Secrets and Benefits of a Cat's Purr

Anyone who owns or has owned a cat will tell you that a cat's purr is one of the most comforting sounds you will ever hear. Indeed, feeling the chest breathe in and out rhythmically and hearing the sound of pure contentment has brought many smiles to people's faces over the years. While proud cat owners know that a purr is a sign of pleasure in cats, many people don't understand that a cat's purr is so much more than a symbol of happiness. It serves multiple purposes. Some research even suggests that the purr of a cat can benefit both the animal and the owner.

First, it's essential to know what a cat's purr is. When a cat purrs, it uses both the larynx and the diaphragm. The muscles in the larynx and diaphragm vibrate quickly (around 20-30 times per second). When the cat breathes in outside air, it passes over these vibrating muscles and generates the purring sound that we all know and love. While we listen to the purrs of domestic cats the most, the reality is that most felines can purr. A cat's purr does not always mean contentment, though.

Cats can purr when they are sick or injured. It can also signal anxiety. Some cats persistently purr when at the veterinarian's office as a mechanism of coping with what is happening. Mother cats also purr to create a connection with their offspring. In short, cat purring serves multiple purposes that are not necessarily just contentment. If you have a cat that seems to be purring incessantly, you may wish to have he or she looked at to ensure nothing is wrong. Scientists also theorize that a cat's purr has healing qualities as well. The frequency of a cat's purr is between 25Hz and 150Hz, which scientists theorize can promote the healing of bones and muscles.

Joint problems and bone cancers tend to be relatively low in cats, which lends credence to this hypothesis. It's also well-known that kittens purr very early on in life. Since purring is a significant energy expenditure when a cat is that little, scientists hypothesize that there must be some advantage to making those sounds. Of course, if these vibrations promote healing, as well as bone and muscle growth, the energy expenditure would make quite a bit of sense! Purring can lower stress in humans, which can help promote healing, lower blood pressure, and help people recover from other illnesses. Fear and anxiety are some of the most significant blockers when it comes to healing.

If you have these types of issues, having a cat nearby might be a great way to help resolve them. Listening to their purr has a soothing effect. A cat's purr is almost legendary. Any cat owner will tell you that it is one of the most enjoyable sounds they can hear. It's nice to know that your feline's beautiful sounds are not just benefitting them, but you as well. Reduced blood pressure, risk of heart attack, and faster healing all come with your adorable, cute furry friend!

Funny to think that such cute little furballs could possess such an amazing superpower. A cat's purr does so much more than just tell their owner that they are content and happy to be where they are. This seemingly insignificant action that a cat makes when it is comfortable and happy possesses the power to provide some unbelievable health benefits to their owners. Benefits that have been proven and broken down by science.

Stress Relief

Owning a cat in general already provides a level of stress relief. Patting your cat and enjoying their presence is a huge anxiety reliever. A cat’s purr has been proven to travel at such a frequency that it physically helps to calm your nerves. Stress is hard to deal with on our own at times, with or without medications and the right outlets. Cats have a special ability to sense when their owners are dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety, and somehow know exactly what to do about it.

Good for the Heart

On that same note, reducing stress levels, in turn, reduces a person's risk for heart disease and stroke. Constant high levels of stress and anxiety will harm a person's cardiovascular health as well as their overall health. High levels of stress will be seen and felt as high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart over time. Not to mention increase a person’s risk for having a stroke. Cats have a special way of making our hearts both happy and healthy.

Helps to Heal Broken Bones Faster

This one may be a little harder to believe, but some scientists have done their homework in this exciting field of research. The cat purr frequency typically exists at 20-140 HZ. Studies have concluded that the range of frequency that benefits the human healing process lies someplace between 18-35HZ. Making a cat's purr the perfect remedy for broken bones and joint movement post-injury.

The same concept goes for general wound healing. Frequencies are not something we often take into consideration as having any sort of effect on us as living beings. Contrary to what some may believe, our biology responds to various frequencies in ways that we cannot begin to fathom yet. Thankfully for us, cats have learned to harness the power of a range of frequencies through their purring.

Conclusion

Cats are undoubtedly special little creatures with special abilities. Other than the fact that they are capable of fitting into nearly any shape container as if they were turning their bodies into a liquid, they also can help humans heal and become healthier. All just through expressing their contentment through purring.

Why is my cat purring?

Typically, a cat purrs when they're in a relaxed and safe environment. It's their way of sending out waves of calmness. When you pet your cat and they start purring, it generally means that they're feeling happy and content.

Does cat purring heal?

It is widely believed that cat purrs have healing qualities. A cat's purr is good for the heart, helps lower stress levels, and aids in healing broken bones.

Does purring mean a cat is happy?

When a cat purrs, it often means that they're happy and content. They purr in a relaxed environment and they purr when they're pleased and feeling sociable, such as when you're stroking them. It's also believed that purring is a self-soothing method that cats use.

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