It is a tale as old as time. When cats curl up on a warm, comfortable lap and are treated to a tickle under the chin and a stroke along their spines, they purr to ensure everyone around them knows exactly what they are feeling at that moment. Unconditional happiness. It is a sound everyone enjoys, a faint, soothing thrum that vibrates to the tips of their feline fur.
But what you may not realise is that there are other reasons why cats like to purr and below we take a look at just what these are. When it comes to cats purring they are able to do so from day two of their lives. The amazing thing is, when a kitten is feeding they are actually able to purr at the same time. But when feeding, it is completely impossible for them to meow as well. As with all sounds that cats make, when they purr it is because they are trying to communicate with others. It is not just the domestic cats that can purr, either. A number of the larger wild cats such as mountain lions and pumas also have the ability to purr as well
Kittens are notoriously playful and spend a great deal of their time purring and seeking affection and attention. They are also very clever and may even use their purr to distract you before they pounce.
Unbelievably, one of the other chief reasons cats purr is to suggest fear or to let it be known they are unwell. Cats in feral situations have also been known to purr to communicate to another cat that they are submissive to it and will not be aggressive. Domestic cats may also do a similar thing.
Purring may also be used as a pain and stress reliever while a mother gives birth to a litter of kittens, as well as communicating reassurance and comfort towards her newborns. Studies have shown that cats will purr when they are close to death, creating a euphoric state of mind to reduce fear and anxiety. Contrarily, purring near death may also suggest anxiety.
Recent theories suggest that when cats release endorphins (also found in humans), they start to purr. Endorphins are released both when the cat is happy and when the cat is in pain, making it difficult to determine the precise reason a cat may be purring.
The Communication Blog
But what you may not realise is that there are other reasons why cats like to purr and below we take a look at just what these are. When it comes to cats purring they are able to do so from day two of their lives. The amazing thing is, when a kitten is feeding they are actually able to purr at the same time. But when feeding, it is completely impossible for them to meow as well. As with all sounds that cats make, when they purr it is because they are trying to communicate with others. It is not just the domestic cats that can purr, either. A number of the larger wild cats such as mountain lions and pumas also have the ability to purr as well
Kittens are notoriously playful and spend a great deal of their time purring and seeking affection and attention. They are also very clever and may even use their purr to distract you before they pounce.
Unbelievably, one of the other chief reasons cats purr is to suggest fear or to let it be known they are unwell. Cats in feral situations have also been known to purr to communicate to another cat that they are submissive to it and will not be aggressive. Domestic cats may also do a similar thing.
Purring may also be used as a pain and stress reliever while a mother gives birth to a litter of kittens, as well as communicating reassurance and comfort towards her newborns. Studies have shown that cats will purr when they are close to death, creating a euphoric state of mind to reduce fear and anxiety. Contrarily, purring near death may also suggest anxiety.
Recent theories suggest that when cats release endorphins (also found in humans), they start to purr. Endorphins are released both when the cat is happy and when the cat is in pain, making it difficult to determine the precise reason a cat may be purring.
No comments:
Post a Comment