive as purring.
But there is still no definitive explanation for why cats purr today. There could be several reasons for this to happen.
- communication with others. A study by the University of Sussex found that a cat can change its purr according to its needs. There is a noticeable difference in the acoustic quality of the purr cats make when begging for food from their owners and when comforting or petting.
Interestingly, people perceived the murmur about food demand as a harsher and less pleasant sound. These purrs also share auditory signatures with the sounds that hungry babies make when they cry.
- recovery from trauma. Scientists have suggested that a cat can also purr when hurt or in trouble. In some cases, it is believed that cats can purr to calm down.
And cats can purr even when people aren’t around. Therefore, more research is needed to better understand the function of purr in cats.
There is some evidence that cat purring has a healing effect. A study published in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal found that the vibration of a cat’s purr (20-150 Hz) promotes bone growth and soft tissue healing.
Source: Ferra
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