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Cats make various sounds, but their purring is one of the most distinctive. Your cat might not be purring for a variety of reasons. You should familiarize yourself with the physiology and process of purring before attempting to decipher your cat’s purring behavior. However, you may be wondering why doesn’t my cat purr. Is that an indication that something is amiss? Not! That doesn’t always indicate that anything is amiss! Read on to learn several possible explanations for your cat’s lack of purring.
The sound of a purring cat is instantly recognizable, and it’s a good sign for many people. When people hear a purring cat, they often imagine themselves cuddling up on a couch or bed with the feline. Although the frequency, volume, and triggers for purring behavior differ among cats, it is a common vocalization that can be utilized in both positive and negative contexts. While some cats may purr, this is not universal and can happen for many causes.
What is meant by a purr?
It is believed that vibrations in the larynx caused by breathing cause cats to make the complex sound of purring. In addition to making various noises simultaneously, cats may purr while breathing in and out. Aside from lions, most feline species are capable of purring.
We don’t yet know how cats purr, but one popular theory is that when they breathe in and out, the vibration of their vocal cords causes them to purr. A sophisticated purr is produced when the brain sends synchronized signals to the throat and diaphragm.
Cats in the house can purr in reaction to various sounds, ranging from 25 to 150 vibrations per second. It’s worth mentioning that whilst servals, tigers, ocelots, pumas, and cheetahs can purr, lions cannot. Some people believe these cats can’t purr because the structures around their larynxes aren’t rigid enough.
The Purring Behavior of Cats: What Is It All About?
While purring has long been thought of as a sign of happiness and affection from cats, it is more likely that some cats learn to purr to get more attention from their owners. A cat who purrs is commonly believed to be content with its living circumstances. A purr can be a sign of contentment, and this is accurate. But there are a few less obvious explanations for the humble purr. There are many more applications and benefits to cats that arise from purring besides this:
- Kittens depend on the vibrations of their mother’s purr to lead them toward her so they can suckle and acquire milk because they are blind and deaf.
- The precise frequency range emitted by a cat’s purring can facilitate bone growth, pain alleviation, and wound healing. A cat’s purr could be a self-medication mechanism.
- Cats purr not only when they’re happy but also when they’re distressed or hurt. One theory is that when cats purr, they may release endorphins that help them relax and cope with stressful situations. Keep in mind that there may still be an issue if your cat purrs while acting unhappy in other ways.
As a learned activity, purring may be an effective way for domestic cats to attract their owners’ attention. It doesn’t take long for a cat to learn how to gain the most attention from their loyal human friends. Queen kittens use their distinctive purring sounds to attract the attention of their young. Although they can’t hear or see, newborn kittens can use the vibrations from a purr to find their way around. When cats are anxious or hurt, they may purr even more. In these cases, the purr is believed to have a dual purpose. One benefit of purring is the endorphins it generates, which can help a scared or hurt cat relax. Second, purring may be helpful when sick or injured since it operates at frequencies that promote healing and growth.
Why doesn’t my cat purr? Understanding the Reasons behind It
Now that we have covered what purring is and why it occurs, we can move on to why my cat doesn’t purr or cease purring altogether. When cats purr, it’s usually a sign of joy and contentment. Thus, it can be frustrating for owners when their cats don’t purr.
Personality
Some cats would rather use their body language and posture, or alternative vocalizations like a meow, than purr. A sequence of leisurely blinks from your cat could signify contentment and happiness. This is a kitty’s way of showing how much it trusts you.
Never learned
Most of a cat’s learned behaviors are based on their formative years. Because they may have never heard their mother purr or were separated from her at a young age, your cat might not purr. Another factor could be your pet’s wild ancestry; domestic cats tend to be louder and more boisterous, while feral cats tend to be quieter, perhaps as a defense mechanism against predators.
Another hypothesis is that some kittens simply can’t purr! Maybe they have a slight vocal cord structural difference or a neurological disorder that requires them to purr. There is nothing to worry about if your cat has never purred before; it may simply be their normal behavior.
Laryngeal illness
If your cat suddenly stops purring, there may be an issue with its larynx or vocal cords. In addition to reducing thirst and hunger, this may influence additional vocalizations like meowing. Infections, inflammation, tumors, and neurological diseases are all possible complications. Get your cat checked out by a vet if it seems sick or has lost its voice.
Other medical conditions
Cats are naturally good at fending off danger. When cats are sick or hurt, they usually retreat into hiding. Your feline friend could be sick if they’re acting strangely, such as being extra shy or not eating well.
Stress
Stress and worry, like the things mentioned above, can cause cats to exhibit significant changes in their behavior. Anxieties can set in for these delicate spirits when there’s a radical shift in their usual routine or surroundings, when there’s construction going on nearby, when there are loud noises, or when there are new pets in the house, to mention a few things. Some of the behaviors that may be observed in a cat that is under stress include increased hiding, using the litter box outside of its designated area, clawing at furniture, changing its vocalizations, eating habits, and interactions with other pets and humans, which may take on an aggressive tone.
Changes in your cat’s behavior around the house, such as changes in their purring pattern or altered behavior in other contacts with you, could be signs of stress. If you require expert guidance, see a veterinarian or a trained behaviorist.
Is Learning to Purr Possible for Your Cat?
It may be difficult, if not impossible, to educate a cat that has never purred to do so because the action is physically impossible for them to perform.
Nonetheless, there are several things you can do to encourage your cat to purr if it has the ability to do so. It is possible to teach cats to purr as a sign of happiness and joy. If you want to encourage your cat to purr, it can be beneficial to massage, lightly scratch, hug, and otherwise make your cat feel comfortable by lowering tension and creating trust. Feeling secure and at ease with you will go a long way toward encouraging it to purr as a means of self-expression.
Your cat will probably purr with contentment when you put it in its favorite spots, like behind its ears, chin, or back. When cats are napping or resting, they also like it when people pet them, talk to them quietly, or sing them lullabies. You may also encourage purring by providing your cat with a generally comfortable environment that is devoid of stress and has plenty of soft surfaces, bedding, and overall comfort.
Additional Ways to Communicate with Your Cat
Like other domesticated animals, cats have learned new tricks for expressing themselves to people. They figure out how to communicate their emotions—from happiness to sadness—through vocalizations and body language, and they can even express their wants and needs—for food, attention, or playtime—through these means.
Cats solely use their meowing ability to communicate with people. To express themselves to their human family, cats imitate the sound in their special way. Some cats acquire a wide range of vocal tones and pitches as they become more adept at communicating with their owners. Cats may express a wide range of emotions, situations, and wishes through their meows, which, like purrs, are well-known versatile noises.
Aside from vocalizations, your cat will also use its body language to convey messages. The majority of cats’ body language is communicated through their tails. Like a dog, a cat’s tail drooping low and tucked between its legs is a common indicator of stress, worry, or fear. Coupled with a low-to-the-ground stance, tucked-up body, and flattened ears, it conveys distress and a protective posture. In contrast to canines, a swishing or wagging tail frequently denotes restlessness, annoyance, or hostility. When cats stand with their tails erect and their fur lying flat and smooth, it’s a sign that they’re happy and secure. You might observe this when cats approach their owners, perhaps to engage in conversation or grab their attention. Your cat may be displaying signs of distress and fear, such as an upright tail with puffed-up fur and other body postures.
What do you think about the purring of a cat?
Although purring is a cat’s most common sound, not all cats share this trait. Your cat may be unable to purr due to a physiological condition, such as a problem with its vocal cords or respiratory system.
But if your cat used to purr frequently but has now stopped, along with other symptoms or changes in behavior, you should call your neighborhood Vet Clinic to find out what’s wrong.
Conclusion
Although many people assume that all cats purr, that is not necessarily true. You may think why doesn’t my cat purr? If your cat has never purred before, it could be because they are unable to, never learned how, or simply prefer not to. There can be a medical or behavioral issue if your cat, before a purring angel, has abruptly stopped. When your cat’s health is a worry, it is imperative that you take it to the vet.
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