There is probably nothing cosier or more soothing than having a purring cat vibrating on your lap, with an increasing and more intense brrrrr-sound when you find just the right spot under the chin. But why do they actually purr, and what does it mean?
How does the sound arise?
The purring itself arises from muscles in the cat's larynx. The muscles contract and relax at a rapid pace, which creates a vibration. When air passes through the larynx as the cat breathes, the cosy humming sound is created.
Why do cats purr - does it serve a function?
Cats do not only purr when they are being petted by their favourite human - it is also used as communication between cats. Cats purr when they groom each other, and kittens can help their mother find them by purring. The mother cat also purrs to make her kittens feel safe and calm, and the kittens can purr when they nurse.
In other words, the function behind purring is a form of communication. It is a sound that means: I like you, and this is cosy! Communication strengthens the relationship between cats, and between cats and humans, and purring is the cat's way of signalling that it is happy, comfortable and friendly.
Does purring always mean the cat is happy?
Cats can purr in situations other than when they are lying in their favourite armchair being petted. Have you heard your cat purr all through a vet visit? That is then usually due to stress, since purring has a calming effect on the cat itself. There are, however, exceptions with individual cats who think a vet visit is the cosiest thing in the whole world ...
The cat can also purr when it is in pain or ill. Here too it is suspected that purring has a calming effect, but there are also theories that it can have a pain-relieving and even healing effect.
You generally do not need to worry that your cat is in pain when it purrs, if it otherwise seems healthy and feels well, and purrs in completely expected situations: when it is sunbathing, cuddling with you or nudging your legs with its head while waiting for food. If, on the other hand, it seems uncomfortable, tense or withdraws and purrs without wanting to be touched - then the purring can be a signal that the cat is not feeling well.
The bonus effect for you as a pet owner
Having a purring cat on your lap is not only cosy for the cat - it also has positive effects on us humans. Having animals around us makes us calm and less stressed, and petting and cuddling your cat on your lap releases feel-good hormones in us humans.
So keep cuddling and snuggling, it really has only upsides: a happy cat, a stronger relationship and well-being for you as a pet owner. 💜