Why do cats purr?

Experts still haven’t fathomed out exactly how cats purr.   This rhythmic rumble originates in the larynx and comes out as cats breath.   They can turn it on and off as they like – some cats have dainty little purrs, with others it’s like a running tractor motor.   Lawson, shown here is a laid back chap with, as you would probably expect from such a big cat, a very loud purr.    He doesn’t purr very often, but when he does, you certainly know it.    When do cats purr?   When they’re happy and feeling full and contented, is the most common time.   But some cats use their purring mechanism as a form of communication.    It’s to tell you that they are hungry ‘feed me mommy’ which is a different, more demanding purr, purr, purr.   It’ll go on till you fill that feed bowl.

Delilah has one of these insistent purrs when she’s hungry and a quite different tone when she’s on your lap and kneading away with her front paws and ‘making puddings’.    Why do cats do that?   It’s always when they’re happy and has something to do with making a nest and patting the grass down.  Cats also purr when they have kittens – this is a lovely contented sound.   It’s to pattern the kits into knowing  their mother and as a marker for them to get back to if they stray.   Kittens have the purr mechanism in place at a very early age and can purr before they even open their eyes.   Mostly they’re too busy suckling and sleeping to bother though.  Occasionally cats will purr when they are distressed, it may be a comfort aid when they are in trouble.   The feline purr is certainly a very unique feature.    And why do cats squash themselves into tiny boxes?    No one knows the answer to that one.    Purr, purr, purr…..