Cats don’t just purr when things are ‘purrfect’ – they also purr to help themselves and others feel better. Here’s what you need to know!
Pets really do make us better humans. They teach us responsibility, help us to exercise and socialise more and increase our general happiness while providing lifelong companionship. And, of course, being a cat parent comes with extra perks. Did you know that the power of your cat’s purr can help make you better in other ways too?
Purr patrol
First off, why do cats purr? There are a number of reasons and contributing factors, but scientists aren’t 100 per cent sure of the reasons behind this frequent feline habit. One important fact has been established though: purring is much more than just a sign of contentment and affection. Cats also purr when they’re sad, in pain or under stress. Some believe that this purring may release endorphins to help pacify them when they’re under duress, and you may even notice your cat purring when they are trying to communicate with you or other animals. Our beloved cats certainly are multi-talented!
Benefits of purring
While the jury’s still out on why cats really purr, scientists have discovered something interesting about our feline friends and this peculiar vocalisation. It has been found that domestic cats purr at a frequency of 25 to 150 vibrations per second. Sound frequency and vibrations can have particular effects on the body depending on the range it is in. Think about certain genres of music and the way each one can affect your mood – it’s not just the sound working its magic, it’s the vibrations too. The range occupied by cat’s purrs has been found to be therapeutic for bone growth, pain relief and even wound healing. These findings haven’t just been observed in cats – they’ve been observed in humans and other animals around them as well. Cats may just be the superior species after all!
Just like your own voice, your cat’s purr is unique to them. If you notice any change in intonation or frequency of your cat’s purring it could be a sign of illness. If you are worried about your cat, make an appointment with your local Greencross Vets for a thorough check-up.