Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
Cat lovers are well acquainted with the soothing hum of a cat’s purr and they typically associate it with contentment and relaxation, yet the complexities behind this subtle sound extend far beyond mere happiness. Cats purr for a variety of reasons, offering us a few insights into their psychology and physiology.
Purring Serves Many Functions
What most people relate to is the scenario of a relaxed, happy cat curled up on a lap while being gently petted. So many people assume that if the cat is purring, all is well. Not always. Purring is more complex than that. Cats may purr when frightened or threatened, possibly as a means of calming themselves or appeasing a perceived threat. Much like a nervous person smile in an unsure situation, a cat’s purr during moments of distress serves as a soothing mechanism, helping them cope with anxiety or perceived danger and to hopefully calm a potential opponent.
Pain Relief
This self-soothing behavior and therapeutic ability of purring extends to times of pain, sickness, or injury, where it serves as an aid in pain relief. Females, for example, are known to purr during labor.
Photo credit: Cristyan Bohn for Pexels
The Role of Purring in Early Life
The significance of purring extends to the earliest moments of cat life, as kittens begin purring shortly after birth. This helps the mother keep track of her babies. Born deaf and blind, newborns also rely on the vibrations of their mother’s purr to help locate her, initiating bonding in those early days.
The Healing Purr
The benefits of purring do not end there. Research suggests that the frequency of a cat’s purr may contain healing properties, potentially accelerating bone mending and injury recovery.
The cat’s purr is far more than a simple expression of contentment. It is a multifaceted tool and a therapeutic aspect of feline life, serving purposes ranging from emotional to physical.
Photo Credit: Pam Johnson-Bennett
Each Cat is Unique
With many cats, the purr is audible. It may resemble the smooth hum of the finest engine, or it may sound like one that’s long overdue for a tune-up. Other cats may have a purr so quiet that you’re only aware of its presence by the gentle vibration.
From moments of contentment to times of distress, from the earliest minutes of life to the final hours, the purr serves as a cat’s constant companion.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat behavior, refer to the books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. For your convenience, we’ve included links to Amazon.
